Looking for some car repair advice please!

SpoonJarJarSpoon

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, if not I would really appreciate a pointer in the right direction.

Here's my problem..

I have a Renault Clio 1993 1.1 4-door hatchback.

I've taken my car to the garage with a knackered alternator and have been told that I need a new alternator and battery (makes sense since the battery has been drained right down quite a few times over it's life).

I've been told that it's going to cost me £260..!

Is this around about right?

I am massively confused because I can find an alternator for a 1993 1.1 clio for £30 and a new battery to fit for £35.. Surely almost £200 labour is totally insane..?

Any swift help and advice would be massively appreciated.

EDIT - just to clarify, the quote I have got for the alternator is 2nd hand, I assumed if they were "ok'd" to sell, then they would be fine. From autopartstrader dot uk if you want to double check. It seems legit to me.

Stigy

SpoonJarJarSpoon wrote: »

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, if not I would really appreciate a pointer in the right direction.

Here's my problem..

I have a Renault Clio 1993 1.1 4-door hatchback.

I've taken my car to the garage with a knackered alternator and have been told that I need a new alternator and battery (makes sense since the battery has been drained right down quite a few times over it's life).

I've been told that it's going to cost me £260..!

Is this around about right?

I am massively confused because I can find an alternator for a 1993 1.1 clio for £30 and a new battery to fit for £35.. Surely almost £200 labour is totally insane..?

Any swift help and advice would be massively appreciated.

I'm surprised you found an Alternator that cheaply!

Alternators are rarely new, and nearly always reconditioned. For a decent reconditioned example you could quite easily be looking at £80 to £100 from a reputable stockist. £30 is more of a breaker's yard price with a 2-week guarantee to be honest! £30 sounds about right for a decent battery. Due to how your bonnet opens, it could be a bit of a nightmare job (I know starter motors are on Clios/5s). I'd still say no more than an hours labour for the complete job...They could string it out for 90 minutes and do you for a couple of hours though.

So, is £260 realistic? Yes, although far from the best price you're likely to be quoted and there's nothing wrong with shopping around

johnnyroper

SpoonJarJarSpoon wrote: »

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, if not I would really appreciate a pointer in the right direction.

Here's my problem..

I have a Renault Clio 1993 1.1 4-door hatchback.

I've taken my car to the garage with a knackered alternator and have been told that I need a new alternator and battery (makes sense since the battery has been drained right down quite a few times over it's life).

I've been told that it's going to cost me £260..!

Is this around about right?

I am massively confused because I can find an alternator for a 1993 1.1 clio for £30 and a new battery to fit for £35.. Surely almost £200 labour is totally insane..?

Any swift help and advice would be massively appreciated.

that does sound a bit steep given the part costs,my brother recently had alternator on his astra g van with isuzu engine reconned and they charged £78 to remove,recon,refit and test.even with the new heavy duty battery that he fitted it was still cheaper than £200 all in.

SpoonJarJarSpoon

Sorry I should have been more specific, I have got my quote of an alternator from a 2nd hand dealer, I suppose I'm just looking for any excuse to get a cheaper price.

The place I'm looking at is autopartstrader dot uk which seems legit.

Stigy

SpoonJarJarSpoon wrote: »

Sorry I should have been more specific, I have got my quote of an alternator from a 2nd hand dealer, I suppose I'm just looking for any excuse to get a cheaper price.

The place I'm looking at is autopartstrader dot uk which seems legit.

You could ask the garage if they'd be prepared to fit it for you, but you'll more than likely forfeit any guarantee of the work, quite rightly so.

SpoonJarJarSpoon

Stigy wrote: »

You could ask the garage if they'd be prepared to fit it for you, but you'll more than likely forfeit any guarantee of the work, quite rightly so.

Thanks for the idea - true about the forfeit. Trouble is he says he's fitted the alternator already which apparently is £200's worth and say's it'll be £260 for the battery as well.

I only smelt a rat because I can get hold of a batt for £35. (and that is a brand new one)

Stigy

SpoonJarJarSpoon wrote: »

Thanks for the idea - true about the forfeit. Trouble is he says he's fitted the alternator already which apparently is £200's worth and say's it'll be £260 for the battery as well.

I only smelt a rat because I can get hold of a batt for £35. (and that is a brand new one)

Garages do tend to charge more for the parts themselves, bearing in mind they get them at a trade price in the first place! You say he's fitted the alternator? Given that it's £200, I'd imagine that includes the labour, which does sound about right. It's also not uncommon for a battery to cost £45 to £60, and bear in mind what I just said about them bumping the price up a little...

It doesn't sound right that it's been fitted already, assuming you didn't say he could do it yet!

SpoonJarJarSpoon

I was a bit put out that he committed me to paying £200 before I knew anything I must admit.

Still, your explanation seems to makes sense. I guess it could be lower but everyone has to make a living and garages will be garages.

Many thanks for your help Stigy.

Stigy

SpoonJarJarSpoon wrote: »

I was a bit put out that he committed me to paying £200 before I knew anything I must admit.

Still, your explanation seems to makes sense. I guess it could be lower but everyone has to make a living and garages will be garages.

Many thanks for your help Stigy.

You're welcome, good luck!

ROY47

Alternator =

Renault Clio 1.2 12/1991>5/1996 (Eng: E7F706) Hatchback
Price: £55.55 Ex VAT (£66.66 Inc VAT) + delivery

http://www.onlineautomotive.co.uk/Renault_Clio_Alternators.aspx

sassy_one

I am having to have a new alternator this month; total cost is looking to hit me at around £500 I have been advised.


Seems a good price!