Quoted $2000 to replace control arms, does that sound right?!

from the looks of the prices on control arms, it looks very high. shop around for a second opinion.

Roy

Thanks for the reply. If anyone has an idea what it should cost, a range, I would sure appreciate the help. :)

Upper control arms & tie rod ends are a common wear & tear item on
this vehicle.

Due to the age of the vehicle, they could be recommending a full
parts replacement due to the age & condition of the components.

Worn tie-rod ends, ball joints, bushings etc. See images below... lots
of individual parts (times 2 for the other side), that together can
cost quite a bit with labour.

If possible, you need to find out what all is included in the $2000
estimate.

A lot of the fasteners that VW use, are "one time use", meaning
the nuts & bolts have to be replaced when replacing components.

Thomas

Great description, thanks! Googleing was a bit overwhelming since I didn't know what I was looking for. How do I know if it all really needs to be replaced or not? Couldn't they just say it does?

It comes down to trust... is this your regular "service shop"?

I've been working for the same shop for 20 yrs. I know customers
who were single when I started, and are married now with kids.

Time flies!

It's difficult finding someone you can trust. Word of mouth is one
of the best ways to find a good shop.

The next time you go shopping, ask people who drive VW's, where they
get their car serviced... they will not hesitate telling you both
the good places and the bad!

The key is sticking with one place, so they get to know your car
and know the history of the car.

Then there will be no need to second guess what they recommended.

Thomas

I've used them for several years but it seems every time I go in they find something more expensive to fix. It's starting to concern me because they said my car was in great shape and all I needed was rear brakes. I take good care of my car because it's the last car I'll ever be able to have but lately the costs to keep it up have been crazy. I feel they should have known about this issue since they told me they had checked it out thoroughly the last time I was in. I have to pay them for anything they look at and I don't think it's wrong to expect it to be correct. Control arms were on the list of maintenance items that needed to be done but he originally quoted me $700. I take it in to have it repaired and it goes up to $2000. I want to trust them but that's A LOT of money for me to come up with. I've already spent a couple of thousand in repairs in the last year and at what point do I stop? Now they're saying they found a coolant leak and it's $88 to just find out where its coming from. It was less than a year ago that I had the whole cooling unit replaced. I only drive the car 1000-2000 miles a year so how could so much be going wrong with it so quickly?

Not much I can verify or confirm without seeing the vehicle.

I really doubt that they are (trying to) taking advantage of you... I have to. Mechanics are always
getting a bad reputation because of the 1 shop out of 10 that either over charges or sells items
that are not needed.

You'll find the same "bad apples" in any and all industries.

Browse the following link for a shop near you: http://autorepair.iatn.net/

Shops listed on this site, take pride in their work and treat customers the way they should be
treated.

But nothing is better than word of mouth... ask around and the shop name that comes up the most
might be the one for you!

Good luck!

Thomas

some aftermarket places offer inner and outter tie rod assemblies. they can be pricey. the upper links aren't too bad to replace, neither are the lowers,the tie rods if they are the assemblies can easily consume time. also figure in the shop's hourly rate. see what they quoted you for parts, then check autohausaz.com or blaupart.com and compare prices. maybe help save a few bucks. i've always replaced tie rod ends and/or the 4 upper control arms to cure the rattle you're concerned about. but also we aren't at your car so i can't say what all it needs. it boils down to the facilities reputation.

get a second opinion to make sure of the needed parts.

Roy

I'm just gonna explain my post above...

I have to believe that they are not taking advantage of you, benefit
of the doubt so to speak, because I too am running a shop and would
hate to lose a customer simply because someone said to get a second
opinion.

What if the actual work IS warranted/needed?

Yes, second opinion is all good and fine... but what if the next
shop takes advantage of her?

I believe that finding a shop via word of mouth & then getting a
new estimate, is a better way to go (and a better non-expert answer).

That way she will be able to stick with the new shop in the future
with no worries about costs being out of line.

Thomas

Sounds logical. Word of mouth is probably the best reputation

I picked up my car today and had a long talk with the service manager. I really do trust this shop especially after he took the time to explain everything. The diagram Thomas posted here really helped. Thanks Thomas!

I have different worn parts on both sides but they have to be replaced on each side, not just the side they're worn. He priced getting the parts separate and buying the whole kit and it came out cheaper to buy the kit. The parts are $1050 and the labor is $663 plus tax on parts for a total of $1800 not the $2000 he estimated before doing all the actual pricing.

I've kept the car in good condition and he said it's a good car and he would rather see me put money into it than get another used car. He also said it wasn't something that I had to do immediately since I don't drive much.

Talking with you guys helped me have confidence in talking to him and asking for details and I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone that posted.

They often mail out coupons so I'll wait until then to have it fixed which will also give me time to save up the money.

Thanks again, everyone!!
Alice