It's going to cost over $500 to get my alternator replaced?

(2011-03-31 14:20:11)

1. Curious Cat Says: Can any mechanics out there tell me why? I got several different quotes today. They're all in the same price range. I own a 1984 Saab 900S. After searching endlessly for a good shop, I finally found one that specializes in swedish automobiles (especially Saab's!) so I decided to go with them. They quoted the cost at over $550 (maybe) but they are waiting until tomorrow to have a look at everything because I got it in there around 3pm and they closed at 5pm. They also said there could be some electrical stuff going on also. Why is it going to cost this much? I don't mind paying the money -- especially if they're going to do an A+ shop and I won't have to worry about the alternator anymore. But why this much?

2. al Says: probably because its in an awkward place. not all cars have it right directly in the middle of the engine when you pop the hood. my last car had it down below in the passenger side fender. i had to remove the wheel to get to it. took 3.5 hrs to complete the whole thing. shops have to charge for the labor + the parts soo yeah. unless you want to do it yourself you have to pay the price

3. Krispy Says: Its because of the name, and its a older car so it won't be as hard as the new saabs, if you have enough Confidence and tools you can do it and save yourself money and just buy the part. And it also depends if the shops is supplying the part because they add a certain percentage to the part and charge more.

4. Xex Says: Some cars have the alt right up top on the engine, those would be the ones to replace yourself because its beyond easy. I think yours might have the alt on the top actually.

I just googled to try and find the alt location and got this http://www.thesaabsite.com/900old/C900AlternatorReplacement.htm it explains how to replace the alt in a 900 series saab and the way it reads to me your alt should be up top and pretty easy to replace yourself.

5. NX Says: Dude do it your self you will be end up saving $400 bucks but its becuase its a Saab

6. Top Source Says: Saab is why.

7. Joseph Graziano Says: So they can get money? and pay the workers?

8. roger Says: you do realize this is a car from another country, that has to ship parts across an ocean, that then controls these same dealer only parts, and if you are lucky enought to find a mechanic to work on a saab, the shop orders them from the dealer, and you have to pay what ever the going rate is. If you do not want expensive repair bills, then buy a toyota, a honda,or a nissan, these are much less expensive to run, parts are available everywhere, which makes them cheaper. and almost any mechanic can work on one.
Saab is an expensive swedish import, sell it, or live with it, but the parts have always been expensive.

9. AL M Says: Work on any european cars are expensive, because they are not as many as domestic and japanese imports. Shops specialized on these cars charge more because they know you cant just take it to any shop.

I searched the alternator part and it costs around $150 to $200, now I also looked at the alternator placement and its not hidden. When looking at main belt of the engine it sits on top left side and should be easy to remove/replace.

Any garage should be able to do this easy, you might save a little if you go to a non-specialized shop.