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Gotta ask about labor costs...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by DieselHybrid, Dec 31, 2015.

  1. DieselHybrid

    DieselHybrid Junior Member

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    Trying to install a set of TRD lowering springs & rear sway bar on my '11 Prius. I don't have the tools/time to do the install myself.

    I've received one quote for $889 (includes alignment). That seems awfully high (even here in the DC area)- as it seems to be no more than a 3-4 hour job. (I have personally swapped out the suspension in other vehicles I've owned)

    I'm trying to get another quote on Monday. Anyone out there care to share what they paid in labor costs for a similar install (swapping out springs, bolting on the TRD rear sway bar & alignment).

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 DieselHybrid, Dec 31, 2015
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2015
  2. Imaginex20

    Imaginex20 Active Member

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    I never had to pay for springs install but I would gather it it shouldn't cost more than $400 for all the stuff you're doing.
     
    #2 Imaginex20, Jan 1, 2016
  3. Xterra72

    Xterra72 Senior Member

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    At $400, that should include the sway bar install. I think that would be a fair price.

    Unless of course you can make a trip to Southern California, @sfv41901 will surely give you a discounted price.
     
    #3 Xterra72, Jan 1, 2016
  4. cheizy

    cheizy Member

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    Had my springs installed by a car tuning shop for $120, sways wouldn't be too much more to boot. They are giving you a horrible price..
     
    #4 cheizy, Jan 1, 2016
  5. DieselHybrid

    DieselHybrid Junior Member

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    My thoughts exactly- $400 should be a fair price!
    Wish I had the time/tools to do it myself.
    Hopefully I will find a more reputable shop in the near future. Thanks for the inputs.
     
    #5 DieselHybrid, Jan 2, 2016
  6. Xterra72

    Xterra72 Senior Member

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    If you can get it at $400 with alignment, you should get it done.
     
    #6 Xterra72, Jan 2, 2016
  7. DieselHybrid

    DieselHybrid Junior Member

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    Just got a quote from another local shop: $850- nit including alignment.... sheesh!
    Shop owner claims it would take 4.9 hours to install just the front springs, & another 2.8 hours for the rears, plus hour for the rear sway bar.

    DC area car shops seem to think they can charge whatever they wish...
    Might have to do this myself!
     
    #7 DieselHybrid, Jan 4, 2016
  8. Michael Mann

    Michael Mann Active Member

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    ^ That shops a joke. The rears are literally a less then 5 minute install for both sides.
     
    #8 Michael Mann, Jan 4, 2016
  9. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    It kind of sounds to me like you're calling like, regular, auto shops.. the kind of shops that like to charge by "book hours" (like the dealer does)

    I got quotes to install springs for around $140-150 (which I still think is high).. I ultimately just did it myself. The rear sway bar CAN be done without jacking the car up or removing the rear wheels.. but I found it was MUCH easier to do if you remove the rear wheels.. but even doing that, it took me about 30 minutes to do the RSB
     
    #9 Tracksyde, Jan 4, 2016
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