Bringing your own parts to a mechanic

What to ask, what the warranty covers and what labor costs, from what 125 shops and mobile mechanics on this site actually say.

Ask before you order the part

  • Will you install this exact part? Give the brand and part number. Some shops limit what they take: Indian Motorcycle of Denver (Denver, CO) wants parts that are new and OEM, RRT Automotive (Washington, DC) won't install internal engine parts, Kearney Garage (Denver, CO) takes only parts that aren't safety-critical, and Motorly (Philadelphia, PA) won't use used parts.
  • Is the labor rate the same? It can be: Baker Garage / Volvo Specialists - Denver (Denver, CO) charges its usual rate. Not always: Quality First Auto Service (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX) publishes $170 an hour with your parts against $140 standard.
  • What does the warranty cover? Usually the labor at most. See below.
  • What if the part is wrong or fails? Expect to pay for the labor again.
  • Do I need to sign anything? Subie Doctor (Denver, CO) has customers sign a waiver.

Warranty: the part is your problem

46 of the 125 listings say the warranty is limited when you supply the part. The part's own warranty stays with the store that sold it, so keep the receipt. Mobile Mechanic Pros (Tampa Bay, FL) puts it this way: “If you supply your own parts we'll fit them, but the warranty is between you and your supplier.”

If the part is wrong, you pay twice

16 listings say you still owe labor, a return visit or a trip fee when your part is wrong, doesn't fit or fails. Virginia Auto (Phoenix, AZ): if your part is wrong or doesn't fit, you pay all the labor. Mobanics (New York, NY) bills the labor even when your part is wrong. OMW Auto (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX) and AdoreParts Mobile Mechanic (Los Angeles, CA) still charge the trip fee if the part is wrong.

So check fitment for your exact vehicle before you order. Caleb's Car Care (San Antonio, TX) and Gordy Tire (Howell Mill) (Atlanta, GA) ask you to talk to them first.

What labor costs

13 listings publish labor prices. Hourly rates run from $95 to $230. The rest don't publish a rate, so ask for the labor price before you drop the car off.

Find one near you

Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tampa Bay, Washington, DC, or mobile mechanics who come to you.