$92.00/hr labor
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
$92.00/hr labor
I had some minor service done today at Jones Acura in Lancaster PA. I've never had any issues with their service department, but today I noticed their labor rate increased to an obscene rate of $92.00/hr.
I think mechanics, and the shop deserve a decent wage, but this is insane. You can have a $35,000,000 Gulfstream 5 Jet, serviced at any Authorized Gulfstream Service Center for less than $80/hr. Why does Acura charge more than Jet mechanics? Something isn't right here.
I've had several Acura's over the past 8 years, but this is probably going to be my last. I love the car, but Acura service is just too damm expensive. I'm sick of being ripped off. Hundai is looking better every day with their 10year, 100,000 mile warranty.
I think mechanics, and the shop deserve a decent wage, but this is insane. You can have a $35,000,000 Gulfstream 5 Jet, serviced at any Authorized Gulfstream Service Center for less than $80/hr. Why does Acura charge more than Jet mechanics? Something isn't right here.
I've had several Acura's over the past 8 years, but this is probably going to be my last. I love the car, but Acura service is just too damm expensive. I'm sick of being ripped off. Hundai is looking better every day with their 10year, 100,000 mile warranty.
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Originally Posted by JetJock
I had some minor service done today at Jones Acura in Lancaster PA. I've never had any issues with their service department, but today I noticed their labor rate increased to an obscene rate of $92.00/hr.
I think mechanics, and the shop deserve a decent wage, but this is insane. You can have a $35,000,000 Gulfstream 5 Jet, serviced at any Authorized Gulfstream Service Center for less than $80/hr. Why does Acura charge more than Jet mechanics? Something isn't right here.
I've had several Acura's over the past 8 years, but this is probably going to be my last. I love the car, but Acura service is just too damm expensive. I'm sick of being ripped off. Hundai is looking better every day with their 10year, 100,000 mile warranty.
I think mechanics, and the shop deserve a decent wage, but this is insane. You can have a $35,000,000 Gulfstream 5 Jet, serviced at any Authorized Gulfstream Service Center for less than $80/hr. Why does Acura charge more than Jet mechanics? Something isn't right here.
I've had several Acura's over the past 8 years, but this is probably going to be my last. I love the car, but Acura service is just too damm expensive. I'm sick of being ripped off. Hundai is looking better every day with their 10year, 100,000 mile warranty.
It could be worse, my company charges $450 an hour for regular time M-F 8-5, any time after that is overtime at $675/hr and Sat after 5 to Monday at 0800 is doubletime at $900/hr, and thats just for me to be onsite, not to mention minimum charges of 4hrs for afterhours work.
Also you can go to honda dealers, they tend to be less expensive and can use original manufacturer parts. Besides, you get what you pay for. If you don't like it go somewhere else, South Carolina only has 2 Acura dealers, and they are owned by the same dude, so not much of choice if you want Acura to service your car.
#4
Senior Moderator
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$92 seems high to me as well. As an aside, it's the cost of having a luxury or near luxury vehicle. Lexus, MB, BMW (out of warranty) and other manufacturers are the same. Acura is no different.
#5
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Stick with independant shops and you should be fine. It appears even Honda dealers want a premium for servicing Acura cars. I've compared the cost of changing a timing belt/water pump and Acura wanted $800+ (loaner included) while Honda wanted $700+ (no loaner). Not much savings there so I decided to go to an independent shop and got it done for $500 OTD with OEM Honda parts. But if you think Acura maintenance is expensive you should look at my friends bill for his Audi repairs.
#6
Drifting
Thread Starter
It could be worse, my company charges $450 an hour for regular time M-F 8-5, any time after that is overtime at $675/hr and Sat after 5 to Monday at 0800 is doubletime at $900/hr, and thats just for me to be onsite, not to mention minimum charges of 4hrs for afterhours work.
Are you a Brain Surgeon?......opps....probably a Lawyer!!
Are you a Brain Surgeon?......opps....probably a Lawyer!!
#7
Retired!!! ON TOP!!!
iTrader: (1)
The labor rate isn't what they pay the actual guy working on your car...
The labor rate is a combination of things:
1: Paying the Tech with all his/her benefits (insurance, taxes, vacation, sick time...etc.)
2: Dealer Overhead (rent and/or mortgage, Utilities, taxes, supplies, maintenance of equipment, service advisors, secretaries, loaner cars... etc.)
3: Profit $$$$
The labor rate is a combination of things:
1: Paying the Tech with all his/her benefits (insurance, taxes, vacation, sick time...etc.)
2: Dealer Overhead (rent and/or mortgage, Utilities, taxes, supplies, maintenance of equipment, service advisors, secretaries, loaner cars... etc.)
3: Profit $$$$
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#8
Drifting
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Chanrith
Stick with independant shops and you should be fine. It appears even Honda dealers want a premium for servicing Acura cars. I've compared the cost of changing a timing belt/water pump and Acura wanted $800+ (loaner included) while Honda wanted $700+ (no loaner). Not much savings there so I decided to go to an independent shop and got it done for $500 OTD with OEM Honda parts. But if you think Acura maintenance is expensive you should look at my friends bill for his Audi repairs.
#9
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Originally Posted by rodneyc77
The labor rate isn't what they pay the actual guy working on your car...
The labor rate is a combination of things:
1: Paying the Tech with all his/her benefits (insurance, taxes, vacation, sick time...etc.)
2: Dealer Overhead (rent and/or mortgage, Utilities, taxes, supplies, maintenance of equipment, service advisors, secretaries, loaner cars... etc.)
3: Profit $$$$
The labor rate is a combination of things:
1: Paying the Tech with all his/her benefits (insurance, taxes, vacation, sick time...etc.)
2: Dealer Overhead (rent and/or mortgage, Utilities, taxes, supplies, maintenance of equipment, service advisors, secretaries, loaner cars... etc.)
3: Profit $$$$
While true, I am not sure that explains why a dealership would charge $92/hour and an independent would charge, say, $60 or $70 per hour. Especially when regarding "minor service".
I don't believe Acura Mechanics make *a lot* more (or know *a lot* more); I don't believe that the service dept overhead is *a lot* higher.
That leaves the dealership profit. Hmmm, ya think ....
#11
Drifting
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by cbptls
The Honda dealers here in NJ charge $100 per hour, so please don't complain.
#12
One on the right for me
The independent shop I used to work for was billing at 105/hr, and 120/hr if you used your own parts.
It wasn't as bad outside of the Bay Area - rates seemed to float around 85/hr.
It wasn't as bad outside of the Bay Area - rates seemed to float around 85/hr.
#13
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Originally Posted by JetJock
Do the Mechanics go to Princeton University?? For $100/hr I'd expect a 4 year Ivy League Degree to justify that rate.
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
#14
The company I work for charges the customer about $120/hour for my time, but only pays me approximately $32/hour. I have a 4-year engineering degree. That's just how it goes. I don't have enough experience or connections to make contact and do business with the customer directly; the company I work for basically finds the customer for me, bills the customer on my behalf, and the company then pays me. I could try to go into business myself and charge the customer $120 directly, but then I run the risk of not having constant/stable work, and the customer runs the risk of not having my work be "guaranteed" by the large corporation.
If an auto shop charges $92/hour labor, the actual tech is probably getting $20/hour. The tech could try to go into business for himself, but wouldn't have the constant stream of customers that comes from working at an Acura stealership.
Anyway, $92/hour sounds about right to me.
If an auto shop charges $92/hour labor, the actual tech is probably getting $20/hour. The tech could try to go into business for himself, but wouldn't have the constant stream of customers that comes from working at an Acura stealership.
Anyway, $92/hour sounds about right to me.
#15
Racer
If you think $92 per/hr is bad with Acura, try $109 per/hr at BMW! That price you paid has got to be dealer specific, because I got my TL serviced for parts back in March, but I don't recall paying $92 per/hr, cause if I did i'd be pissed off too!
#17
Drifting
Thread Starter
I feel your pain guys....one of my friends just graduated from a very expensive school in the Philadelphia PA area. It cost him and his parents over $30,000. He had to spend a lot of money for tools etc., just to get a decent job. The other day, his mom told me they were slow in the shop, and since he works "flat rate", he's been sitting around for the last few days making "0"...nothing...not even minimum wage!! He has to work a second job in a bakery just to pay his bills. It sucks....the shops make a load of money, pay the mechanics NOTHING when business is slow, then have the balls to charge almost $100/hr. I'm about done with dealer shops, I think I'll give my business in the future to my friend, or any other shop that charges fair labor rates, and also pays their mechanics a decent wage. As the old saying goes....the "rich get richer."
#22
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
I am an automotive tech, i think the place i work in charges almost 100 an hour. I don't see anything more in my paycheck every week except what i make a year. If i bang out 40 cars in one week but the next week its 20 i still get paid the same. My salary btw is bullshit, people working in the movies make almost the same amount I make.
Only way to make real money is to keep doing side jobs. I can make 2x the amount of money I make in 4 hours of a side job than i do working from 8-5.
Only way to make real money is to keep doing side jobs. I can make 2x the amount of money I make in 4 hours of a side job than i do working from 8-5.
#23
06 Anthracite TL
I had previously written on prior posts that maintenance could be done at a Honda dealer for less money- I'm sure this is still true with some exceptions. I went to a Honda dealer that I have been using for years (Willis Honda in Burlington, NJ) to have my oil changed today. I typically would bring a jug of Mobil 1 5W-20 and a Mobil 1 oil filter to be installed. When I went there today, I was told that the dealership would no longer perform oil changes on cars where the owner brings their own oil and filters. I was told it's their policy because they had 'too many problems' in the past (whatever that means).
If I wanted them to do the oil change, I would have to buy the Mobil 1 from them and a Honda/ Acura filter. When I asked them what's the difference between the Mobil 1 I had and theirs, they had no answer.
Since I had already bought my jug of oil and a filter, I took the car to Goodyear/ Gemini where they happily did the oil change for $14.88 including tax. I guess I'll be going there from now on. I'm not mad at Willis Honda overall, because they treated me very well in the past, but I'm sure this 'policy' is about gouging people for the Mobil 1. This is how you lose customers.
I will be writing to the general manager at the dealership to let him or her know of my disappointment.
![Roll Eyes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
If I wanted them to do the oil change, I would have to buy the Mobil 1 from them and a Honda/ Acura filter. When I asked them what's the difference between the Mobil 1 I had and theirs, they had no answer.
Since I had already bought my jug of oil and a filter, I took the car to Goodyear/ Gemini where they happily did the oil change for $14.88 including tax. I guess I'll be going there from now on. I'm not mad at Willis Honda overall, because they treated me very well in the past, but I'm sure this 'policy' is about gouging people for the Mobil 1. This is how you lose customers.
I will be writing to the general manager at the dealership to let him or her know of my disappointment.
#24
Three Wheelin'
Most of the maintenance on an acura can be performed by yourself. My local Mazda dealer charges $9 for an oil change on any car provided you bring you own oil. They have Sunday service, so I take all 3 of my vehicles there.
#25
One on the right for me
Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
I am an automotive tech, i think the place i work in charges almost 100 an hour. I don't see anything more in my paycheck every week except what i make a year. If i bang out 40 cars in one week but the next week its 20 i still get paid the same. My salary btw is bullshit, people working in the movies make almost the same amount I make.
Only way to make real money is to keep doing side jobs. I can make 2x the amount of money I make in 4 hours of a side job than i do working from 8-5.
Only way to make real money is to keep doing side jobs. I can make 2x the amount of money I make in 4 hours of a side job than i do working from 8-5.
![Nod](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
You should also look for a job that will pay you commission on top of your salary. I worked for a shop that did that and it was great.
#27
אני עומד עם ישראל
Most dealers (Acura or not) in this area are $120+ an hour in labor rates. My Acura dealer is at $140 an hour btw. It's the Silicon Valley baby, you gotta love the cost of living.
The lease on their building is 50K+ a month...
The lease on their building is 50K+ a month...
#30
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Originally Posted by Eoanou
Acura of Milford charges $82.50 an hour and sometimes they'll drop a few hours.
#31
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Btw I bring my car to Expressway for Oil Changes, all I do is check the color of the oil, see that its nice and golden, and I don't mind. So long as it's 5w-20 it doesn't matter what brand is in the car. It's all the same just that some break down quicker than others.
#32
Burning Brakes
Acura dealer in Stockton is at least $90 an hour..... They pay there guys no more than $20hr. Probably closer to $15 actually.. Nothing but profit after the guys salary/benefits and rent..... It is a big part of how they cover there overhead with sales staff/inventory/and property
#33
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Originally Posted by JetJock
I had some minor service done today at Jones Acura in Lancaster PA. I've never had any issues with their service department, but today I noticed their labor rate increased to an obscene rate of $92.00/hr.
I think mechanics, and the shop deserve a decent wage, but this is insane. You can have a $35,000,000 Gulfstream 5 Jet, serviced at any Authorized Gulfstream Service Center for less than $80/hr. Why does Acura charge more than Jet mechanics? Something isn't right here.
I've had several Acura's over the past 8 years, but this is probably going to be my last. I love the car, but Acura service is just too damm expensive. I'm sick of being ripped off. Hundai is looking better every day with their 10year, 100,000 mile warranty.
I think mechanics, and the shop deserve a decent wage, but this is insane. You can have a $35,000,000 Gulfstream 5 Jet, serviced at any Authorized Gulfstream Service Center for less than $80/hr. Why does Acura charge more than Jet mechanics? Something isn't right here.
I've had several Acura's over the past 8 years, but this is probably going to be my last. I love the car, but Acura service is just too damm expensive. I'm sick of being ripped off. Hundai is looking better every day with their 10year, 100,000 mile warranty.
so don't complain!
#34
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Originally Posted by JetJock
It could be worse, my company charges $450 an hour for regular time M-F 8-5, any time after that is overtime at $675/hr and Sat after 5 to Monday at 0800 is doubletime at $900/hr, and thats just for me to be onsite, not to mention minimum charges of 4hrs for afterhours work.
Are you a Brain Surgeon?......opps....probably a Lawyer!!
Are you a Brain Surgeon?......opps....probably a Lawyer!!
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