I think I just got screwed. Advice?

[thecantaloupeman]

So I was debating doing the control arms on my truck by myself, but my parents surprised me and had my truck fixed for me while I was away which is awesome, but the shop used parts from O'reilly auto parts. They claimed the parts were 600$ and 600$ labor, but the Oreilly parts are only about 200 if I were to purchase them myself. I was dissapointed because I am pretty sure they claimed to use MOOG parts when I asked them before. I also went to Advance auto parts and the guy said the shop buys from them and uses MOOG. The control arms they used are called "Precision". I was wondering what the general opinion on Precision parts are. Are they good? I'm almost sure they arent as good as MOOG but maybe I'm not as screwed as I think. I was wondering if someone at the shop screwed up and ordered the wrong thing. The MOOG parts wouldve been around 600$ in parts and it seems strange that they would mark up the O'reilly parts 400$. How am I supposed to talk to the shop about this? I feel like there is no way to ask them about it without being super disrespectful. Another thing that is super strange is they left a loose bolt just sitting on top of the control arm and it wasn't a new bolt. It wasnt attached to anything, but just resting on the upper control arm. Anyone have some useful advice? Thanks.

 

[shiftpro]

So I was debating doing the control arms on my truck by myself, but my parents surprised me and had my truck fixed for me while I was away which is awesome, but the shop used parts from O'reilly auto parts. They claimed the parts were 600$ and 600$ labor, but the Oreilly parts are only about 200 if I were to purchase them myself. I was dissapointed because I am pretty sure they claimed to use MOOG parts when I asked them before. I also went to Advance auto parts and the guy said the shop buys from them and uses MOOG. The control arms they used are called "Precision". I was wondering what the general opinion on Precision parts are. Are they good? I'm almost sure they arent as good as MOOG but maybe I'm not as screwed as I think. I was wondering if someone at the shop screwed up and ordered the wrong thing. The MOOG parts wouldve been around 600$ in parts and it seems strange that they would mark up the O'reilly parts 400$. How am I supposed to talk to the shop about this? I feel like there is no way to ask them about it without being super disrespectful. Another thing that is super strange is they left a loose bolt just sitting on top of the control arm and it wasn't a new bolt. It wasnt attached to anything, but just resting on the upper control arm. Anyone have some useful advice? Thanks.

There is some interesting info here...

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=precision+vs+moog

 

[bucket]

It's normal for shops to markup parts prices. Some do it more than others.

 

[bluex]

I guess I'm too cheap because even with my markup moog parts are about $450 I think with QA1 solid tie rod adjusters. The labor amount sounds right for a front end rebuild though.

 

[thecantaloupeman]

It's normal for shops to markup parts prices. Some do it more than others.

I mean I understand that but 400$ markup seems a bit odd to me. If it was 200 then maybe, but I could be wrong.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[shiftpro]

It's normal for shops to markup parts prices. Some do it more than others.

It shouldn't be... that's why they get jobber prices so they can mark up the price and still be in the ballpark. They don't pay what the guy on the street pays and then mark the price up. At least they shouldn't be doing this but these days it seems companies are empowered to screw everyone over.

 

[Blue Ox]

It shouldn't be... that's why they get jobber prices so they can mark up the price and still be in the ballpark. They don't pay what the guy on the street pays and then mark the price up. At least they shouldn't be doing this but these days it seems companies are empowered to screw everyone over.

The ones doing the screwing are the chain auto parts stores. They pretty much sell to the user at trade prices. It's been a big problem in the repair industry for a long time now because it causes vehicle owners to react exactly like this thread.

 

[idahovette]

Can you go back to the shop and ask for a copy of the parts list for your "own" records and for possible warranty on parts? This may get you an answer without being "disrespesctful". Worth a try?

 

[bucket]

The upcharge keeps the doors open at most shops. Most places have a lot of monthly expenses to run a decent shop, they aren't getting rich. If there was no upsale on parts, the labor rate would just be higher.

The places that really screw people, those ones won't be in business very long.

 

[thecantaloupeman]

The upcharge keeps the doors open at most shops. Most places have a lot of monthly expenses to run a decent shop, they aren't getting rich. If there was no upsale on parts, the labor rate would just be higher.

The places that really screw people, those ones won't be in business very long.

Well that's the thing. My parents really trust them, and they've helped me out a few times in the past and they are a family run business. They are all pretty friendly so I find it odd that this happened. I was wondering if somehow they mistakenly put precision parts on instead of Moog.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[idahovette]

I did a lot of business with the local NAPA (only) parts store here in town. They didn't cut me much slack in prices but they DID cover warrant problems if I had them. A couple of times they also suggested (whispered) that I could ask for some labor assistance. It was customary to mark up the parts price just to stay in business. I don't know of any shop that doesn't do a markup on parts, but it does vary.

 

[CSFJ]

I wouldn't get too hung up on the "Moog" brand name anyhow. The Moog that made that reputation was bought up by a conglomerate a couple decades ago. Now, it's just a name on a box. Not uncommon for two pieces that are the same part number to be in different boxes and look different from each other. They're not all made by a single entity anymore.

 

[roundhouse]

Thank your parents profusely
And drive it !

As mentioned
A lot of brand names have be gobbled up and nowadays you never know what’s in the box

 

[Preston]

Amen, be thankful that they helped you out and just drive it and enjoy, got to be better that it was. My 2 cents worth

 

[50dan]

Markup is normal but not 3x. Labor might be about right but those control arms are easy as hell to swap out. Then figure $100 for alignment. If the parts carry a warranty should be okay. Overall I’d say $1200 to do front upper and lower control arms is a rip-off but that’s why I do everything myself.