Why does it cost so much to fix my car?

Why does it cost so much to fix my car? In short, I don’t really know. I do know how to arrive at the final price, it is a reflection of cost with required markups.

The cost of doing business goes up every year, and the prices charged reflect that increase. If we go back to the old days, I remember gas when it was .89 cents a gallon, we have seen this hover around $4.00 recently. Another example is my parents bought a house in Billerica for $30,000 in 1971, now it’s value is $350,000.

So why is there so much difference in price between gas stations, auto service shops, and car dealerships? It all goes back to cost.

What is the rent and property taxes for the location of the business?
What kind of equipment do they own to fix your car? An example of this is buying a code reader for $50.00 or buying the Factory scan tool for $10,000, this tool helps diagnose the “Check engine light”.
What kind of Technicians do they employ? Inexpensive rookies or experienced veterans?
What services do they provide? Loaner cars, service reminder post cards, extended hours of operation, and being opened on the weekends are just a few examples that not every shop provides.
What kind of parts do they use, Factory or Aftermarket? While factory parts are not always necessary, a lot of the times there is a quality difference. Most of the time it really does mean “You get what you pay for”

The expense of owning and driving an automobile does not fall into the fun category. It’s not fun to have to pay for a leaking radiator, or having to put new tires on your car. If you are to keep driving safely it is required. Believe me, I don’t even like fixing my personal vehicle. I’d rather take my kids skiing.

Please remember when someone is giving you a price, they are using their cost for parts, labor, and overhead. If you do not agree or like their price, remember you are just asking for information. As a service provider I recognize that part of my job is to provide you with this information. What you do with this information is up to you. If you do not agree with this information, please be civil. We are not here because we are trying to rip you off, we only want to provide you with service, and the price given reflects our cost. So when you compare price please try to remember this. If the price at another shop sounds too good to be true, well…

Thanks for reading!

Brian Hohmann, Owner of Accurate Automotive

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Air Conditioning Service

October 31, 2024

Do you hear loud noises under the hood when you turn on your air conditioner? Do you only get cool air sporadically? If so, it is time to get your air conditioner checked. It's real easy to take your car's air conditioner for granted. Just push the right buttons and out comes cool, dry, clean air. But your air conditioning system needs attention from time to time to help it keep its cool.

Exhaust And Emissions Service

October 31, 2024

Sometimes when we talk about exhaust service in Burlington, we think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. And if you can see smoke, or if it's too loud. But, exhaust service at a place like Accurate Automotive is really a lot more comprehensive these days.

Winter Tires

October 31, 2024

What type of technology do you use? Do you prefer an 8-track tape or an iPod? When it comes to winter tires, much of the public's perception dates back to when 8-track was the best way to listen to the Bee Gees.

Engine Air Filter

October 31, 2024

You may have found yourself in the following situation: You go to get your oil changed and the service adviser recommends you get a new engine air filter. You say yes, but because you didn't know what an air filter is or what it does, you were too embarrassed to ask.

Power Steering Service

October 31, 2024

For most of us, it is hard to remember life without power steering - cranking those great big steering wheels? It was a pretty good workout. Now power steering is standard. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides assist for steering. Most pumps are driven by a belt that is run by the engine - a few are electrically powered.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

October 31, 2024

We all know that under inflated tires wear out more quickly. Under-inflation is also a major cause of tire failure. More flats, blow outs, skids and longer stopping distances are all results of under-inflated tires.

Risk of Extended Oil Change Intervals

October 31, 2024

Nothing in your engine workers harder than your oil. With hundreds of moving parts, and thousands of explosions every minute, it's no wonder that engine oil needs to be changed frequently!

Custom Wheels and Tires

October 31, 2024

It seems like everywhere you go around Boston you see custom wheels. Big trucks, little cars, mini-vans - it doesn't matter, people are expressing themselves with custom wheels. Some people want smaller tires and wheels - some want larger - and some want them enormous.

Tire Replacement

October 31, 2024

You know you need new tires, but you're not sure what type. You look at a tire to get the size: 225, 50, R, 16, 92, H. All the way to the service center you keep repeating it over and over. You even say it over in your mind while waiting in line. Then you get to the counter and the manager asks what size you need. Then your mind goes blank.

What To Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in Burlington

October 31, 2024

So you've bought a used car in the Burlington area. How do you know what you're getting? It is hard to know what you're getting because people in the Burlington area sell cars for different reasons. Think about why you've sold cars. Did you just want something new or were there problems that you wanted to run away from. Maybe it was a little of both.