For a job that I don't want to do or can't do, I'm willing to pay an appropriate amount for time and materials.

My guess is, the labor for all three mounts should be something like an hour. All three mounts (parts) would be under $30 including shipping from FCPgroton. Maybe you want a better brand; certainly still within $50-60 for all.

My guess is, it's all in the math. Here's a scenario - I wouldn't expect a shop to do all of what's below, but here are some ideas...

1) Local shop doesn't get parts from economical suppliers such as the ones that advertise here on bb. So they could pay double what you would pay.

2) The shop doubles their cost before they write up your bill. Now the bill has been doubled twice, so that's x 4.

3) They tell you that if one mount is bad you may as well replace all three. Now it's x 12, and we're only talking about parts so far.

4) Shop rate to change a mount would likely include estimated time for inspection, getting car on and off the lift, conversing with customer, etc. They do all three mounts so the time gets multiplied x 3. Never mind that it only goes up on the lift once.

If you're really lucky, sooner or later you'll find a shop that charges for what they actually did, or close. Until then, it's brickboard, Bentley's, wrenches. And friends. Sometimes a car-savvy friend is a very good thing.

Remember to check the FAQ. I'm pretty sure this is one job that's in there with lots of good detail and suggestions. If you do get gutsy and do it yourself, please make darn sure you do any car-lifting safely. I like to have a second support under the car, one that's fully capable of holding its weight if needed.
--
Sven: '89 245 NA, 951 ECU, open-front airbox, E-fan, 205/65-15's, IPD sways, E-Codes, amber front corner reflectors. Wifemobile '89 245 NA stock. 90 244 NA spare, runs.