Okay, I'm certain it is nothing new that garages make a killing by overcharging for parts. I had my Crankshaft Position Sensor replaced yesterday and the garage charged me $168 for it. Is that a normal price for this part? Doesn't look that way to me after I researched ordering the part online where I saw it listed for between $60 and $110.

My other question is this. Are there some garages out there that will do the work on the car if you purchase the part yourself and bring the part to them? I'm betting most garages won't do that since they make a lot of money on overcharging customers for the parts.

My car is a 2004 A4 Quattro 3.0L with a manual 6 speed transmission.

The next thing the garage is telling me is that the catalytic converter is about to go. I verified this by hooking up my VAG to the vehicle a couple of days ago and got the code telling me that it is performing under par but the VAG showed it would still pass the emissions test. The garage is telling me it will cost $1500 to replace the catalytic converter. I think it will probably be more like $2000 - $2500.

I know I've asked several questions here instead of just one, but I could really use some advice on this.

Thanks in advance for any advice on this.

 

The CPS per Alldata shows the MSRP is $144.73 + 1.8hrs to replace plus diagnostics. As for bringing parts to a shop for them to install, that would be something you would have to ask them.

The converters are about $1000ea from the dealer plus 3-5hrs. it seems their pricing is right on so i dont seem them trying to overcharge you

 

All garages are going to mark up parts that they get for you. There is time spent in sourcing the product, confirming the correct part, finding their best price, shipping, inventory space etc. Possibly a rush delivery for you to get your vehicle back sooner etc.

As far as bringing your own parts you just have to ask. The contention will be with the warranty usually. Typically if you are bringing specific performance parts they will let you provide the parts. Just have to create a working relationship with your garage and figure out what will work.

If it is a busy shop you are less likely to get any perks, but if it a slower shop with some free time you might be able to get some discounted cash work that they can use to fill their open schedule.

 

Thanks for the feedback on this. I really appreciate it. Question: I Googled "Alldata" and found out what that is and learned that it appears to be widely used as a standard by repair shops for pricing parts and labor. Okay, fair enough. However, are there reliable websites that sell OEM parts for Audis that may be cheaper than the Alldata price? If so, can you tell me what they are? Also, are the websites that claim to sell OEM parts for Audis for much cheaper than the Alldata price selling bogus or refurbished parts? Please let me know what you think.

 

Thanks for your response and for preparing me for when I do ask the shop if I can bring the part in and have them install it. I really appreciate it!