What should I expect to pay?
 

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

I'm nearly as far away as a person can get. Sorry...

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.

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.

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's schedule. I am retired but he still works for a living.

Most everything you will need to do on your car has a write up here. Just check in tech info, or just post a message and ask.