Dowdy's Automotive

I will start by saying that the techs were great and this review is not meant to be negative towards the team. However, I was quoted $5,700+ for a head gasket job on my Silverado. $3,825 for labor, $1,210 for parts, $700 for machine shop. I know there is a markup on parts but $285 for a set of spark plugs is insane (a set of premium plugs at Napa retails for $70-90). The gaskets themselves were quoted at $480 ($55 each at Texas Speed). And as for the labor, I don’t know how many hours the shop quoted this job for but many sources online are saying 12 hours is typical, I’ll work off 15 hours (because that’s what it took me to do it myself) and that comes to $255 per hour. This is price gouging, I would have been fine with a modest markup on parts and a shop rate of $145 with a reasonable time estimate. You do not need to charge your client more than a PS5 for a couple gaskets. Edit: I want to clarify in my review that when I mentioned “a couple gaskets” costing as much as a PS5, I’m referring to Dowdy’s quote breakdown specifically stating that the head gaskets alone would cost me $480. Not the entire parts list. And that other parts for water pump, fluids, head bolts, spark plugs, were also in the quote and in my opinion were also massively marked up.

These guys are top notch. They have now done two of my vehicles and they did not disappoint. There was a small issue with my pickup this time, a misunderstanding having the rear differential oil changed. I didn’t need it done because it had been done less than a year ago. When I brought it to their attention, there was no hesitation they zeroed that portion out with no questions asked. This is why I go back, very professional and honest. I will be taking a third vehicle to them as well. Thank you guys so much for your great work, honesty and the professionalism in your shop!!