Originally Posted by carrwash13
Should I be concerned that there's such a price difference? Also, any ideas on why there's such a difference?
No, don't worry about it at all. I've worked in a couple shops, here is the difference:
1) Flat labour time: The time listed that it will take to do a certain job.
2) Labour rate: The price per hour they charge for repairs.
3) Shop supplies: small extra fee for oils, grease, rags, etc.
Say shop A charges 1.5 hours time at $90 an hour, plus $5 supplies. That's $140 plus parts (that is the average dealership price.)
Say shop B charges 1.0 hours at $55 an hour, plus $10 supplies. That's only $65 plus parts (average for bubba's generic auto shop.)
That is why it pays to shop around.