garage costs / recommendations

[markthe45king]

I don't intend this to become an anti any garage rant, in fact i'd like to hear some positive feedback and recommendations.

I don't have a garage to work in, my mechanical knowledge is limited (i can change a battery, have changed the fuel pump, done the carb and all that) and so most things involving a jack and "scary things" (like brakes) end up at a garage. I don't mind this (as long as things are done better than i would), but think i am being overcharged.

i have just had a new master brake cylinder installed, brakes checked over, the clutch rod adjusted and a few little bits of carb tuning and tweaks. Without naming names - what do you think that job would be in your garage? / what do you think the work is worth? I imagine say 6 hours work and a new master cylinder were involved.

People can PM me if they like with this - like i said, i just want to know if other peoples experiences suggest i am being overcharged and should be looking for a new garage, i'm not planning to slag off suppliers.

[PSL184]

Most garages charge at least £40 an hour these days around the Midlands. Prices down South can be even more. A new Master cylinder is at least £60 + vat etc so you are already upto £300 +. How much were you charged?

[IaininTenbury]

Sounds about right. There are places who are still less than £40per hour. I'd have probably been between £250 and £300 for that depending on things like how seized were the screws on the master cylinder cover plate, what state the brake pipes were in - any doubt replace them, then any seized bleed nipples etc. Brakes is one of those things where its easy to chase it round the whole car replacing parts if its all a bit old and grotty. then again it may have gone very smoothly. They're all different and so hard to give a fixed price.

[markthe45king]

thanks - i am now assured that i was charged about right.

thanks!