Ripped off?!

[MIGHTY 8]

Hello everyone,

Had the unfortunate circumstance of finding a significant fuel leak dripping from under the left rear, and then having to urgently turn to a "new-to-me" mechanic (with little/no Fiat experience.)

Was subsequently later told a ruptured rubber hose being the cause, and a replacement part costing $120!

Believing the cause, I yet had a hard time believing the replacement hose's cost. This considering not at the moment seeing the car after it having been dropped off. But yet having consulting the shop manual, and also making a call to IAP to question any other parts within that price range.

What options do I have, if I can confirm upon picking up my car, that this replacement part runs at approximately (as of now, to the best of my knowledge) for $21 from IAP!?

I hate to jump the gun, but also want to be prepared for what I feel is a blatant attempt at getting ripped off!

Suggestions??

Thank you in advance,
G.

[So Cal Mark]

is it the filler neck hose that is leaking? I know $100 per hour labor rate is common in some parts of the country.

[mdrburchette]

If it is the filler hose, it may cost more from a parts house. Then you have to add markup for the shop to handle the part. $120 sounds high until you have to replace that hateful hose yourself.

[meangreenspider]

If it is the filler hose, it may cost more from a parts house. Then you have to add markup for the shop to handle the part. $120 sounds high until you have to replace that hateful hose yourself.

I agree, I pulled my tank and it was very difficult to reattach the hose. I'm sure the top would be even worse to attach. I would gladly pay $120 not to do it myself and I'm very cheap.

[MIGHTY 8]

Well, the original quote of $120 bucks for the filler neck hose, upon picking up the car turned out to be $50! Still, this same part sells for $21 from IAP.

I will gladly pay someone their quoted labor cost, but it's wrong to have to pay a significant mark-up for parts that I do have a problem with!

At any rate, I found a different mechanic now, who happens to own a 82 Spider, which I think is gonna go a long way in the end.

Thanks all for letting me vent!

G.

[Tango]

I don't know how it is in the USA, but because of shipping costs and urgency I have picked up a couple of items at NAPA (ignition pickup for example) and the cost is way, way more than the specialist part suppliers like IAP. But they're here. Location, location, location.

[Jim]

Funny!! This happened to me last month!! I replace the the hose myself. I had to remove (unseat) the fuel tank. Under the car and in the fender well in the hot Texas sun;
Bottom line- I would have gladly paid $120 to have it fixed!

[mdrburchette]

You might want to consider offering to bring the mechanic any parts that will be needed for your repair next time, or even trying your hand at repairing the car yourself. It may take longer to get your car back, because, as any of us have found, you won't ever order everything you need the first time around. As far as the cost of parts, we are fortunate we have our vendors to keep our costs down, but it takes man hours to locate and purchase parts and that's why the customer is charged more for it.

[ga.spyder]

I have a local mechanic that I work with,and he doesnt mind me furnishing the parts.

[mik]

This is the first thing I replaced on my 1969 a week ago. Renovating and decided to try do it myself. Picked up fuel filler hose at O'Reilly's Auto Parts for $16, and proceeded to put it on myself. It was terrible! Got it done, I probably would have also paid $120 for the whole job, but not just for the part.