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Guest

I'm used to using the dodge dealer where i bought my truck so this
question never came up. Now that I'm starting to use other shops, i'm
wondering how much they typically mark up the parts they order. I
just went to an NTB/Merchants place for new front upper ball joints on
my dodge truck. Total cost was about $625. Each ball joint costs
about $140 on my estimate (and receipt). But i know now that if i
had gone to an autoparts store, they'd cost about half that. So is
it typical for a 100% markup at these shops?
The rest of the $625 was for labor (and shop fees and taxes)....and
there was considerable labor
because the old ball joints had to (sort of) cut out of the upper
control arm. (side note: The ball joints normally come as part of
the upper control arm, and they could have just replaced the whole
upper control arm (they told me that was an option), but they said it
would cost more and not even be necessary or better, though i'm
realizing now that it probably would've been better to replace the
whole UCA since i'd get a new one at slightly higher cost)....ANYWAY,
my main question has to do with these markups of parts. Could i have
just bought the parts myself and have them install? (i'm
unmechanical) thanks.

Steve B. · Guest

On Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:55:48 -0800, dakotacaster@yahoo.com wrote:

Guest

I have always thought the repair shops get parts at a discount.
cuhulin