Yeah, not too bad for those of us who've done it ourselves previously.
However, I wonder what a reputable shop would charge (parts and labor) to do the job?
Ask about the flat rate book charge for the repair, they are not always right, sometimes in ether direction price wise. A good mechanic can do something's in say 1/2 or 2/3rd the time while one not familiar with the car model can take more. It can be a double edged sword but it at least gives you and idea of what it might cost if you go with it.
There are many flat rate books out there, some good some bad some right, some wrong. I got a free demo for one one time and looked a a repair I was very familiar with.
The heater core on a 77 LTD II.
The book said 3 hours, the repair actually takes 10 min. I know I have done it in that amount of time or less.
This was the manual if you want to try it out for free. but seeing they were so far off on the LTD I had I wonder how far off they would be on a Fiero?
Cosmetically, I wish I had this car. Look at the things it DOESN'T need. At least that's how I see it. And hey, it's Craigslist. Needs a clutch? Maybe it needs new hydraulics rather than the actual clutch. Never trust a seller to be so sure of what's really wrong with a car unless it includes estimate paperwork from a decent shop. I would certainly pay $4k for an 88 that doesn't need paint. So $3k + max of $1k for clutch, if it really needs it.
I'm very fortunate in that my mechanic handles my Fiero problems very quickly, likely in a fraction of the time that most jobs demand. We have discussed cradle dropping and clutch replacements and have agreed that a clutch job would be less than a grand (I have an 86 4 speed and an 87 5 speed). This is with me sourcing parts and avoiding markups, at the same time as me sourcing performance upgrades and wasting money when stock replacement would probably suffice. I would guess that there is a balance between the two, and outside of demographics, a clutch job really shouldn't cost more unless you're buying an outrageous clutch kit. At 10 hours and $100 for a stock replacement, I feel a grand is sufficient. Perhaps I'm just lucky?
I'm very fortunate in that my mechanic handles my Fiero problems very quickly, likely in a fraction of the time that most jobs demand. We have discussed cradle dropping and clutch replacements and have agreed that a clutch job would be less than a grand (I have an 86 4 speed and an 87 5 speed).
So... he hasn't actually done one then? That might make a difference.
quote
Originally posted by viperine:
This is with me sourcing parts and avoiding markups...
See, you're already trying to change the scenario. I still say a professional shop is going to charge more than $1000 (parts and labor) to install a new clutch in a Fiero.
I'm fortunate that a buddy and I have been able to do the job a couple of times ourselves to our Fieros. It's the only way to guarantee it'll be done properly!
He has, in fact, done clutch jobs on Fieros. The kind of mechanic that doesn't need to reference shopkey or manuals to do jobs. The resources are there in his mind in a neurotic kind of way, and we're both of a mind to think outside the box. Me, at 32, and him, at 62, often engage in theoretical repairs, their standard course of action, and what we can do to make it faster and more reliable. The latest involving 2.8 exhaust manifold replacement including full cat-back replacement. Very pleased at progress in short time on that procedure. Our biggest hitch there was manifold gasket sourcing, as opposed to bolt/stud snapping that most seem to suffer. As much as I work on my own cars, I'm thankful for this forum to persuade me when certain jobs require the finesse and expertise of someone who has been improvising for over 40 years with tools a good number of us never knew existed. That being said, knowing a good mechanic is truly a blessing in the same way being a member of this forum is!
That being said, knowing a good mechanic is truly a blessing...
If you've found yourself an honest competent mechanic in your area who's more than fair with his fees, consider yourself very fortunate. Most of us have never met one!
I think that price is entirely reasonable for that car, especially if it is not a rust bucket. It is very hard to find a car up here (or the US rust belt) that has not been ruined by being driven in salt and snow, and this car appears to be in great shape. I would much rather buy a rust free car that needs a clutch or motor, than a rusty one that doesn't need a clutch or motor.
I would go look at it and hear it run (he claims it runs great). If it does then start negotiating. You will be buying a car you can't test drive to find "other issues".
