Quote from dealership

[1qckser]

My buddy was curious as to what the dealer would say about the shape his Q is in, here is the quote

#8 injector 2 knock sensors w/ knock sensor sub harness gaskets and hoses $1,310.00

front struts & boots $560.00

rear struts and boots $690.00

2 tension rods $365.00

2 upper links $450.00

rear brake job $ 365.00

front brake job $365.00

drive belts $155.00

power steering hose $180.00

transmission flush $142/ does not include new filter

diagnose TCS light $170.00

balance all 4 wheels that the Nissan Dealer installed ( sounds fishy seeing how the car has no vibration, and the Nissan dealer told him they all balanced out nice) $128.00

alignment $70.00

2 steering rack boots $145.00

Plus tax on all items

What do you guys think, is this in order with other dealers in the country, the labor rate is $85.00 per hour, he will be getting all the parts from Scottsdale Infiniti. Thanks, by the way I told him that this is what happens when you drive a luxury car for 4.5 years with out doing any preventive work to it, I cant figure out why people do it, this car was beautiful when he purchased it, it still runs good but drives like a 1971 Mack tri axle dump truck, if you are in a turn on the highway and go over a bump the rear end will get away from you if your not paying attention (feels very scary)

[Mayhem_J30]

Are those prices including parts or not? Either way $365 to replace tension rods is bank choking high. Do it yourself and save a few grand.

[AZhitman]

See my post in Infiniti General about $260 for ALL FOUR struts. Boots are typically not necessary (they're usually in good shape still).

Do trans flush at home. Pull code for TCS light and post for analysis. Do your own brakes, PS hose replacement, belts, rack boots, etc. Get you wheels balanced at a local tire shop - TONS cheaper.

This is NOT a big deal - Most can be done in the garage with NICO help. We're here for you, brotha!

Why not refer him to Sopdadope? Sounds like a weekend job for him!

[1qckser]

Im gonna do some of the work for the guy, after all he is my best even though he is an idot, as for the transmission flush im gonna send him to the shop that did mine and QSHIPS, once he cleans the car (inside) I will get the ecu out and pull the codes for the TCS, witha little elbow grease this Q can be returned to good health, Ill keep you awesome guys posted.

[1qckser]

Oh yeah AZ I gave him the # for GRUP A about 3 weeks ago, I do believe he called already, thanks again for that great info, im ordering mine next week.

[Sopdadope]

Prices seem a bit steep even if parts are included.

I'm in the process of taking out a loan at the bank to open up my own shop in Worcester, MA. The shop will handle general repairs but specialize in Nissan/Infiniti's.

IF my loan goes through, which I'm almost certain it won't. My credit's not so great...

[Bayarea Q]

Sope,

Good luck with that loan.....I wish some of you Q experts were in Northern Ca. I would love to have you do the work on my Q.

Robert

[Q45tech]

Borrowing money is a bad way to start out opening a shop because the overhead and operation [salaries and benefits] will kill you without worry about a bank note. You gotta have at least $50,000 cash and be willing to work for nothing for 6 months while you build a customer base.

I read that 27% of long established independent shops are currently in trouble with IRS.........payroll taxes.

We do almost $2,000,000 per year in gross with 10 employees and it is a constant fight against the wolf at the door. 8 techs have to bill $250,000 each divided by 50 weeks that $5,000 per week or $125 per hour....labor and parts.........it really works out that each hour needs $150 due to inefficiency, holidays, sick days, vacations etc.

That's only paying the techs $52,000 per year.Parts usually run 56-60% of gross so you must be lucky and hardnosed to get a 30% [from retail] discount at your local dealer..........so you will already be at a 20% disadvantage.Don't make the mistake of charging much less than dealers of you will sink fast.........get customer based on superior service [even though you don't provide loaners or free washes]. Have a spotlessly clean women restroom with fresh flowers.

Don't do oil changes without other paid for services, same with tire work the equipment cost $10,000 minimum.

It's cruel and painful in the independent repair business because customers blame you for their mistakes and ignorance and lack of money.........you are always the bad guy no matter how hard you try to SERVE THEM.

[Q45tech]

$5,200 in 4 years is very little repairs I think around $6,000 to $7,000 would be more normal on a 1994 not maintained wellI didn't see transmission mounts or motor mounts, spark plugs, plenum clean, injector rail flush, coolant flush, Ac flush and new receiver drier, diffferential fluid change, rack mount bushings, suspension bushings.............another $2,000.

You didn't say how many miles he drove in the 4 years if it was a normal 60k that would be less than 10 cents per mile....pretty good in my book.

[1qckser]

According to him he drives about 20-22 thou a year since he purchased it, frequent trips to the cape and the casino (FOXWOODS) not to mention the trip to work everyday, yeah it needs a diff flush O2 sensors coolant flush etc etc etc, you name it and it probably has not been done since he has owned it, oh yeah it needs plugs also and a fuel filter, he also owns a LS400 that im tryin to get him to stay on top of its a 92 as well, I must say that he changes his oil every 2500 on the 2 vehicles.

[AZhitman]

Encourage him to dump the Loser400 and sink the proceeds into rehabbing the Q - Some adolescent blingety-bling rapper wanna-be will pay top dollar for the LS.

[QShip]

Prices seem a bit steep even if parts are included.

I'm in the process of taking out a loan at the bank to open up my own shop in Worcester, MA. The shop will handle general repairs but specialize in Nissan/Infiniti's.

IF my loan goes through, which I'm almost certain it won't. My credit's not so great...

If that's your passion, you'll find a way to get it done.