Need to install two new back tires and have the pcar aligned (previous backs show lots of wear on the inside). Quotes I got this morning have me wondering if I am missing something:

1) Local Porsche Dealer - Great service but $80 for tires installed and $349 for alignment.
Total plus tax is $429.

2) Brilliant Indy shop - $100 for the installation and $165 for alignment.
Total plus tax is $265.

3) Big O Tires - $70 for the installation and $119 for the alignment.
Total plus tax is $189.

I figured the dealership would want my first born but why such a big difference between all three? Do I really need to pay 40% more money to go with my indy who I know is a Porsche pro or is alignment a layup and I can save the money and go Big O???

 

The application is relatively easy. Assuming you have already purchased the tires, I would choose Big O. If you have not purchased the tires, then that would be another fluctuating factor to consider. Good luck.

 

Different folks charge different amounts based on many factors. Go with the one you A) trust with the alignment or B) the cheapest one. Your concerns will only be assuaged by what feels right to you.

 

what happens if you go to the cheapest and they scratch the wheel? also, not all tire places do road force balancing, which is a must on porsches. after that is done, alignment should be between 100-150...

 

As for tire mounting and balancing, not all have balancing machines that will handle 10" wide wheels. Also specify you want taped weights on the inside. The cheaper wheels sometimes don't balance out all that well so static balancing requiring both inside and outside weights might be necessary.

I'm fortunate enough to live by a family run alignment only place that has been in biz over 30 yrs and also works on race cars too. $100 for 4 wheel alignment.

 

I made the mistake of going to Big O Tires for an alignment once. I'll never do that again! The people at my local store are morons. I wouldn't trust them to align anything...

My independent mechanic charges $317 for a proper four-wheel alignment. That's the only way to go in my opinion.

 

I need an alignment who's ths shop? And can they get low cars on?

 

I'd check with several local Porsche dealers (e.g. Stead, Livermore and Fremont). Their prices could be quite different. Also, there are some excellent independents in the area that I'd consider -- TC Designs in Milpitas and Custom Alignment in Mt. View are two that come to mind.

 

Who do you use? My car is getting the clutch replaced right now and will be going to Merrill Axle and Wheel Service for the alignment, which I heard was good. I agree, stay away from the local Big O, I was not impressed with them just replacing my rear tires a few weeks ago. I believe they damaged the underbelly of my car on their lift but have no way to prove it so I just get to live with it.

 

I use 3Zero3 Motorsports in Wheatridge. I've been very pleased with their work.

 

my dealer charges $30 for tire mounting and balancing.

$187 for 4 wheel aligment

JB

 

good info, I am also looking thinking of using my local independent but will ask for some of the items brought up on this post first.

 

A good four wheel alignment from a reputable shop should not cost you more than $200.... that's if everything is in good shape suspension wise and you don't have to replace warn parts.