What should I expect to pay?
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Hi everyone,
My 1999 Pontiac Bonneville SSE is in need of a little service. Just for the record she has 122,000 miles and is equipped with the non-supercharged 3800 V6. I would like to have the following done when I take her in: Replace both upper and lower radiator hoses, back flush system and refill with new coolant; Replace transmission fluid filter and refill with new transmission fluid; Change oil and filter. I plan on taking the car to a local mechanic as opposed to a dealership (I learned that lesson many years ago). I am looking for a ballpark figure. I realize variables such as cost of parts and materials make it impossible to nail down a price. Barring any unforseen issues, about what should I expect to pay for this level of service.
Terry
My 1999 Pontiac Bonneville SSE is in need of a little service. Just for the record she has 122,000 miles and is equipped with the non-supercharged 3800 V6. I would like to have the following done when I take her in: Replace both upper and lower radiator hoses, back flush system and refill with new coolant; Replace transmission fluid filter and refill with new transmission fluid; Change oil and filter. I plan on taking the car to a local mechanic as opposed to a dealership (I learned that lesson many years ago). I am looking for a ballpark figure. I realize variables such as cost of parts and materials make it impossible to nail down a price. Barring any unforseen issues, about what should I expect to pay for this level of service.
Terry
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The trans fluid alone is a good $50, so just fluids and parts is going to run about $100, and perhaps 2 to 3 hours of work. I would charge about $100 in labor to do all that work.
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Your local mechanic is likely to charge you 300ish for the work.
Do you live local to any of us that do help folks? Might be able to save a little and also have fun hanging out working on your car.
Do you live local to any of us that do help folks? Might be able to save a little and also have fun hanging out working on your car.
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Thanks for the replies. I live in Comfort, Tx., which is on I-10 halfway between Kerrville and Boerne. Finding a fellow Bonneville lover and forum buddy to work on the car with would be fantastic. I am a half-assed shade tree mechanic who has been involved in helping to build and wrench on dirt track hobby stocks, as well as restoring two vintage Mustangs. The only thing I really have never done is dropping the pan on an automatic tranny. A little help with that wouldn't hurt. Anybody close?
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In case we don't come up with someone to help you, here is a write up on how to change you transmission oil and filter:
https://www.gmforum.com/t278813/
Based on your description of the types of work you have done, this should be relatively easy for you.
https://www.gmforum.com/t278813/
Based on your description of the types of work you have done, this should be relatively easy for you.
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Thanks again for the gratious replies. You guys are the best. After reviewing the tranny service photos, I am pretty sure I can handle that. My brother has a large shop on his place so I think I will see if I can get him to help me. The oil change and radiator hose replacement/back flush are no brainers.
Last edited by tdyltc46; 11-12-2009 at 03:28 PM. Reason: new info
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Don't forget we are on line during the weekend. If you get stuck, post a note. Bring a camera so you can send pictures if necessary.
I really think you will be able to do the tranny fluid and filter with no problem.
I really think you will be able to do the tranny fluid and filter with no problem.
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Thanks again, you have been a big help. I talked to my brother and he has agreed to give me a hand. With the info you have already supplied, I am quite confident we will do just fine. If we run into a problem I will get in touch with you guys. We will do this either this weekend or next, depending on my brother'* schedule. I am retired but he still works for a living.