I just got word from the local dealership that my 1995 Bonneville needs major (atleast in $$$) repairs. Oil leakage requires replacement of the valve cover, oil pan gasket and intake gasket. Also a coolant leak requires replacement of the upper plenum. Estimated dealer price to make these repairs is $1200 +. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if some or all of these could be done by an experienced mechanic at home, and are aftermarket parts a no-no.

Forget about dealership repair shops. They over-charge anyway. There is bound to be a cheaper estimate. Most good mechanics can get that done for you faster, and cheaper. Forget about aftermarket parts on bonnies... I've heard bad things. I dare not try. Good Luck.

Originally posted by neoky1998
Forget about dealership repair shops. They over-charge anyway.

And you know this to be a fact! Since you aimed that insult at me! I'll state a fact for you I have seen what these indy shop do for you. They throw some parts on the car charge you money and when it still isn't fixed they throw their hands up in the air and tell you to go to the dealer who charges you the correct amount for the repair and not money for repairs that didn't fix a thing!!

Their are 2 ways to fix a car, fix it and fix it right which one do you want?

In my area of the country we are not the highest in labor rate the indies are! All shops use the same labor rate book so the labor is usually pretty close!