Is it a ripoff to be charged $24 for changing an air filter?
Is that a fair price or is it a bit high?
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Posted Dec. 17, 2009
NathanStott 0
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I can get an oil change for $20-25. I know some common air filters are less than $10.00; but some, particularly foreign, may be much higher. It depends on the car. Here is what I would consider a ripoff, and it's true! A guy who owned a fairly new BMW, which he bought used, came with only ONE KEY. Guess what, he lost it. It cost him, and I am not joking, $780.00 for a replacement and, of course, he had to prove who he was with plenty of ID, plus prepay. This happened to one of my mechanic's customers. I thought that was a bit steep.
Remember with flat rate pricing at garages, $24 may be normal, I cannot say for sure. Some filters are more difficult to change than others.
I don't know whether I answered your question, that is my experience. Do it yourself is always cheaper, if you are able to do it. Also, remember today's automobiles are much more complicated than the ones built even 10 years ago.
Bill
Best Answer (decided by user votes)
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2 votes
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1 votes
It depends on the filter. A 1959 tri-power filter for a Cadillac, Chevy, Olds, etc. can run as much as $50 for just the filter. New cars filters, which have sensors and advanced micron-filters can also be pretty pricey. I've heard of some running more than $100.
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0 votes
Is that the labor charge or the charge for the part. It is now a normal practice for some of the chain stores to charge labor to install an air filter, no matter how easy. Some filter are alot less some are alot more. depends on year, make, and model. I know from experience because I am a repair shop owner.
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0 votes
I remember back in 1971 a certain service station would pop your hood, look at your air filter and want $20 to replace it. That was high back then. $26 is high unless the filter is made of some unique material perhaps to retard a flame....