$817 rip off you decide

[PT Lilly]

Well this time I didn't order it online, I did however take it to a shop and this is what they recomended I do. Replace the Alternator and Battery. 817 bucks total. Was I ripped off? Now before you answer let me tell you what I have in it already. For one I have a 900 watt stereo system in my PT, lots of neon accessories and a remote start/security system. At first I was told that it was my regulator went bad but the voltage readout on it was normal. My alternator however was only reading 10.5 volts with the radio on and the headlights and the AC on. So It was recomended by this shop that I upgrade the Alternator and Battery; and this is what 817 dollars got me. A new 235 Amp Alternator, new belts, custom 1/2" steel mounting brackets for the alternator. A new Optima Red Top Battery with new wires and terminals. I was quoted 350 for the alternator, 325 for the labor, and 142 for the battery with wires and terminals. The shop kept it from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon. I picked it up this evening and it runs great and I am more than happy about it. So did I get what I payed for? I feel good about it but I have been wrong before too. Tell me what you think or if you've had to replace your alternator before. Its a 2001 PT Touring ED. With 37k on it. And if i get some good feedback I'll leave the guys card for you folks. [?]

[quicksilverdon]

I think it's high - particularly the labor piece, but if it's done right (belt tensioned properly, alternator aligned properly) it's money well spent.
I'd encourage you to look up "hypergrounding" on this or other PT sites - basically, you take pre-made cables (most auto stores carry an assortment under "battery cables" and add more grounds to engine and body from the negative terminal.

[bigdogdad]

I look at it this way, you're happy and pleased with the results which in my book equals worth it. Maybe it was a high price but it was done right, again, worth it. Do like QSD mention, search for the hyperground threads. With all the stuff your running it might be a nice mod for you.

[Jimbo]

If your happy with the job done,that's all that counts.

[Red GT]

I feel the same way. I just had my battery replaced yesterday. Factory battery went ('03 GT).I had whole new sound system installed in early spring with a 300 watt amp under the driver's seat (not as powerful as yours) but still a drain on the battery when I wash my car and listen to music. So I finally killed it dead yesterday. Had to get a jump to go get a new one for free at the dealer. But, now I'm thinking of going to where I got the system istalled to talk to them about getting a battery put in the back just for my system. And in the future I'm having a JL Audio Stealth box with amp under the passenger's seat installed so, I think the battery would be in line anyway, ya know? So, in short I think you did the right thing. And if it was done right it was the right price.

[fritz_t_coyote]

quote:Originally posted by PT Lilly

8<snip>8 I have a 900 watt stereo system in my PT, lots of neon accessories and a remote start/security system. 8<snip>8

My guess it that you spent a bit more than 817$ on the audio upgrades... and if the work was done right it was surely worth it.

[technobear]

I do all of my own work, so any money paid to labor is "expensive" to me.
But the prices look to be about right for quality work. Like the others have said. if it works, makes you happy, and lasts. Then you did well young paduon.

[PT Lilly]

All right thats good to hear everyone replying so positively. Last night I went for a ride and it was loud! I never once saw my dash lights dim or my headlights flicker even at a Stop Light. And that was with the bass turned all the way up. I will say one thing though after speaking with the installer he said he would never do another PT Cruiser again at that price. He said next time he would charge at least 800 just for the labor! I got it at 325! I had wheel locks on my rims and he couldn't find the key to get them off to get to the alternator so they had to reach it from the top of the engine. He said it was alot of hard work but seeing me happy about it made him happy he said. In fact he said he turned up my stereo as loud as it would go to see if there were any hickups and he said other nearby businesses came outside to see what was making all that noise. He said that some where shocked to know that it came from a PT Cruiser. His wife who helps answer the phones and pay the bills said that he really liked my Black Eyed Pees CD that was in my cd player, so I gave it to him as a nice gesture. The guy is in his late 40's and he was awsome, I really feel good about my car now. Now if I can only figure out how to post my pictures on here I'd be alright![:X]

[bigdogdad]

Ah, Black Eyed Pees, yeah!. Great gesture also, very nice.

[DBROWN03]

I have over 1500 watss in the trunk with 12 inch subs and i also have neons and 7 tv screens with a ps 2 and i am still running a factory battery. just can't let your car play all that without the motor running. this will save you headaches in the long run , all you have to do is pay for the high gas prices.