What does it cost to replace an alternator for a 2002 Saturn L200?

Answer 1

There will be a big cost variation for replacing an alternator.

Basically there are three things that you'll pay for:

1. The replacement alternator. A rebuilt alternator may include new bearings, brushes, diode plate and voltage regulator, depending on who did the work. If the rebuild process was done correctly, a rebuilt alternator can be just as good as a new one, but you have to be careful where you get it. Rebuilt is much cheaper and are often guaranteed for the life of the vehicle. A rebuilt alternator can typically be purchased for somewhere near $100.

2. Labor. It shouldn't take much more than an hour to remove and replace an alternator. Shop rates vary from one place to another, but plan on spending somewhere between $75 and $100 for labor unless you are able to do it yourself. If you do it yourself it will probably take longer than 1 hour though.

3. Markup/profit. Depending on the shop, there may be some significant mark-up on the parts. Often they will double the parts cost and charge "shop fees", which is actually them passing on the cost of having used oil picked up, shop rags, worker uniform cleaning and other related costs of doing business. Markup/profit is typically hidden in the bill, somewhere in the other prices.