Hi guys, i had my 98 civic in the garage getting repairs. Im not mechanically inclined and i just wanted to get your guys opinions on the price. I first went to the honda dealer where they quoted me close to 3k canadian then after went to my usual garage and got everything done for 1300 but i still feel ripped off. The underneath of the car needed a new "frame" or something like that the old one had completely rusted out. A big job according to the mechanic. He showed me when it was on the ramp, right between the front wheels, maybe a undercarriage???? Something was also wrong with the manifold, got a new alternator, the drivers window was somewhat repaired (still goes up very slowly) and he tried to fix the leak in the trunk but i think was unsucessful and he changed my tires, fluids, stuff like that. How does that price sound, i know those details are vague but like i said i really dont know much about car frames. Also the check engine light is on, he said there is no problem but wouldnt that have reset when he installed the new alternator?? thanks

 

The check engine light won't go off until the computer is reset.

As for the work... $1300 Canadian for a new alternator, perhaps the subframe under the engine bay?, maybe a replacement exhaust manifold?, new tires, etc. sounds about right, at least to me.

 

yea that doesn't sound bad at all some places were im from want 900 bucks to install coil overs.

 

If the check engine light is on, there is a problem.

Replacing the alternator involves disconnecting the battery, which will reset the computer.

You can try it again at home. With the key off, either disconnect the battery minus wire or pull the "BACK UP" fuse out of the fuse box under the hood. Wait a few minutes and reconnect.

A seemingly dead alternator and the CEL on could be the "fuse 15 problem" with those model years.

 

That doesn't seem expensive, when I used to be cartarded, firestone quoted me 1100 to install a camber kit, labor only.