Dealer Clutch Replacement Cost Discrepancy

[IceBerg4k1]

4-5 weeks ago I called the local dealer for an estimate on clutch replacement. My stock unit is on it's way out after 7k miles of APR Stage 1. I would provide the parts and was quoted $835(~7hrs x $120/hr) and a loaner would be provided for the day. This was the best quote I received even beating any reputable independent shops in the area by a fair margin.

Weeks go by, the clutch is getting worse and its time to schedule the replacement. I've received the new clutch(Sachs SRE kit) and call up the dealer again to confirm the estimate and make an appointment. This time they quote me $1200(10hrs x $120/hr). It was the same person on the line that I spoke with prior and I informed them of the previous quote they provided. She said she would see if she could find her notes on the previous estimate and call me back. I

She calls back shortly thereafter and gives me a final quote of $980(~8hrs x $120/hr). She never did find the original notes i'm guessing.

I'm not upset about the price as it is still better than the independent shops that quoted me but i'm a bit miffed how 3 different phone calls with the same person at the same dealer resulted in 3 different estimates. Maybe someone with dealer work experience could clue me in as to how this might happen. This particular dealer is already ~40mi away and the next nearest is ~120mi so going to another dealer is really not an option.

 

[IceBerg4k1]

Also, what are your thoughts on replacing the throwout bearing while they are at it? The car has just over 16k miles.

 

[coleylikesbacon]

Always replace the bearing if they're opening it up anyway.

As for the hours, they should have a book-rate, not waffle each time you call.

 

[Tucker3381]

Have you looked into a local shop doing it? The one that did my full kit had it done in half the time you're being quoted.

 

[boomkapow]

That's how dealerships work. They have a program that tells them how many hours to charge for. Some of the estimates are good, and quite a few predict way too many hours. Makes me wonder why she gave you 3 different prices though...Maybe call back and talk to the manager?

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[IceBerg4k1]

Have you looked into a local shop doing it? The one that did my full kit had it done in half the time you're being quoted.

I'm currently on a 6 month stint in NW Montana for work. My options are very limited. I visited a few local shops and I honestly just don't trust most of them to work on my car. This is a part of the country where not driving a lifted pickup or a Subaru outback means you get weird looks. Most of the independent shops out here look like their automotive repair knowledge doesn't extend beyond 1998 Silverado 1500s. Not only were the local shops charging more but I have a hard time trusting a local shop to work on what seems like the only GTI within a 50 mile radius.

 

[IceBerg4k1]

That's how dealerships work. They have a program that tells them how many hours to charge for. Some of the estimates are good, and quite a few predict way too many hours. Makes me wonder why she gave you 3 different prices though...Maybe call back and talk to the manager?

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

I called my "favorite" dealer/service adviser back in Chicagoland to get their thoughts. They said 8 hours is what they would quote but could be convinced to go as low as 7 hours since this particular job does not include flywheel removal/replacement.

 

[\w/]

get quotes from different dealers (doesn't really matter if its 120 miles away) then call your dealer, tell them the quotes you got and ask them to match it (assuming you get lower quotes)

 

[GTIJeff]

Its a 6 hour job...I paid for 6 hours at a racing shop to install mine, and then was told by my local vw that it was 6 hours as well...$600. Thats what I'd pay.

 

[greggles]

They said 8 hours is what they would quote but could be convinced to go as low as 7 hours since this particular job does not include flywheel removal/replacement.

It is possible that the flywheel will need to be replaced. (or at least refinished) You won't really know until they crack it open .

 

[IceBerg4k1]

It is possible that the flywheel will need to be replaced. (or at least refinished) You won't really know until they crack it open .

Absolutely right and I am expecting that this could be a possibility. I'm fairly optimistic as it has been slipping for less than a thousand miles and I have tried to go easy on it with consequential replacement in mind.

 

[IceBerg4k1]

get quotes from different dealers (doesn't really matter if its 120 miles away) then call your dealer, tell them the quotes you got and ask them to match it (assuming you get lower quotes)

Dealer #3(the one 120mi away) told me 9 hours even without flywheel replacement. No bargaining chip gained here.

 

[gn4rwhals]

I have one quote at $1800 to $1900 for a BFI Stage 3 from a local shop, I also have gotten a quote from Haus of Dub that is pretty good for their kit.

If you can make the drive to Akron, OH I would shoot them a PM.

 

[IceBerg4k1]

I have one quote at $1800 to $1900 for a BFI Stage 3 from a local shop, I also have gotten a quote from Haus of Dub that is pretty good for their kit.

If you can make the drive to Akron, OH I would shoot them a PM.

I'm in NW Montana temporarily for a few months so that would be quite a drive!

 

[IceBerg4k1]

I believe there are only one or two pics of this kit floating around so figured I'd share. The gummy bears were a nice touch from Sachs. Also, anyone who may be intending to order this kit straight from Sachs, expect a C.O.D. charge on the package to cover the customs fees. Cost me an extra $23.85.