Today it seems, that anything in the shop starts at 300, 500 is the norm. Using the good LCA's at 100 bucks per pop, plus 1 to 1.25 hours per side at 85 per or better plus 7% for shop rags and 4 squirts of Kroil and you've hit 400 easily. When I take it in, I just figure on 400 or more though the shop supply charge (like the dealer fee for processing paperwork) just bugs me. Mike

Unlike you, the mechanic will have a lift and air tools. It will take less than an actual hour to do one control arm. But he bought a lift, rents the garage, bought really good tools, and does this kind of thing all the time.

Of course he will pad the actual time, so would I. Unfortunately, the 'book' time is probably 2 hours or more: trainee mechanic, no power tools, 15 minutes just to get the car on the lift without having it fall off, rusted bolts, never been there done that before, coffee break, three pairs of latex gloves, etc.

Don't forget, if the shop is rented and/or is in a high tax area, the labor charges increase. Same for shops that specialize in foreign cars, just because they do.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat