What do you think about this dealer price?

I took my 1994 Coupe to Criswell Chevrolet in Gaithersburg on Thursday to get it Maryland inspected. We are new to the state, and I didn't know of any certified inspection stations I would trust lifting or jacking on my Vette. I am a member of the local Corvette Club and Criswell is the sponsoring dealer. I was also told they are good to Corvete people.
Anyhow - I find out that to pass inspection I need new lower ball joints, new outer tie rod ends because the rubber boots are torn, new serpentine belt 'cause it is cracked, front end alignment and a couple other insignificant issues. I was quoted around $1,100 for the job. This includes my club discount of 10% of labor and 20% off parts.

Am I being screwed on this, or does it sound about right?

Comments?

Don Haller
Rockville, MD

[MRANT212]

Hey Don!!! In Gaithersburg there is a great Vette shop. Try Tonys Corvette Shop. He restores Vettes and does a fine job for service. He may even be an inspection station. Im a Jersey guy but know of the place since I bought my Vette next door at the Collector Car Museum. Leave your checkbook home. Ya may want to buy another Vette!!!!! Hope this helps!!!

Anthony

Originally Posted by MRANT212

Hey Don!!! In Gaithersburg there is a great Vette shop. Try Tonys Corvette Shop. He restores Vettes and does a fine job for service. He may even be an inspection station. Anthony

Anthony,
Thanks, Yes I have met Tony at our last Corvette Club meeting, but I was told he was not a Maryland Certified Inspection station. I know I could have had it inspected by the Chevy Dealer and taken elsewhere for the repairs, but I felt that It would be a real pain in the arse to juggle the car between shops, plus there is an additonal charge to put the car back on the rack for the re-inspection after someone else does the work. I still can't help but feel somewhat sponged by the dealerships, not just this one in particular, but most I have dealt with have outrageous rates.

Thanks for the reply

Don Haller,
Rockville, MD

[DRTH VTR]

$1100 for ball joints, tie rod ends, and serpentine belt? First, I don't know whether a serpentine belt is part of a safety inspection- maybe so. But it sounds high to me.

[vetteboy86]

I think it sounds really high. I have not priced out these parts, but the belt is like 20 bucks. It takes 20 minutes if that to do it. I have not done any repairs on the front suspension. I would research the price of parts, and labor. How many hours did they quote you and at what rate?

Craig

[warren s]

That price seems very high, but dealer labor at about $80.00 per hour quickly adds up.

Ball joints are about 125 each, 100 to do the 4 wheel alinghtment, 50 for the belt, maybe 50 bucks eack for a tie rod end.

I would go elsewhere. Good luck

[DanHammer]

Hi Don,

You might want to look around your local establishments ... I think Criswell is way too high on their price ... that sucks since the dealership sponsors your local corvette club. Might want to voice your displeasure at your next meeting. You can definitely do better ... state inspection shops ranges from gas stations, tire store shops ... with certified state inspection technicians. Most shops that are certified state inspection stations in MD will tell you if they can do corvettes or not. Good luck.

Dan

[atmmac]

Ripoff, go to a local place the dealer just complete screws everyone on everything except for the warranty work.

[Rain]

If you went ahead and let Criswell do the work, speak up at the next meeting and let them know your feelings about it.

Rain