Dealer asking $280 to install new plugs!

Rally Bozo · 12-01-2005, 10:58 AM

Suby dealer in Columbus, GA says it takes three hours to install new spark plugs. The platinum plugs alone are like $64+ I seriously doubt it takes that long, or that the labor should cost that much. Are these guys just after some easy $$ or what?

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Worxman02 · 12-01-2005, 12:23 PM

have you looked at how the engine in your car is orientated. It's a PITA to get to the plugs due to the boxer engine design. Its not like any other engine where the plugs are right on top. You have to get down into the sides of the engine bay to change plugs

Rally Bozo · 12-01-2005, 01:12 PM

Ah, I did notice...they're hard to even see from above. What do you think, can an amatuer do it? Or, should I take it in? The cost isn't that great of a concern, and I would like the car to continue to run well for at least another 80K miles. I thought that the stock platinum plugs were supposed to last a long time though, like up to 100K. I know it's recommended at 60K, but so far I haven't experienced any problems, but I know nothing about the ignition.

Acostafan · 12-01-2005, 04:10 PM

DO NOT pay them to do it. EVER. Buy the plugs yourself, gap them and install yourself. It's tedious and at time a PITA, but not technically difficult. If you can turn a wrench you can do it. Run a search for spark plug install. Scoobymods.com has good instructions too.

The Cliff's notes install requires this: Remove airbox, battery and washer bottle. Remove 12mm bolts holding the coilpacks on the plugs. Slide coilpacks off. Remove spark plug with rachet extension(s). Apply a bit of dielectric grease to the end of the plug the coilpack goes on. CAREFULLY thread the plug back in, taking care not to crossthread. Coilpack will slide on but will not give you a reassuring click. Replace 12mm bolts securing coilpacks. Reassemble airbox, washer bottle, and replace and connect battery.

Profit ! $$$$$$

legacy2003 · 12-01-2005, 04:16 PM

it's very easy. in no way is it worth $280 to have someone else do it.

armand1 · 12-01-2005, 04:42 PM

On the WRX, 60k is a good time to change the plugs. It's not trivial, but is certainly doable for an amateur. Especially your first time, you need to be patient, and make sure you have all the correct tools in advance (like a plug socket of the correct size). A friend/acquaintance who has done it before is *extremely* helpful.
Don't forget to use a bit of anti-seize on the plug threads.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it, you can also have an independent mechanic do it (who will charge less). I'd make sure the shop has experience with turbo Subaru engines, though (or pick a Subaru-only shop).

lDeez lNutz · 12-01-2005, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rally Bozo

I would like the car to continue to run well for at least another 80K miles.

wow you sure don't expect much from your car. give it some love and do it yourself

specialev · 12-01-2005, 05:21 PM

That job should take an experienced mechanic, ie., someone who has done it before, no more than 40 minutes. It shouldn't take a novice more than an hour and a half.

They are trying to fleece you. Either do it your self or take it to a different set of hands.

Drac9 · 12-02-2005, 12:48 AM

Book time it 2.1 hours according to alldata.

Unabomber · 12-02-2005, 04:12 AM

If you post in the SE Regional Forum, I'm sure you can get someone to help for beer or do it for like $50. Beer and friendship is the best choice though.

JDM Importers · 12-02-2005, 11:18 AM

FYI! Real time labor guide a guide that collects national DATA and compiles real time stat National Average 1.6 hours I find them acurate as an average when you take some really fast guys and some slow! I prefer a average speed guy! I have seen more than an average stripped plug holes in subarus and the problems that creates in a suby is multiplied by location!

12-01-2005, 10:58 AM	#1
Rally Bozo Scooby Newbie Member#: 101892 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Columbus, GA Vehicle: 2002 WRX wagon blue	Dealer asking $280 to install new plugs! Suby dealer in Columbus, GA says it takes three hours to install new spark plugs. The platinum plugs alone are like $64+ I seriously doubt it takes that long, or that the labor should cost that much. Are these guys just after some easy $$ or what? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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12-01-2005, 12:23 PM	#2
Worxman02 Scooby Specialist Member#: 66563 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Jersey Vehicle: 2002 Impreza WRX WR Blue Pearl	have you looked at how the engine in your car is orientated. It's a PITA to get to the plugs due to the boxer engine design. Its not like any other engine where the plugs are right on top. You have to get down into the sides of the engine bay to change plugs

12-01-2005, 01:12 PM	#3
Rally Bozo Scooby Newbie Member#: 101892 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Columbus, GA Vehicle: 2002 WRX wagon blue	Ah, I did notice...they're hard to even see from above. What do you think, can an amatuer do it? Or, should I take it in? The cost isn't that great of a concern, and I would like the car to continue to run well for at least another 80K miles. I thought that the stock platinum plugs were supposed to last a long time though, like up to 100K. I know it's recommended at 60K, but so far I haven't experienced any problems, but I know nothing about the ignition.

12-01-2005, 04:10 PM	#4
Acostafan Scooby Specialist Member#: 67398 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Chattanooga, TN Vehicle: 2002 Now with 100% RDA of 2.5l Goodness!!!	DO NOT pay them to do it. EVER. Buy the plugs yourself, gap them and install yourself. It's tedious and at time a PITA, but not technically difficult. If you can turn a wrench you can do it. Run a search for spark plug install. Scoobymods.com has good instructions too. The Cliff's notes install requires this: Remove airbox, battery and washer bottle. Remove 12mm bolts holding the coilpacks on the plugs. Slide coilpacks off. Remove spark plug with rachet extension(s). Apply a bit of dielectric grease to the end of the plug the coilpack goes on. CAREFULLY thread the plug back in, taking care not to crossthread. Coilpack will slide on but will not give you a reassuring click. Replace 12mm bolts securing coilpacks. Reassemble airbox, washer bottle, and replace and connect battery. Profit ! $$$$$$

12-01-2005, 04:16 PM	#5
legacy2003 Scooby Specialist Member#: 38338 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Washington, DC Metro Vehicle: 2003 Outback Sdn H6 Black	it's very easy. in no way is it worth $280 to have someone else do it.

12-01-2005, 04:42 PM	#6
armand1 Scooby Guru Member#: 10309 Join Date: Sep 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: '02 OBS 2-tone! '95 Montego Miata	On the WRX, 60k is a good time to change the plugs. It's not trivial, but is certainly doable for an amateur. Especially your first time, you need to be patient, and make sure you have all the correct tools in advance (like a plug socket of the correct size). A friend/acquaintance who has done it before is extremely helpful. Don't forget to use a bit of anti-seize on the plug threads. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, you can also have an independent mechanic do it (who will charge less). I'd make sure the shop has experience with turbo Subaru engines, though (or pick a Subaru-only shop).

12-01-2005, 05:21 PM	#8
specialev Scooby Specialist Member#: 90156 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Auburn, Wa Vehicle: 1986 Syncro Vanaru 07 SV650	That job should take an experienced mechanic, ie., someone who has done it before, no more than 40 minutes. It shouldn't take a novice more than an hour and a half. They are trying to fleece you. Either do it your self or take it to a different set of hands.

12-02-2005, 12:48 AM	#9
Drac9 Scooby Specialist Member#: 9861 Join Date: Sep 2001 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs, CO Vehicle: 1999 2.35 RS-T w/NOS Hybrid Rally Blue Pearl	Book time it 2.1 hours according to alldata.

12-02-2005, 04:12 AM	#10
Unabomber Big Ron Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	If you post in the SE Regional Forum, I'm sure you can get someone to help for beer or do it for like $50. Beer and friendship is the best choice though.

12-02-2005, 11:18 AM	#11
JDM Importers Vendor Member#: 87569 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ Vehicle: Once Was Gr8wheels	FYI! Real time labor guide a guide that collects national DATA and compiles real time stat National Average 1.6 hours I find them acurate as an average when you take some really fast guys and some slow! I prefer a average speed guy! I have seen more than an average stripped plug holes in subarus and the problems that creates in a suby is multiplied by location!