Understanding Our Pricing: Our Commitment to Transparency and Value

At Covenant Automotive, we understand that auto repair is a significant investment. We know that our customers are savvy, and we welcome the fact that many of you research parts and repair procedures online. We believe that an informed customer is our best customer.

Because some of our core values are Quality, Service, and Transparency, we want to be completely open about how we structure our pricing, why our estimates look the way they do, and communicate to you the true value you receive when you trust us with your vehicle.

If you have questions about your quote, or how it compares to prices you’ve seen online, we hope this guide provides clarity and peace of mind.

How We Calculate Labor Times

It is common to find "book times" for auto repairs online. However, standard book times are calculated based on working with a brand-new vehicle in a pristine factory environment.

As vehicles age, incidental difficulties arise due to rust, degradation, and the hardening of various materials and components. This naturally increases the time required to complete a job properly. To account for this, our labor guide uses a graduated multiplier based on the age and condition of the vehicle.

Additionally, we always look out for your bottom line:

• Overlapping Labor: When multiple repairs require the removal of the same parts (such as draining coolant for both a radiator and a water pump), we actively calculate that overlap and reduce the billed labor time accordingly. You will never pay twice for the same step.

• Diagnostic Fees: Our standalone initial diagnostic fee is $175. However, as a courtesy to our clients, we typically waive some or all of that fee when you approve the recommended repairs.

Parts Pricing & Our 3-Year Warranty

We are often asked why our part prices are higher than standard online retail prices. Ultimately, the price of our parts directly reflects the long-term value and protection we provide to you.

When you purchase a part through us, the markup covers two critical things:

1. Expertise & Sourcing: You are receiving the value of our expertise in selecting the absolute best, highest-quality OEM or premium aftermarket parts to ensure a reliable repair.

2. Our Unmatched Warranty: We provide a comprehensive 3-year warranty on both the parts and the labor to install them. For context, the Lexus and Toyota dealership parts warranty is only 12 months. We stand behind our work for triple the time the dealer does, and that peace of mind is factored into the cost of the parts we supply.

Our Sustainable Business Model

Operating a state-of-the-art repair facility requires maintaining a sustainable profit margin. Our business model is intentionally designed to spread this margin evenly between parts and labor.

If we were to sell parts at online retail prices, we would be forced to raise our hourly labor rate to well over $220 per hour just to cover the costs of doing business and employing top-tier experts. Spreading the cost allows us to keep our labor rates reasonable while still standing firmly behind our 3-year warranty.

The Dealership Alternative

We are not a budget repair shop, and we do not try to compete with discount mechanics. We are true, specialized Lexus and Toyota experts, and our only real competition is the dealership.

Our final invoice is typically 10% to 15% lower than the same repair at a Lexus dealership, but we provide three times the warranty and a highly personalized level of customer care. Because our pricing accurately reflects the high quality of our work, we do not price-match or offer to beat other independent shops' quotes. (We will, however, gladly beat a Lexus dealership estimate).

Our Promise to You

We don't use aggressive marketing tactics, gimmicks, or loss-leaders to earn your business. We prioritize a long-term relationship with you above any immediate sale.

When you review a quote from Covenant Automotive, you can know with absolute certainty that we are being transparent, we are recommending exactly what we believe your vehicle needs (and telling you what can safely be deferred), and that we will execute the repair at the highest level of skill.

We treat every customer like a guest in our own home. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and we are always here to answer any specific questions you have about your vehicle's estimate.