2004HB3

Hey all!

I have a 2004 Mazda3s with 130k and she's in for her first front strut replacement. Her left front bearings also need replacing (a first also). I can't wait to get her back because she was horrible to ride on springs!

I have been with a my mechanic for 5+ years and trust him greatly because of past honesty and his 25+ years of experience. But I wanted to review my estimate with you all to see if I'm getting near to a fair price

The job:
Front struts replaced
Left front bearings replaced
Thermostat replaced (tripped check engine, which needed a scan to discover)
Oil Change
About 4 hours of labor (?)

Estimate: $1300

I like this guy so much and don't like giving my money to the corporate repair placed/dealerships, so keep in mind that if it is a couple hundred higher than what I may pay at one of those, I'm happy. I'm mainly interested in discovering that estimate isn't WAY more than reasonable.

Thanks!

djs2571

struts = $100 per side, wheel bearing = 100
thermostat = $25, oil change = 25
4hrs @ 100/hr
that's still ~$750 - half of the quote... seems that you're getting a new shaft too lol

2004HB3

Hey DJS,

I wish that the costs were as even and rounded as 100 here and there I have my invoice and I'm gonna get back to this thread again and break everything down, that will be fun (if anyone cares). I ended up needing a bearing for the other side, too. It was about 6 or a bit more hours of labor in the end, and his rate is slightly higher than 100/hr. He also had to machine the roaters after they were removed. The car feels like new now and will be happy for another 100k (with no car payment, of course)

djs2571

1x Monroe Sensa-Trac Strut Part No: 72263 $97.99
1x Monroe Sensa-Trac Strut Part No: 72264 $97.99
2x KYB Strut Boot Part No: SB101 $33.98
2x Moog Front Wheel Hub Assembly Part No: 513211 $225.98
1x Stant Xactstat™ Thermostat Including Housing, 180 Degrees Fahrenheit Part No: 48728 $56.99

Product Subtotal:$512.93
+ i'd assume maybe 7 hrs labor doing it myself... and if it's 125/hr = 875

total would be $1300 - which is what you said was an estimate... so I guess it was fairly accurate. The labor of 4hrs I didn't see was a guess on your part, that and the $/hr made a big difference.

Glad it is all fixed, that's the best time to be driving.

djs2571

repeat posts
https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/repair-cost-estimate-56086/
https://www.mazda3club.com/showthread.php?t=56085