Desert Volkswagen David Durrill Cheating. Dishonest, Greedy, unconscionable Las Vegas, Nevada

They diagnosed that I needed a new alternator. Locally, a new alternator costs~$150. Their estimate was for $1100...later amended +13% to $1,240 (plus shop material charges, sales tax, etc. etc.).

What was the complaint? Did they recommend something else? To install one it is 1.5-2 hours depending on the dealer. The Generator is about $400 the dealership can't even buy the part for 150. Given the Cost, I would say they recommended other things.

Not a rip-off indeed. $150 for a diagnosis at a dealership is par for the course.

By opting to deal with a dealership you chose the absolute most expensive avenue to have your vehicle serviced. Once the warranty is expired dealerships should be a last resort. The equation is simple: operating a dealership is more costly than running an independent auto repair shop and therefore customers are charged more, usually about twice the hourly rate of most local shops. Also dealerships use original parts which are considerably more expensive than generic ones, and should only be used on vehicles still under warranty so as to not void it. Otherwise many generic parts are just as good, some even better.

Want to save money? Anything you can DIY you DIY. If you don't know what's wrong with the vehicle have it diagnosed by a reputable independent mechanic, then do the repair yourself if possible. If not, deal with a shop that agrees to install parts brought in by customers, you'll save a bundle.    

The diagnosis is a service. The service is not free. Other shop fees is not a factor.

The estimate you were given is way overpriced but not a rip off because a merchant has the right to charge whatever they want.