MOT - headlamp insecure

[tonydee]

Hi, The wife has had her MOT done and it failed on an insecure headlamp. Basically whoever screwed it on has over tightened it and slightly cracked it.

They have requested that its changed but have quoted £145 plus VAT for the job. This incudes fitment (how long would that take?)

Now call me synical but is that a tad steep for just changing a headlamp?

Thanks for any advice

[glynn]

what car is it m8

[tonydee]

It's an iccle SEAT Arosa

[glynn]

the same as a vw polo sounds a bit steap but you never know i would make a phone call on monday and fit it your self or try a motor factors aswell as they will be able to get them too

[nutron]

Doesn't sound that step to me I'm afraid, you might get a cheaper light but you would have to fit it yourself. Most cars require the front bumper to be removed to fit the lights.

[Johnsdutton]

Difficult to say without seeing it, but I would buy some Araldite and smear it around broken part, leave to set 24 hours to be safe then file it flat drill new hole and refit. I know it sounds complicated but £5:00 for Araldite (maybe cheaper). Got to be worth a try.

[Signum_CDTI]

Difficult to say without seeing it, but I would buy some Araldite and smear it around broken part, leave to set 24 hours to be safe then file it flat drill new hole and refit. I know it sounds complicated but £5:00 for Araldite (maybe cheaper). Got to be worth a try.

try it, if it works then you aint out of pocket....

[Duncan]

Yep, as above.

As Nutron said, for a new headlight and fitting the price isn't too bad probably, as they often involve the removal of bumpers etc. If the Araldite things doesn't work, then maybe try what Nutron said - get one cheaper and DIY.

[big_dave]

try buying new light from these http://www.gsfcarparts.com/ they are cheap and a new ight on a seat is a doddle to fit

[tonydee]

I was away for the week when the wife took her car in and when she quoted this figure I thought they were trying it on, she is blonde afterall.

Now that I'm back I've done a little digging. I've asked the gargae in question for a breakdown in the quote so I can see how much the price of the headlamp is and how much they're charging for labour. He said he'll have to speak to his boss about that lol. He then went on to tell me the headlamp was well into 3 figures and they're haradly making anything on the job. He also stated it's a Lucas part (he told the wife he was going direct to SEAT).

I've phoned SEAT as these are bound to be the most expensive and they've quoted £84.18 +VAT. So looks like he's going for 2 hours labour on his quote. To change this headlamp is soooooo simple. No removal of bumpers or anything. It obviously needs to be checked for the correct alignment too. Max half hour job.

Just a few simple searches at various official car parts places chucks up an average price of £50 for the part required.

Looks like they've tried it on to me.