rg588911

Just curious; what is the going hourly rate for mechanics working on air cooled 911s? I was quoted $105/hour from a guy in Greenwich CT. I wouldnt service w him since I just happened to walk in on my quest for a new service shop and he was not recomended to me. I am wondering since it sounded high especially for a "corner" import mechanic.

Peter Zimmermann

Never assume that "corner" mechanic doesn't know your car. Ask him to show you his service/repair manual library, and ask him what his background is.

In SoCal labor rates are running between $130 and $160/hour, independents and dealers alike. Independents will usually provide more competent air-cooled service and repair.

muis

My Porsche guy is $110, my Saab guy $85. Both are independents and well worth it. Compared to the price of parts, labor is not expensive.

abe

Funny, with the economy the way it is makes you wonder why they are complaining that they are slow and not have enough work.....maybe they should reduce their hourly rates. If you know what needs to be done I would negotiate a set price. That usually works for me.
abe

911Dave

$105 in Greenwich, CT is a bargain. I'm surprised it's not twice that. Here in Denver the really good ones charge around $100/hr.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

We are $80/hr,....

KC911

My wrench is slow, was woefully inexperienced when I first used him, and occasionally he needed to buy some tools, but his rate is VERY low. With these boards (and folks like Pete & Steve), and a few good manuals, I now trust him like I would myself to do right by my "baby" and it has worked out great over the past six years. I let him start out on little things like replacing torn CV boots, oil changes, etc. but before I knew it, he had my car in pieces on my garage floor, and had performed a total r&r on my suspension, installed 930 brakes and a whole bunch of other stuff. You can't use him though...he's so slow he only has time to service "my" car . Hope this helps...

ps: My wrench NEVER in a million years believed that he'd be working on "my" car when I purchased her, but he soon tested the waters and dove right in after hanging here and on Pelican a while. He hasn't regretted it, and in fact, enjoys working on it almost as much as driving "our" car.

Keith
'88 CE coupe

DWalker

I also charge $80/hour, I am in the Denver area also. I suppose I should have raised my rates to around $100 like some others in my area, but for now $80/hour keep the bills paid and the shop full.

rg588911

Thanks to all of you who answered the post. It is helpful.
Peter, I hope I didnt offend you with the "corner" mechanic comment. I just didnt get a great feeling. I used to run an audi dealer and the rate was $115/hour. I thought a small guy who looked to not have any frills should be priced around 80ish. I also called Rennwerke this afternoon and had a much better feeling. I forgot to ask his rates but from just speaking to the owner Ryan, I would feel comfortable paying more.

WPOZZZ

My wrench is @ $95 hr.

JABSEA

$110/hr

GothingNC

Indy Porsche Mechanic by me $80
VW shop $95...

John

Jaws911

I use Cheech @ Rennwerke - very satisfied - I think he lists at $90 /hr , but he really seems to adjust charges to what he thinks the job should reasonably cost. More important, he really seems to know his stuff & is a straight shooter - a visit there to see what he's got hanging around his lot will be reassurring (last time, it was a Carrera GT,in addtion to the usual 20+ 911's and six pack of 356's)!).

None of the good ones are 'cheap', of course...

Peter Zimmermann

Please, no offense taken! I was just trying to make a point that you never know when and where that you might find a very special person; it doesn't matter if the guy builds you a dining room table, or adjusts your valves! If he's really good at what he does, you don't want to miss an opportunity to use him!

Of course, your instincts are probably right, if the corner guy had no P-cars in his shop, just a couple of old clapped-out BMWs, well...

Tippy

Steve Weiner FTW!