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Post by cobrala on Mar 1, 2006 14:17:00 GMT -5
My wife's '01 Nissan Sentra SE failed last week.
Local shop wants ~$550 to replace the 'lower line' (which is apparently a dealer-only part) which has a hole in it (which I believe as it hissed loudly when it failed). They also say the A/C dryer should be replaced too, because moisture may have worked its way in.
Can anyone validate their dryer comment (I just have NO clue) and does that quote sound especially high to anyone else?
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Post by cobrala on Mar 1, 2006 14:25:11 GMT -5
Additional Note:
Just called local dealership. They want $420 and claim the dryer replacement is unneccessary.
That's good and bad news. Good news: cheaper. Bad news: makes me wonder about first shop - are they smarter than the dealership? Doubtful to me. Then that makes them look shady...
Should I not be so critical?
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Post by DanD on Mar 1, 2006 14:53:39 GMT -5
The local shop’s price maybe including the diagnosis, refrigerant, refrigerant oil, the receiver drier (which happens to be the systems garbage can, everything ends up in the dryer) and all the labours involved with doing the most complete job that he can for you. The phone call to the dealer is as far as I’m concerned an off the cuff price to replace the line. Once your there it’s nothing for them to nickel and dime you until the price is the same if not more then the guy’s that was actually under the hood of your car to see the problem(s). Just my opinion take it for what you like.  Dan. |
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Post by cobrala on Mar 1, 2006 18:08:36 GMT -5
The local shop’s price maybe including the diagnosis, refrigerant, refrigerant oil, the receiver drier (which happens to be the systems garbage can, everything ends up in the dryer) and all the labours involved with doing the most complete job that he can for you. The phone call to the dealer is as far as I’m concerned an off the cuff price to replace the line. Once your there it’s nothing for them to nickel and dime you until the price is the same if not more then the guy’s that was actually under the hood of your car to see the problem(s). Just my opinion take it for what you like. Dan. Well I value peoples' opinions in here. The local guy is not including the diagnostic (which I payed $70 for) and is including evacuation/recharging of system and the refridgerant, and still ended up giving me a written quote at $580. They 'hide' (not really) misc. shop stuff charges into their hourly labor rate ($80/hr.). You're right, I do not have a written quote from the dealership, which does mean something, but I also do not have prior personal experience with dealerships underbidding local guys. That's just dumbfounding to me. Then again, this is the first issue w/this Sentra (122,000 HARD-driven miles on it) I've had so I have next to no experience with that dealership beside the occasional oil change. Money is money, and I can get a written quote if need be from the dealer, I'm sure, so that aspect will end up apples to apples. What my main concern is, is the local guy more or less right or wrong in recommending the dryer replacement? He did not say there's anything in the dryer - he said it 'might' have gotten some moisture in it. The A/C functions briefly after being recharged, if that means anything else. I'm just wondering: is he milking an extra $100 out of me or is he legit in recommending that, even if he's found no evidence to lead him to believe the dryer caught something? |
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Post by way2old on Mar 1, 2006 19:18:08 GMT -5
I agree with Dan on the dryer. We change the dryer/accumultor every time the system is opened. It will draw moisture out of the air and cause you more problems later. I would go ahead and OK the dryer replacement at the same time. If you replace it at a later date, you will have to pay for the reclaimation and rechage again. As Dan said, this is my opinion. BTW, glad to see ya back.  Not the problem, just that you remembered us. |
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Post by maxair on Mar 6, 2006 8:39:30 GMT -5
I hate hearing about A/C hoses from dealers. In so many cases, they are quoting on the entire hose assembly because that's the only way they can get it. Having said that, it's so common to see a small pin hole in a hose that can be repaired (better than new) without having to replace the entire assembly.
I would suggest a local repair shop that does A/C as a specialty. They will probably be able to make up the section of the hose that's leaking. That alone will probably save a good chunk.
Regarding the drier, I do agree with previous comments. However, for the short haul you can get away without it. That is... if you think you're selling the car, or something like that. I hate saying it that way... but if you're out to save some money, then that's the truth.
Hope this helps!
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Not the problem, just that you remembered us.