So the shop is wanting to charge me $400 for a 4 wheel alignment, they say it is a 4 hour process. Dealership wants $700 for the same job.

I took it into a tire shop when I got the new tires put on and they qouted me $100. I didn't get it done at the time since I need to replace the outside tie rods and they did not have the parts. My parts come in this afternoon and all 3 will put them on for $180 bucks..can't believe they all qouted the same price for that. The problem is the cost to have them installed and then have the car aligned ranges from $280 to $880.

Has anyone had issues with a non-Mini shop/dealership doing a standard 4 wheel alignment? Please help!

 

Alignment is preferably done by a (decent) tire shop, those guys know what they're doing

At least.. Where I live!

 

Get the Firestone lifetime alignment....never had anything go wrong for several cars and suv's we have for several years. Hit a concrete parking bumper, brush a curb etc...take it in early in the morning...done.

They have all computerized alignment equipment.

 

+1

I also went this route.

 

Thanks guys, I am not going to go with the lifetime deal since I will be leaving for Italy and bringing the car with me..doubt it covers me over there. I will take it to the Goodyear shop that originally qouted me the $280 in the first place. They will at least let me bring in my own parts that I already have for it. Appreciate the help.

 

Actually they might... Look into it

Bridgestone Italia
Centro Direzionale Colleoni - Palazzo Taurus - Scala 2 - Viale Colleoni 3
20041 Agrate Brianza Milano - Italy

Grigati Gianni
Tel : +39 039 6560 134
E-mail: gianni.grigatti@bridgestone.eu

good luck

 

Good luck with bringing it to Italy or the alignment

The Goodyear place down the street has always done right by me with my other vehicles since I have been stationed in San Diego.

 

You do realise this could potentially be a 200+ mile drive?

To the topicstarter: I hope, for your own sake, you are not really fussy about your car. Have you been to Italy before? Have you driven a (fast) car in a major Italian city?
The roads are small and really busy, they rarely know what right of way is and you find 'New York style' potholes everywhere! Oh and then there's the scooters that will scratch your car and drive on like nothing happened.

I wish you all the best!

 

I hate to see such inflated prices for something like an alignment; and claiming it's a 4-hour job too. Are you sure that's not a Porsche dealership?

My invoice claimed the alignment took 1.2 hours, so I was charged $104.40 (labor rate is $87 per hour). That's at a highly regarded independent shop with a newer Hunter machine.

My Porsche dealer actually charged $180 for a Porsche alignment (also on a Hunter machine), but I've heard about $300 alignments elsewhere.

 

I paid 129 at my local mini dealership.

 

Is your car lowered or does it have adjustable camber plates or rear end-links. If not, $125 max from someone who is good. EuroTire here in NJ is great and they charged me $125. If you are lowered or have more adjustments than stock, then all bets are off.

Rich

 

Rich- nothing other than stock struts, wheels, tires, etc.
Floor- I do know how bad it is over there and even though my MCS is far from mint condition, the first couple of scratches and dings are going to hurt.

The labor rate here in SoCal is 95 and hour and that is pretty standard for everywhere I go, I already have an appt to get the alignment done and replace my tie rod ends..360 out the door (I am providing my own parts)

 

I've asked around here in The Netherlands as I need alignment too.

The cheapest I found was €12.50 per wheel. The most expensive €27.50
In USD: $16.67 to $36.67 per wheel. All at highly regarded tire vendors.

 

That is insane!!!! I do not know where you are located, but I am in So Cal, and I take mine over to a very highly regarded alignment place in Gardena, and he charges 99.00 for a four wheel alignment and corner weighted. He sets up the car how you want, aggressive or less so. It is called West End Alignment, Google it, the reviews at all the boards are off the charts.

 

Thanks all for the advice, found a reputable shop who will install my tie rods and align the tires for $250. Take it in tomorrow to get a new bypass valve, smoke test for leaks (i hope there is nothing more) and then to another shop for the tie rods and alignment. Will be able to take it for a nice drive just in time for our 14th wedding anniversary.