The strut on the hatch on my Chrysler Town and Country brok off where to bolt enters the body. The price was quoted as $240 because they probably had to take off panels and tap it. If they couldnt tap it they would have to send it to the body shop which would be an additional cost. Having worked with people like Gustafson and Mandic Motors, I knew that the hourly rate was between $90 and $100.
It took less than 50 minutes to repair the unit. The Mechanic did a great job. When I got the bill it was $324.72 with tax. The Service person stated that they only qouted labor ($240) and the parts were extra. The part which I assumed was in the bid, because it was broken, was not.
I asked to speak to a manager (Ken Brookins). He said they dont have an hourly rate, but rather they charge by the job. He did not feel $240 for 50 minutes work was excessive.
I went to another repair facility and it would have cost me $95 plus parts.
This was a real wakeup call to stay away from Dealers service.