This past winter I had my truck at a local tire shop for an oil change because it was -11 outside. They told me 2 seals on the diff. were bad and wanted $650 to fix it. At the time I wasn't in a good position to have it done, but they said I could go a while with no issues (seemed a little odd but I went with it for the time). Anyway, fast forward to a month ago when my transmission went. I was in a much better spot so decided to have it taken care of. I told the guy at the transmission/differential place about it to get a quote. He went to take a look, and lo and behold, no issues! Flat out lied. Needless to say they aren't gonna see me again. And a few days ago a buddy had his old corsica in for a fuel injector problem, and of course his starter went out when he was there (right......)anyways he tried to get the old starter back, even offered to pay for the core (as he told me) and they wouldn't return it. Charged him $400 to replace that. Ok, im done now, just made me mad....
This is why I hate shops!
- Thread starter renegade_987
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Report them to the Better Business Bureau.
Dept of Consumer Protection....
In CT, one is entitled to receive all replaced parts if requested prior to the repair. However an exception is granted for parts that need to be returned due to warranty work, or can be rebuilt.
One is entitled to inspect any parts not eligible to be returned.
Obviously not applicable to you, but just an FYI for others.
In CT, one is entitled to receive all replaced parts if requested prior to the repair. However an exception is granted for parts that need to be returned due to warranty work, or can be rebuilt.
One is entitled to inspect any parts not eligible to be returned.
Obviously not applicable to you, but just an FYI for others.
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Dept of Consumer Protection....
In CT, one is entitled to receive all replaced parts if requested prior to the repair. However an exception is granted for parts that need to be returned due to warranty work, or can be rebuilt.
One is entitled to inspect any parts not eligible to be returned.
Obviously not applicable to you, but just an FYI for others.
It's the same in CA, so I'd suggest looking up similar laws in your state.
Dept of Consumer Protection....
In CT, one is entitled to receive all replaced parts if requested prior to the repair. However an exception is granted for parts that need to be returned due to warranty work, or can be rebuilt.
One is entitled to inspect any parts not eligible to be returned.
Obviously not applicable to you, but just an FYI for others.
It's the same in CA, so I'd suggest looking up similar laws in your state.
Find a good indy. They are out there. Most do not mind me bringing in parts. Although I normally bring in better parts than they are going to get by calling NAPA.
If people only knew how often a "shop" or "mechanic" exploits their ignorance for free money, it's unbelievable. Almost makes me want to open a totally honest shop and build a rep on honesty and transparency..
My shop, more often than not, recommends not to replace/repair while I do. Example, I like to replace the original upper radiator hose in my LS400 after 11-12 years 180-200k miles, my mechanic said they are in good condition and no need to change it.
3-4 years later I had the car in for another service he mentioned that the hose started to have a leak so it was time to replace, but he think that the lower hose was in good condition and keep it. Until now the lower hose still working good.
A good/honest mechanic is hard to find but they are available.
3-4 years later I had the car in for another service he mentioned that the hose started to have a leak so it was time to replace, but he think that the lower hose was in good condition and keep it. Until now the lower hose still working good.
A good/honest mechanic is hard to find but they are available.
Originally Posted By: jrustles
If people only knew how often a "shop" or "mechanic" exploits their ignorance for free money, it's unbelievable. Almost makes me want to open a totally honest shop and build a rep on honesty and transparency..
Must be an American thing. I've been a mechanic for 43 years and worked in a lot of shops - I've never, ever seen a fault ''made up'' that never existed. Sometimes customers want jobs done that we think are pointless because there's nothing wrong, but the reverse has never been true....in my country.
If people only knew how often a "shop" or "mechanic" exploits their ignorance for free money, it's unbelievable. Almost makes me want to open a totally honest shop and build a rep on honesty and transparency..
Must be an American thing. I've been a mechanic for 43 years and worked in a lot of shops - I've never, ever seen a fault ''made up'' that never existed. Sometimes customers want jobs done that we think are pointless because there's nothing wrong, but the reverse has never been true....in my country.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
My shop, more often than not, recommends not to replace/repair while I do. Example, I like to replace the original upper radiator hose in my LS400 after 11-12 years 180-200k miles, my mechanic said they are in good condition and no need to change it.
3-4 years later I had the car in for another service he mentioned that the hose started to have a leak so it was time to replace, but he think that the lower hose was in good condition and keep it. Until now the lower hose still working good.
A good/honest mechanic is hard to find but they are available.
+1
My shop, more often than not, recommends not to replace/repair while I do. Example, I like to replace the original upper radiator hose in my LS400 after 11-12 years 180-200k miles, my mechanic said they are in good condition and no need to change it.
3-4 years later I had the car in for another service he mentioned that the hose started to have a leak so it was time to replace, but he think that the lower hose was in good condition and keep it. Until now the lower hose still working good.
A good/honest mechanic is hard to find but they are available.
+1
Originally Posted By: Silk
Originally Posted By: jrustles
If people only knew how often a "shop" or "mechanic" exploits their ignorance for free money, it's unbelievable. Almost makes me want to open a totally honest shop and build a rep on honesty and transparency..
Must be an American thing. I've been a mechanic for 43 years and worked in a lot of shops - I've never, ever seen a fault ''made up'' that never existed. Sometimes customers want jobs done that we think are pointless because there's nothing wrong, but the reverse has never been true....in my country.
I haven't even seen a BOLD FACE lie but i've seen/heard major exaggeration. Minor oil leaks or minor seepage turned into HUGE oil leaks. Small items broken but they quote things that are in the area as well (in some cases its to save money but also to make money). I'm not talking about common sense things like water pump and tensioner with a timing belt, i'm talking about a bad cat and they quote replacement of the cat and all o2 sensors and MAF. A little grease coming off the top of the balljoint or tierod and they claim it to be completely broken, torn and worn.
Originally Posted By: jrustles
If people only knew how often a "shop" or "mechanic" exploits their ignorance for free money, it's unbelievable. Almost makes me want to open a totally honest shop and build a rep on honesty and transparency..
Must be an American thing. I've been a mechanic for 43 years and worked in a lot of shops - I've never, ever seen a fault ''made up'' that never existed. Sometimes customers want jobs done that we think are pointless because there's nothing wrong, but the reverse has never been true....in my country.
I haven't even seen a BOLD FACE lie but i've seen/heard major exaggeration. Minor oil leaks or minor seepage turned into HUGE oil leaks. Small items broken but they quote things that are in the area as well (in some cases its to save money but also to make money). I'm not talking about common sense things like water pump and tensioner with a timing belt, i'm talking about a bad cat and they quote replacement of the cat and all o2 sensors and MAF. A little grease coming off the top of the balljoint or tierod and they claim it to be completely broken, torn and worn.
The shop that I trust is very careful in recommending any repair/replacement part(s). One time I saw them cleaning very dirty/clogged air filter then reinstalled it, when customer picked up the car he mentioned that the air filter was cleaned but it is needed to be replaced on the next oil change. If I was him I would replace the air filter and show the old one to the customer. Because customer wanted oil change only, replacing clogged air filter without prior approval is more or less an up sell, he didn't want to be accused of that.
Find a good Indy shop and stick with them.
I will gladly pay 20% for any repair and get quality work done.
I will gladly pay 20% for any repair and get quality work done.
** Correction **
I will gladly pay 20% more for any repair and get quality work done.
Off Topic:
I know an awesome Indy shop in the Palm Beach area if someone down here in south FL needs a shop. PM if you want their info.
I will gladly pay 20% more for any repair and get quality work done.
Off Topic:
I know an awesome Indy shop in the Palm Beach area if someone down here in south FL needs a shop. PM if you want their info.
^^^Likewise. I always manage to find a great indy around where I live to help with the oddball stuff we just can't handle in-house.
I have the BEST guy in the Tampa Bay area if anyone needs a referral!
I have the BEST guy in the Tampa Bay area if anyone needs a referral!
Working in a shop on a "seized" engine, I discovered it was just hydrolocked with ATF by a bad vacuum modulator or transfer case switch. The crook of a boss had me pull the engine anyway. He supposedly had a wrecking yard used engine on the way. I quit before the job was done.
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