There are alot of shops that will rip you a new one every chance they can. The idea is to avoid them. Unless it's a major repair ALL maintanence can be done by a mechanically competent individual. It's not brain surgery.
The Zetec has had 3 transmissions installed in it. 2 of which were paid for to the tune of 3K each. The second time it was not taken to Ford due to their lack luster previous service but to a local transmission shop that offered a 3 year 36K warrenty on their work. Good thing two because it's been rebuilt twice since the first install.
Ford makes all their money on parts and the dealerships make tons on service. Ford parts have a standard 40% markup from Ford to the Dealer. So you pay 40% more for the part to buy it at a dealer then Ford charges the dealer. The only exeption is on FPP (Ford Performance Parts) which is 10-15% depending on the item.
Your best option would be to find a local mechanic who is ASE certified and has alot of experience with Late Model Fords and Imports. The late model part is key since they will have metric tools and experience working on 50% plastic vehicles with tons of electronics. A good independent Mechanic will usually charge 40-60 an hour. This will depend on what the going rate is in your area.
If the car is out of warrenty it is a very good idea to shop around and not just blindly take your car to the dealership. They live off of the older cars. Because they can plausably get away with telling you that due to age you should replace most of the system. I.E. "Since your compressor is going you'll likely need an evaporator, condensor, and dryer unit." Or the real message,"I'm going to make you pay as much as I can get away with because you'll blindly believe me."
Just my advice. Good luck.
