Originally Posted by
autumnmass
I purchased a 2004 black coupe from a private party last month. Went to the dealership (Boston, MA) to have an oil change and was shocked when received bill $175. (Unfortunately not too many independent shops in my area). "Tech said Mobil 1 oil very pricy compared to Penz oil. " Also informed me that I need a "steering damper" price labor and materials around $290--seems high to me. Is the steering damper same think as steering stabilizer. Was wondering if this a big job? Thanks for any info you can offer.
I bought six oil filters for my 2005 roadster limited from my Chrysler dealer before the auto bailouts, Fiat's "purchase" of Chrylser, and so on. Several years ago at least. The OEM filters (I think made by Mann) cost about $15 each. Last year, having run out of filters, I wandered over to the same Chrysler dealer to buy two more filters. I was shocked when I was told that the cost for two filters was $70. YIKES. From $15 up to $35 each for the same filter? I ran over to a parts store and they sold me the same Mann filters for $17 each.
Also, a couple of months ago I needed new shocks all around. According to All Data, the only source of the correct shocks was Chrysler, and they were shown as $465 EACH! Add in the installation and the complete job was quoted atjust over $2,000. Two grand for shocks?! That was the "choice" the independent shop gave me. It turns out that there are wonderful Koni and Bilstein (which I think makes the shocks for Chrysler) shocks available for MUCH less. I had a set of four Bilstein's shipped to the house (total cost was under $500 including shipping), and changed all four shocks myself in about 90 minutes.
I think the moral of the story is: when new car sales cratered, dealers needed to make more money from parts and service, and they raised prices accordingly. Buyer beware!