Failed NCT and work that needs doing

Heckler

So I failed my NCT a couple of weeks ago and went to my local garage today to get a quote on the work that needs doing. 04 Opel Astra.

There are some small things like bulbs and headlight realignment.

However it failed on front suspension wishbones \ wb bushes.

I was told it might be more economical in the long run to replace both arms at a cost of 120euro each rather than replacing part of the arm and having another part fail down the line. This is before labor.

Also one of the rear passenger doors won't open. If it can be repaired fine. if not I was quoted 240euro for a new lock. Again before labor.

All in all I was quoted 700euro for all the parts and labor (this will obviously be less if the lock can be repaired instead of replaced).

Is this a reasonable quote for the work involved ? I've never used this garage before but as my usual mechanic has retired its the closest. They did have a reputation many years ago of being on the expensive side.

Any thoughts ? I did call to another garage but after waiting around for 45 minutes after being told it would be 5 I left.

Appreciate any advice. Cork city area.

Toyotafanboi

It sounds about right if it was a main dealer price.

If an independent garage it's "reassuringly expensive".

Isambard

get another quote.

Heckler

Its an independant garage. I'm going to call to a couple more tomorrow and hear what they have to say. A quick google search seems to confrim the cost of the wishbone arms but there seems to be door locks secondhand for feck all. Whats the going labor rate per hour these days. I was told about 65 plus vat. Sound right ? thanks for the replys.

Toyotafanboi

That wouldn't be a bad labour rate for a city based independent.

Heckler

Got the job done for 450 and passed the NCT. Still need a coil pack and a service. The first garage quoted me 120 per wishbone. This guy got me both for 60 each. Some come down from 700 ! Pays to shop around. Anyone need a sound mechanic in the Cork area let me know.

boardsuser1

Heckler wrote: »

Got the job done for 450 and passed the NCT. Still need a coil pack and a service. The first garage quoted me 120 per wishbone. This guy got me both for 60 each. Some come down from 700 ! Pays to shop around. Anyone need a sound mechanic in the Cork area let me know.

Would be interested in getting the details, can you PM me?

colm_mcm

Heckler wrote: »

Got the job done for 450 and passed the NCT. Still need a coil pack and a service. The first garage quoted me 120 per wishbone. This guy got me both for 60 each. Some come down from 700 ! Pays to shop around. Anyone need a sound mechanic in the Cork area let me know.

The thing with the wishbones is that you have different quality parts available at different prices.

Toyotafanboi

Glad you got sorted.

Will you get the service done or leave it so?

Worth noting too that cheapest isn't always best, whereas the €120 each items may have lasted the rest of the lifetime of the car, the €60 items may need to be replaced again for another NCT.

You might be fine though and with a 04 Astra I certainly wouldn't be spending too much on it.

Heckler

Hey to all,

Got the work done from Con Forde at Greenmount in Cork. 450 to sort out a ****ed up back door , 2 wishbones , a variety of bulbs, an oil top up.

Hanleys by supervalu in togher quoted me 700 for the same.

Still need a coil pack for a misfiring cylinder and a service. I know where I'll be going.....

Heckler

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Glad you got sorted.

Will you get the service done or leave it so?

Worth noting too that cheapest isn't always best, whereas the €120 each items may have lasted the rest of the lifetime of the car, the €60 items may need to be replaced again for another NCT.

You might be fine though and with a 04 Astra I certainly wouldn't be spending too much on it.

In fairness to Hanleys they did recommend replacing the entire wishbone arm as opposed to just the bushes but what ? 120 each v 120 for both elsewhere ?

rex-x

Heckler wrote: »

In fairness to Hanleys they did recommend replacing the entire wishbone arm as opposed to just the bushes but what ? 120 each v 120 for both elsewhere ?

I think what he is saying is the 120 each wishbones could have been TRW for example which would have given another 100k or service, whereas the ones you got may be firstline or QH which may need replacing again in 20k, all wishbones are not made equal

Heckler

rex-x wrote: »

I think what he is saying is the 120 each wishbones could have been TRW for example which would have given another 100k or service, whereas the ones you got may be firstline or QH which may need replacing again in 20k, all wishbones are not made equal

I have no idea what TRW or QH means. Firstline ?

Heckler

rex-x wrote: »

I think what he is saying is the 120 each wishbones could have been TRW for example which would have given another 100k or service, whereas the ones you got may be firstline or QH which may need replacing again in 20k, all wishbones are not made equal

Ok I get the jist of what you're saying. Spend now to save later. Are wishbones not fecking wishbones ??

colm_mcm

Heckler wrote: »

Ok I get the jist of what you're saying. Spend now to save later. Are wishbones not fecking wishbones ??

No, there are big differences in longevity

boardsuser1

Heckler wrote: »

In fairness to Hanleys they did recommend replacing the entire wishbone arm as opposed to just the bushes but what ? 120 each v 120 for both elsewhere ?

Wasn't that Texaco years ago?