I think the book is written by accountants analyzing the P/L statements of
the dealers.

I've called at 9:00 a.m. and been told they haven't had a chance to look at
my car yet. At 12:00 they call back and say it's done. I see the bill, and
there's flat rate charges of 5 hours, one tech's time.

I know all about the theory behind flat rate books and I can't monitor all
of the work as closely as I'd like, but I can't remember a situation where
the repair took longer than the book allowed.

Les


"Stu Gotts" wrote in message
...
On 5 Sep 2003 10:14:12 -0600, (blanche cohen)
wrote:

Reputable car dealers have a book published by the manufacturer on the
amount of labor to repair something in the car. Sometimes it takes
less time, others a bit more time depending on the mechanic. But the
shop will charge the book rate either way.

And that book is written for the most part by analyzing hundreds of
repairs on assembly line autos. Ferrari, Rolls, Bentley, Aston
Martin, etc., hand built cars are not repaired by book time, as they
all vary.


[Dad used to be a fleet manager for Ford and I've spent waaaay too
much time hanging around]

Unfortunately the shop rate these days (at least in Colorado) at the
dealers is $90-100 an hour. The aircraft shop I use is $55/hr and they
provide a really good estimate before they do any work.