How do you determine a good indy Porsche shop?

[evo-r]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

So I visited both Porsche specialist shops and both seemed very knowledgeable and friendly, but now the issue is one shop charges about the same hourly rate as the dealer, and the other is actually 15% higher than the dealer. I'm looking to have my wheel bearing replace (3~5 hrs) and in this case I think it's more logical to go to the dealer as it cost about the same as the indy (or 15% higher at the second indy). I was hoping to built a relationship with a good Porsche indy shop but with them charging the same or more than the dealer it's a hard sale. What do you think?

[cbbepop]

Oh my god I got to get my wheel bearings replaced too...is this a special thing I should go to the dealers for or can most shops do this.
The dealership in MA will charge $1000 minimum for both rear bearings.

Anyhoo by coincidence I am moving to long island Sept for internship.
I'll be in East Meadow's hospital so was wondering if I should just take care of the wheel bearing before I go or look for an indy there in NY

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by cbbepop

Oh my god I got to get my wheel bearings replaced too...is this a special thing I should go to the dealers for or can most shops do this.
The dealership in MA will charge $1000 minimum for both rear bearings.

Anyhoo by coincidence I am moving to long island Sept for internship.
I'll be in East Meadow's hospital so was wondering if I should just take care of the wheel bearing before I go or look for an indy there in NY

I got my wheel bearings replaced for $375 per corner. That also included swapping out other suspension parts that were loose on the ground to get the hub off the car and R/R the bearing. $500 seems high considering the bearings are less than $60 each, but you live in the northeast where everything seems to cost more.

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by evo-r

Thanks for all the suggestions.

So I visited both Porsche specialist shops and both seemed very knowledgeable and friendly, but now the issue is one shop charges about the same hourly rate as the dealer, and the other is actually 15% higher than the dealer. I'm looking to have my wheel bearing replace (3~5 hrs) and in this case I think it's more logical to go to the dealer as it cost about the same as the indy (or 15% higher at the second indy). I was hoping to built a relationship with a good Porsche indy shop but with them charging the same or more than the dealer it's a hard sale. What do you think?

Question for you: Is the hourly rate they charge actual time spent on the job or a book rate?

Dealers always charge a book rate. If the tech gets the job done faster (and he usually does if he's a seasoned tech) then the price is not discounted.

My indy mechanic charges $100 an hour (same rate as dealer here in Houston), but he charges me actual time if less than his estimate. Very honest way of doing business if you ask me. I can also supply my own parts, but he doesn't warrant the parts or the labor if I do that. Fair enough.

[evo-r]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Question for you: Is the hourly rate they charge actual time spent on the job or a book rate?

Dealers always charge a book rate. If the tech gets the job done faster (and he usually does if he's a seasoned tech) then the price is not discounted.

My indy mechanic charges $100 an hour (same rate as dealer here in Houston), but he charges me actual time if less than his estimate. Very honest way of doing business if you ask me. I can also supply my own parts, but he doesn't warrant the parts or the labor if I do that. Fair enough.

Dealer quoted 3-5 hrs depends on how easy it is to remove the one rear wheel bearing, he said some older cars are tougher to remove, their rate is $155/hr and one wheel bearing is $110 at the dealer. So worst case for a 5 hrs job it'll cost me $961 after tax, and that's just for ONE rear wheel bearing replacement. The other Indy is $175/hr and he quoted 4-5 hrs so after tax it's about $1000. I think I should search more indy for a more reasonable price. Also, while I change out the rear wheel bearing, is there anything I should have replace while they are at it? I know my trailing arm bushing is bad.

[V-Rod]

Originally Posted by evo-r

Dealer quoted 3-5 hrs depends on how easy it is to remove the one rear wheel bearing, he said some older cars are tougher to remove, their rate is $155/hr and one wheel bearing is $110 at the dealer. So worst case for a 5 hrs job it'll cost me $961 after tax, and that's just for ONE rear wheel bearing replacement. The other Indy is $175/hr and he quoted 4-5 hrs so after tax it's about $1000. I think I should search more indy for a more reasonable price. Also, while I change out the rear wheel bearing, is there anything I should have replace while they are at it? I know my trailing arm bushing is bad.

Here is where I would go if I lived in your area;

Provost Motorsports HERE

[cbbepop]

Originally Posted by evo-r

Dealer quoted 3-5 hrs depends on how easy it is to remove the one rear wheel bearing, he said some older cars are tougher to remove, their rate is $155/hr and one wheel bearing is $110 at the dealer. So worst case for a 5 hrs job it'll cost me $961 after tax, and that's just for ONE rear wheel bearing replacement. The other Indy is $175/hr and he quoted 4-5 hrs so after tax it's about $1000. I think I should search more indy for a more reasonable price. Also, while I change out the rear wheel bearing, is there anything I should have replace while they are at it? I know my trailing arm bushing is bad.

crazy my dealership gave me a similar breakdown, east coast prices
so far I elected to not fix it...I hear a whomp whomp when i drive above certain speeds but below 3000rpm