Why are estimates so different between shops?

Three shops can honestly quote three different numbers on the same repair. Part quality is the biggest variable — a $40 aftermarket water pump and a $180 OEM water pump both fit the truck, but they don't have the same expected life. Labor rate and estimated hours vary too.

Scope is the sneaky one. A low estimate that doesn't include the coolant flush, thermostat, or drive belt that really should be replaced while the water pump is out isn't a savings — it's a repeat visit and duplicated labor in 6 months. A higher, complete estimate is often the cheaper total.

And sometimes shops are quoting different repairs entirely because their diagnoses differ. A misfire code isn't a repair — it's a symptom. If one shop says 'coil pack' and another says 'fuel injector,' at least one is guessing. Our written estimates spell out exactly what we found, why, and what we're recommending.