π§ engine repair maintenance
Ford Edge engine repair
A 2013 Ford Edge owner in Chicago used Service Buddy to evaluate a $7,132 engine repair quote, focusing on timing chain and VVT solenoid labor priced at over $3,000. Service Buddy highlighted these costs as unusually high compared to local standards, suggesting a second opinion from independent shops. By comparing detailed part and labor prices, the driver identified potential savings of several thousand dollars, ensuring a fair deal without overpaying.
Potential DIY Savings
We recommend getting a second quote to ensure fair pricing.
Quote Breakdown
| Repair Task | Quoted Price | Typical Price | Price Fairness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Timing Chain (Labor + Parts) | $4,755.45 (Labor: $2,073.87, Parts: $2,681.58) |
$1,300β$2,300 (labor + parts at independent) $2,000β$3,200 (dealer) |
π΄ |
| Install Both Bank VVT Solenoids | $952.15 (labor only, no parts listed) | $300β$600 (labor + typical parts) | π |
| Cooling System Drain & Fill | $114.58 (Labor: $89.59, Parts: $24.99) |
$80β$160 (labor + parts) | π’ |
| Thermostat Replacement | $52.51 (parts only) | $20β$50 (parts) | π’ |
| Valve Cover Gasket Set | $160.34 (parts) | $30β$90 (parts) | π΄ |
| Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit | $33.12 (parts) | $20β$50 (parts) | π’ |
Detailed Analysis
Advice On Your Quote
| Repair Task | Quoted Price | Typical Price | Price Fairness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Timing Chain (Labor + Parts) | $4,755.45 (Labor: $2,073.87, Parts: $2,681.58) |
$1,300β$2,300 (labor + parts at independent) $2,000β$3,200 (dealer) |
π΄ |
| Install Both Bank VVT Solenoids | $952.15 (labor only, no parts listed) | $300β$600 (labor + typical parts) | π |
| Cooling System Drain & Fill | $114.58 (Labor: $89.59, Parts: $24.99) |
$80β$160 (labor + parts) | π’ |
| Thermostat Replacement | $52.51 (parts only) | $20β$50 (parts) | π’ |
| Valve Cover Gasket Set | $160.34 (parts) | $30β$90 (parts) | π΄ |
| Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit | $33.12 (parts) | $20β$50 (parts) | π’ |
1. Replace Timing Chain
Labor: $2,073.87
Parts (Timing Set): $2,681.58
- Typical labor: 4-8 hours; at $135-$150/hr, 8 hours Γ $150 = $1,200 tops, usually less at independents.
- Typical parts: Timing sets usually cost $100β$300 aftermarket, up to $800+ OEM; $2,700 is very high, even dealer pricing.
- Labor charge is nearly double typical high-end rates.
- Parts price is extreme; shouldnβt top $1,500 unless every timing-related part is included at OEM prices.
- Recommendation: Request a detailed parts breakdown and price exact part numbers online.
- Potential upsell: Charging as if everything needs replacement at top dollar.
2. Install Both Bank VVT Solenoids
Labor: $952.15
Parts: Not listed separately (usually $100β$300 each)
- Labor time: 2β4 hours fair; at $150/hr, 4 hours is about $600 max.
- Nearly $1,000 for just solenoids install is high, especially combined with timing chain work.
- Parts cost not broken out; solenoids usually $100β$300 each.
- Potential upsell: Replacing both VVT solenoids βjust becauseβ without codes or symptoms; they are not failure-prone unless problematic.
3. Perform Cooling System Drain & Fill
Labor: $89.59
Parts: OE Orange Coolant $24.99
- Typical labor: 0.5β1 hour ($60β$150), parts price is fair.
- Charge is reasonable and appropriate if done with engine work.
4. Thermostat Replacement
Parts: $52.51 (labor not listed)
- Typical part costs $20β$50; $52.51 is acceptable for decent brand or OE.
- Labor would be minimal if coolant system is also serviced.
- Reasonable if part of larger engine repair.
5. Valve Cover Gasket Set
Parts: $160.34
- Typical cost: $20β$50 aftermarket, up to $90 OEM.
- $160 is high; might include spark plug tube seals but still seems inflated.
- Potential upsell: Heavily marked up parts price.
6. Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
Parts: $33.12
- Typical cost $20β$50, this is reasonable.
7. Timing Chain Tensioners
Parts & Labor: Included
- Should be part of the full timing kit cost; correct to not charge separately.
Is Anything a Pure βUpsellβ?
- Likely upsell: Both VVT solenoids replaced without codes or symptoms.
- Parts prices suggest profit padding, not unnecessary work, except potentially for solenoids.
- Cooling system service is reasonable with engine work.
Should You Get a Second Opinion?
- Request a line-item breakdown with part manufacturers and part numbers.
- Compare estimates from an independent shop and a local Ford dealer for timing chain, VVT solenoids, and gasket work for exact comparison.
Final Call
- The quote is significantly higher than typical market rates for parts and labor.
- Some items are reasonably priced; most parts and labor fees appear inflated or padded.
- Main probable upsells: replacing both VVT solenoids unnecessarily, and padded pricing on timing set and valve cover gaskets.
- Recommended to seek a second opinion from well-rated independent mechanics, clarifying what is truly necessary and comparing prices.
- Mention any symptoms or codes to avoid paying for unneeded parts or services.
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