Dealer vs Normal Mechanic

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by blakef6

Now i have the internet i barely ever go to a dealer or normal mechanic. Google is my mechanic and my doctor

^This man speaks the truth

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

^This man speaks the truth

Which brings up another debate why is it acceptable for a GP to slug $60-70 for a 10 minute max consultation ($300p/h) yet Mechanics seem to have to justify $100p/h.I'm sure a mechanic not doing a job properly could potentially wipe out a lot more people than a wrong diagnosis and prescription ever could.

[theBlake]

Doctor has a bucket load more overheads than a mechanic, and Doctors giving wrong diagnosis, and prescriptions kill. I think there is a claim somewhere showing that the biggest killer in USA is wrong prescriptions.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Which brings up another debate why is it acceptable for a GP to slug $60-70 for a 10 minute max consultation ($300p/h) yet Mechanics seem to have to justify $100p/h.I'm sure a mechanic not doing a job properly could potentially wipe out a lot more people than a wrong diagnosis and prescription ever could.

I think comparing to the other trades is the biggest one. Everyone always complains about mechanics prices yet accept paying for an electrician.

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Which brings up another debate why is it acceptable for a GP to slug $60-70 for a 10 minute max consultation ($300p/h) yet Mechanics seem to have to justify $100p/h.I'm sure a mechanic not doing a job properly could potentially wipe out a lot more people than a wrong diagnosis and prescription ever could.

Okay that's just ridiculous. A GP has to work their *** off in high school to get top grades in order to get into med school (ATAR of 99.5 or something similar). From then they have to survive 6 years of an extremely costly and extremely demanding medical degree. Once qualified they have to spend a further year in hospital as an intern after which you do at least 1 year residency (which is odd hours and a lot of on call work) in hospital. THEN you have to do another 2 years as a GP registrar before finally FINALLY becoming an actual qualified GP.

That's about 10 years of studying/internship before you finally become a qualified GP, and they'll have racked up about 50-80k in student loan at current uni prices. Now I don't know about you, but a mechanic is nowhere near as qualified as a GP, and to compare the two is downright ridiculous. Also have you had a look around a GP practice? The overheads are ridiculous, the place has to be cleaned daily with antiseptic and fully air conditioned. Most also have in house nurses and receptionists, neither are cheap.


P.S. Here in NZ we only have to pay $20 for a GP visit. Even less if you have a community services (low income) card.

[Tassie f100]

Sorry Dr Qwerty if I hit a nerve but here in Oz the GPs IF they bulk bill they get about $35 per consult BUT most charge way over the Medibank scheduled fee by about another$30. if Kiwi Gps only get paid $20 per consultation they must be the lowest paid in the developed world.As for overheads most 1 person practices work out of 1or 2 rooms of their residences.Most mechanics in Oz also have completed a 4-5 year apprenticeship on minimal pay rates.They also generally have a fully equiped workshop which would leave little change out of $50-60000 to set up plus $300-400 weekly rent + Ins,rates,power,water etc.

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Sorry Dr Qwerty if I hit a nerve but here in Oz the GPs IF they bulk bill they get about $35 per consult BUT most charge way over the Medibank scheduled fee by about another$30. if Kiwi Gps only get paid $20 per consultation they must be the lowest paid in the developed world.As for overheads most 1 person practices work out of 1or 2 rooms of their residences.Most mechanics in Oz also have completed a 4-5 year apprenticeship on minimal pay rates.They also generally have a fully equiped workshop which would leave little change out of $50-60000 to set up plus $300-400 weekly rent + Ins,rates,power,water etc.

I can promise you our workshop - land/buildings/tooling/inventory is ALLOT more than those values listed. Damn the wheel alignment hoist and machine is NZ$60k , leverless tyre machine $20k so dont mark wheels. Trust me there isnt much money in it at all. Especially when spend 2 1/2 hrs on a wheel alignment on a GT getting it perfect and only charge $89. However the customer would never go anywhere else.

As for google mechanics thats cool had a guy bring us a car that wouldnt start it just stopped on him he had brought new ECU, Dizzy etc etc. Turns out he couldn't diagnose things properly unlike a real mechanic and there was a switch wired into the dizzy signal under the dash.

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I think comparing to the other trades is the biggest one. Everyone always complains about mechanics prices yet accept paying for an electrician.

Yea for sure and alot of great mechanics go above and beyond for there customers and mechanic accounts are often slow to be paid as well because no one sets aside money for repairs.

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

P.S. Here in NZ we only have to pay $20 for a GP visit. Even less if you have a community services (low income) card.

When I was at uni I got free visits however now Its NZ$35 at my registered one and more elsewhere. havent seen anyone get normal $20 visits?

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Sorry Dr Qwerty if I hit a nerve but here in Oz the GPs IF they bulk bill they get about $35 per consult BUT most charge way over the Medibank scheduled fee by about another$30. if Kiwi Gps only get paid $20 per consultation they must be the lowest paid in the developed world.As for overheads most 1 person practices work out of 1or 2 rooms of their residences.Most mechanics in Oz also have completed a 4-5 year apprenticeship on minimal pay rates.They also generally have a fully equiped workshop which would leave little change out of $50-60000 to set up plus $300-400 weekly rent + Ins,rates,power,water etc.

Not a Dr haha. Just a Health Science student right now (may be a Dr if I make the cut). And nah you haven't hit a nerve or anything, maybe I made that post sound a bit to confrontational, didn't mean it like that at all. So I apologize for that mate.

Yea we only have to pay $20 for a doctors visit in NZ, but that'll be cause the system is heavily subsidized. All prescription medicines are only $5 too. Went to the doc the other day and got prescribed some paracetamol/panadol. They pharma gave me a box of 100 pills for $5. Got a full course of antibiotics for $5 too. Obviously what we pay at the counter is the tip of the iceberg, the actual pharmacies and doctors will be getting their bulk of the payment from the government.

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

When I was at uni I got free visits however now Its NZ$35 at my registered one and more elsewhere. havent seen anyone get normal $20 visits?

That'll be cause we're under different DHBs. I'm in Auckland and it's $20 at my registered one, pretty sure it's the same at all other practices too. You're under the Southland DHB correct? So that would explain the higher upfront price, it's no secret that the Southland DHB gets underfunded by the current government, just have a look at Dunedin Hospital. Ah well, guess I'll have to get used to spending an extra $15, I'm moving down there in just over a month

P.S. Just out of curiosity, where abouts in the South Island are you based? Cause I'll be looking for a new mechanic down there for my car and if you're within a drivable distance I'd bring the car into your shop. Atleast I know for sure you know your Fords and won't rip me off. Seem like a decent fella.

[99AUXR]

In Twizel so pretty remote mate, close to Mt Cook though

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

In Twizel so pretty remote mate, close to Mt Cook though

Okay yep, forget that. Not driving 4 hours from dunners everytime my car needs a wof

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Atleast I know for sure you know your Fords and won't rip me off. Seem like a decent fella.

(sorry 99)

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

(sorry 99)

Damn you Rog shhh I had a good public appearance going on here

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Okay yep, forget that. Not driving 4 hours from dunners everytime my car needs a wof

Hey atleast the drive is good

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I think comparing to the other trades is the biggest one. Everyone always complains about mechanics prices yet accept paying for an electrician.

Sparkies aren't really that expensive. Plumbers....now there's a trade that will ream you.

[Olbucko]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Sparkies aren't really that expensive. Plumbers....now there's a trade that will ream you.

Some locksmiths make plumbers look like amateurs when it's time to pay.

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Sparkies aren't really that expensive. Plumbers....now there's a trade that will ream you.

They do have a pretty ****** job though. Quite literally. Its like how garbage men get paid a tonne. It's cause the job is so disgusting at times.

[99AUXR]

Our local garbage guys get rubbish pay.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

They do have a pretty ****** job though. Quite literally. Its like how garbage men get paid a tonne. It's cause the job is so disgusting at times.

Get the plumbing installed in a kitchen. Don't have to touch a toilet to pull in some good money.

[ratter]

Mechanics apprenticeship is 4 years correct, but the education does not ever stop, what has changed in the Human body in say the last 30 years? now think what has changed in cars in the same time period,

yep, almost everything.

GP's do not normally have very much specialised equipment, they send you to a specialist to be tested,
what overheads? most just hire their rooms
Hand up the people that have been to a doctor, paid $70-$80 for 10 minutes of talking, maybe checking blood pressure, throat and ears and then get told to take it easy for a few days and come back if not different.........

and then have to pay again when you do go back.

[Kable72]

I haven't had to pay out of pocket for a doctors visit ever.

[Tassie f100]

Whether you have paid or got a Drs visit on the welfare system is irrelevent.My point was that GPs get paid $300+ per hour whereas the Mechanic with as much or more responibility strulggles to get $100

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by ratter

GP's do not normally have very much specialised equipment, they send you to a specialist to be tested,
what overheads? most just hire their rooms
Hand up the people that have been to a doctor, paid $70-$80 for 10 minutes of talking, maybe checking blood pressure, throat and ears and then get told to take it easy for a few days and come back if not different.........

and then have to pay again when you do go back.

Yeah and when we want to charge 1 hour for 2 hours work people spit chips but are happy to pay $70 to talk to some dude on a 457 Visa.

[ratter]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Yeah and when we want to charge 1 hour for 2 hours work people spit chips but are happy to pay $70 to talk to some dude on a 457 Visa.

talk about talking,

how about people are happy to pay to talk to an accountant or lawyer for advice, but how many would pay to get advice from a mechanic

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Yeah and when we want to charge 1 hour for 2 hours work people spit chips but are happy to pay $70 to talk to some dude on a 457 Visa.

Yeah Damo and that $70 is for about 10minutes

[mechanic]

Correct me if I'm wrong or misquoting what's on the internet regarding motor mechanics wages.Seems to about the $25/hour mark.

Elementary school teacher $20 - $50/hour.
Plumber about $30/hour.
Both do about 4 years training.

Doesn't seem fair to compare those in the medical profession to a motor mechanic, after nearly 40 years in the mechanic game I have never met a mechanic, and there's been some top notch boys, who was worth as much as a qualified nurse let alone a doctor.

Some of the comments are quoting $100/hour for mechanics, is that the workshop charge out rate or are the posters actually paying the mechanic that figure?
There is a huge difference.

[cs123]

The workshop rate is around 90-110 per hour for mechanical work. You have to take overheads out of this ie business expenses like rent,utilities,depreciation etc. Then mechanic wages.

Wages for any field are really driven by supply and demand and also what prices the market will bear. So while a job may require a high degree of skill and knowledge if the market won't pay for it then you cannot charge it.

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by ratter

talk about talking,

how about people are happy to pay to talk to an accountant or lawyer for advice, but how many would pay to get advice from a mechanic

Couldnt agree more, and some employees talk allot.

Originally Posted by mechanic

Correct me if I'm wrong or misquoting what's on the internet regarding motor mechanics wages.Seems to about the $25/hour mark.

Elementary school teacher $20 - $50/hour.
Plumber about $30/hour.
Both do about 4 years training.

Doesn't seem fair to compare those in the medical profession to a motor mechanic, after nearly 40 years in the mechanic game I have never met a mechanic, and there's been some top notch boys, who was worth as much as a qualified nurse let alone a doctor.

Some of the comments are quoting $100/hour for mechanics, is that the workshop charge out rate or are the posters actually paying the mechanic that figure?
There is a huge difference.

There are allot of bad/poorly skilled mechanics out there that would bring down that hourly. I know of a few decent guys who are on more than that plus bonuses. But honestly there is alot of pretenders out there.

[mechanic]

Originally Posted by 99AUXR

Couldnt agree more, and some employees talk allot.



There are allot of bad/poorly skilled mechanics out there that would bring down that hourly. I know of a few decent guys who are on more than that plus bonuses. But honestly there is alot of pretenders out there.

But honestly couldn't we say that about practically all trades and professions?
I've paid plumbers that had the gutters falling the wrong way, an electrician that wired a light into a power circuit, a concretor that put a slab down for my house that wasn't square, a dentist that told me all my fillings had to be replaced even though it was work only recently done, a gas fitter that put in a gas oven and the connection behind the stove leaked [ unsafe ??? ].
Teachers that have been found to have limited literacy and numeracy skills.

Mechanics are just the same as all other tradespeople whether they work for dealers or not [ as I said in a previous post, they're the same people ] some good some not so good. Looking for the perfect tradesman seems to be a self defeating exercise.
I give tradespeople a couple of chances then move on if I'm not happy.

[prydey]

lots or 'tarring with the same brush' going on in here.

have one bad experience and they are all like it, apparently.

a few have mentioned already, there will be good and bad in every workshop, whether dealer or independent.

also, those that do work themselves at home, do you charge for your time?? obviously you don't, but how much is your time worth to you, esp if you have a family etc?? everyone's situation is different.

since buying my FG over 6 years ago, i don't think i've ever laid a spanner on it. full service history at local dealer. A service is $180 (i supply oil) and B service is about $500ish.

everything is always done to my satisfaction, and i don't have to spend time crawling around the garage floor, whilst missing out spending time with the family, or out riding my bike. as you get older you realise there is more to life than mucking about on cars.

dealerships can generally be dearer, but they have a much bigger knowledge database than an independent for your specific car. their equipment (esp diagnostic) is generally better also, not to mention the ability to do software updates.

[blakef6]

Originally Posted by prydey

lots or 'tarring with the same brush' going on in here.

have one bad experience and they are all like it, apparently.

a few have mentioned already, there will be good and bad in every workshop, whether dealer or independent.

also, those that do work themselves at home, do you charge for your time?? obviously you don't, but how much is your time worth to you, esp if you have a family etc?? everyone's situation is different.

since buying my FG over 6 years ago, i don't think i've ever laid a spanner on it. full service history at local dealer. A service is $180 (i supply oil) and B service is about $500ish.

everything is always done to my satisfaction, and i don't have to spend time crawling around the garage floor, whilst missing out spending time with the family, or out riding my bike. as you get older you realise there is more to life than mucking about on cars.

dealerships can generally be dearer, but they have a much bigger knowledge database than an independent for your specific car. their equipment (esp diagnostic) is generally better also, not to mention the ability to do software updates.

My time is worth a lot, but not what the mechanics charge if i can do it myself. The time i have spent crawling around on my garage floor has also helped save me a lot of money which has afforded the luxury of travelling via several overseas trips. So i guess the couple of hours of me doing it myself ends up better for me in the long run

[theBlake]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

My point was that GPs get paid $300+ per hour whereas the Mechanic with as much or more responibility strulggles to get $100

NO way does a GP get paid $300, and no mechanic gets paid $100. Both of them have significant overheads.

Originally Posted by ratter

Mechanics apprenticeship is 4 years correct, but the education does not ever stop, what has changed in the Human body in say the last 30 years?

Medical science has changed dramatically in the last 30 years and will continue to do so, even GP's must be continually learning, even just to keep up with medicine and patient management. Just because your GP is not performing heart surgery doesn't mean he learnt everything he has to know during med school.

what overheads? most just hire their rooms

ask your doctor next time how much he pays for Professional Indemnity insurance - you, know the one that pays out millions if he screws up and kills someone. Your mechanic would also have PI, ask him too, and see how much the difference is.

Yes, they hire their room, which includes reception services, accounting, phones, computer, supplies, free dunny paper, what else. You reckon all those things are cheap.

Hand up the people that have been to a doctor, paid $70-$80 for 10 minutes of talking, maybe checking blood pressure, throat and ears and then get told to take it easy for a few days and come back if not different.........

[hands on floor]
never paid a cent to see a doctor, just throw the medicare card at them and am not a hypochondriac either.