Mechanic's charges

[JimO]

a estimate has to be no more than 10% different to a quote otherwise everybody will estimate the job at $500 when its a $2500 job

[Motu]

A written quote can't be exceeded by 10%....unless you can justify the extras.So the estimate included a crack test and surface grind on the head - but now the head is cracked and irreparable,or the cam bearings are scoured.So now it's a whole new ball game...contact with the customer and we thrash out a new guesstimate.Even simple things like a stripped stud is outside the estimate,and a justifiable added cost.

[imdying]

A written quote can't be exceeded by 10%.... without the owners consent. That's why the mechanic has come back to him... He's done the right thing by our man. Think about the value of the bike, the added value (probably none), and the changeover to a new bike. Might be worth flogging it on trademe as a fixer, and taking the grand you've got (plus the 2 you're going to spend anyway) and adding a some more for newer ride. How about that '99 ZX7R currently for sale for $7000?

[steved]

A written quote can't be exceeded by 10%.... without the owners consent. That's why the mechanic has come back to him... He's done the right thing by our man. Think about the value of the bike, the added value (probably none), and the changeover to a new bike. Might be worth flogging it on trademe as a fixer, and taking the grand you've got (plus the 2 you're going to spend anyway) and adding a some more for newer ride. How about that '99 ZX7R currently for sale for $7000?

Yeah, I considered writing it off and selling it for spares but I don't imagine I would get much from a wrecker or a private sale as the work would need doing to get it running properly. End of the day, I'm hoping that the bill is around $2500 and that will last me around 12 months, until I upgrade to a 600.

[imdying]

Mmmmm... you'd get what, $3500 if you sell it in a years time after you've spent $2500 on it? So it'd be worth $1000 to you? Try and get that for it in the current condition, and get the 600 now?

[imdying]

Or... you could have an 'accident' and claim insurance? Not that I'd condone that... oooh no, but shit happens...