Should the bill to my car repairs be $1,050.00?

[Michelle]

The other day when I was driving my car started to overheat. I brought it to a local auto repair place and they kept it for a day to fix it. I just called and asked what the total cost was and it's $1,050!
He said the wires were burnt and he had to re-wire it, replace a belt, and do an oil change. Would these repairs total $1,050?

 

[Bobby Jim]

Rewiring the car can be expensive.
But depending on the age of the car, one wonders what overheating took place to warrant replacing the wiring?

Be aware if you in the USA that a dealership charges anyplace from $75.00 and up, per hour, for mechanical repair services. My guess is that 1/3 of your bill is for parts and 2/3's is for labor.

For future repairs you should get an estimate on what they will cost prior to authorizing the mechanic/garage to perform them.

 

[Bandett]

I think you prob. got ripped off, oil change $40--replace a belt part $20 to 40 labor $40---he prob. repaired a piece of wiring $75. just for the heck of it add another $100 if was too low. thats about $300. Find out what wiring exactly he replaced. you should be able to look and see the new wiring. Go on line to "auto zone" to see how much the belt costs. These guys do this all the time. He should have called you before doing it . once he found the prob. bring a friend when you pick it up. and ask to see the old wiring harness he replaced.

 

[SKYPILOT]

Did you get an estimate before they began to work on it? If not, you will wind up paying whatever they did. Never just take a car to a shop and say "fix it" and leave. As far as what was done, it is hard to determine without seeing what wires and other items they replaced.