I just took my car to my regular Saab shop in Michigan for an oil change and to prepare for the long drive back to Phoenix. I mentioned that I'd had some work done on my car while I was in Phoenix, and showed the receipt to my mechanic.
I learned that a part that Swedish Auto Werks charged me $450 dollars for would have cost me $60 in Michigan. Additionally, they replaced hoses that my mechanic said generally do not wear out on Saabs. And he said I was charged twice the hours of labor that he would charge for the same job.
To be clear, I think Swedish Auto Werks did good work. They were nice, did the work in a timely manner, even provided me with a free rental car for the day.
I was hoping that Swedish Auto Werks was going to be my trusted Phoenix-area mechanic. I might still do oil changes or small jobs there, but I can no longer trust them to give fair prices on parts and labor.
I'm not sure if they saw my out-of-town plates and decided to overcharge, or if they do this to everyone. Caveat emptor. If they give you an estimate that seems dear, do some research and make sure it's fair.