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So I'm getting my heater core replaced on Tuesday and I was quoted $395 for the labor plus the price of the core itself. I told the guy that it was okay for him to acquire the new core for me, but I'm afraid of how much it will be. I called another shop before hand and was told the core costs $125, but I can only spend $642. I just don't want to exceed the limit on my first credit card.

As a side note the radiator shop in my town told me $800 for the job.

Why not call the shop up and ask how much it is?

They didn't have the price, they said they were going to "look" not really sure what they mean. Plus, they are closed for the night.

Then call them first thing in the morning and tell them to call you before they order it.

As an FYI, Rock Auto lists the heater core for about $60 and they are usually about 10% less than my locals, so I would say $70-$90 would be most likely...

$72 at Advance Auto in East TN.

It really depends on where they get it from, and how much they mark it up. You will pay more with them getting it, vs what you can go to a parts store and buy it yourself. You are basically paying $$ for their paperwork, because odds are the parts store will deliver it.

I'm sure OP has already found out by now tho.

A cheap easy temporary solution is to bypass the heater core completely with the heater hoses under the hood.

Heat only makes you warm anyways... who needs heat?

Says the guy who no longer worries about defrosting his windshield.

I called 'em up earlier, $100.90 for the core.

price is better than what i thought but arent heater cores a bitch to replace and get to??

Nah. Just pull out the whole dash and replace. Easy!

Danteneon wrote:Nah. Just pull out the whole dash and replace. Easy!

Easy to say... but a lot of labour involved.

Bad design to make it so difficult to replace considering they sometimes spring leaks.

If this happens with mine I will have it bypassed and just live with it... don't need more heat in Texas even in the winter down here!

My reply was in jest. It is a good amount of work, but for someone who has gutted several Neons already, it is pretty easy.

Paul56 wrote:
Bad design to make it so difficult to replace considering they sometimes spring leaks.

They have been implementing that "design" long before the neon.


It still sucks tho.

occasional demons wrote:

Paul56 wrote:
Bad design to make it so difficult to replace considering they sometimes spring leaks.

They have been implementing that "design" long before the neon.


It still sucks tho.

Sadly... yes!

I had a 1972 Ford Pinto where I had to replace the heater core.

Did the job myself... what a pain in the ass that was.

That's why I'm getting it done professionally, well that's what they call themselves anyway.

So I got it done today and it only cost $407, so much cheaper then I thought. It works great now, but the only thing is there is a slight hissing sound that comes from the HVAC control area. it's less noticeable when I switch it off of vent, is this normal?

They prolly didn't get a vacuum line on all the way, or one developed a leak.

Is it something I should bring Back or is it possible to do myself?

You paid them to do the work, the work isn't finished so let them do it.

Well, they are closed now so I have to do it first thing the am, is it serious with the leak?

No. It prolly isn't anything the IAC can't take care of. Otherwise your idle would be a bit high.

That's annoying, anyway thanks for the help. I'll be sure to get in touch with them tomorrow