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+--- Thread: Gripe about rip off auto shops (/showthread.php?tid=2533)
Gripe about rip off auto shops - JB3 - 04-20-2011
The other day I was introduced to a buddy of mine's new GF, an attractive petite brunette.
It turns out that her car of choice is a silver 1983 240D auto in decent condition, which she maintains well, but otherwise has no desire or inclination to work on it, she just likes the way it sounds, and how it looks.
Recently she had a no start problem, which turned out to be the starter, and she showed me the receipt from the auto shop that did the work.
This guy charged her nearly 800 dollars to replace the starter! $250 and change for the starter itself, (not that unusual), but a whopping $500 bucks in labor to do what I consider to be a 45 minute job if you are taking it easy on your back with the car up on a pair of ramps, especially on a 240!
The most amazing part is his justification, he gave her a 9 page receipt that reads like a book.
Under labor, he lists (and im not joking)
-Tried to start car
-Pushed vehicle into garage
-Pushed vehicle onto lift
-Opened hood to access engine for repair
-Protected fenders with fender covers
-Raised vehicle to appropriate height
-Attached battery tender to save presets on radio
ect, this crap goes on for pages through every single physical action he did in relation to the job, ive never seen anything like it. Its actually kind of difficult to understand what was actually wrong with the car with all this nonsense on the paperwork. I can't believe that this guy actually spelled out "opening the hood" as part of the billable labor. I think most people would take that for granted that to access the engine, you must first look at it.
RE: Gripe about rip off auto shops - 300D50 - 04-20-2011
I'd contact the BBB...
RE: Gripe about rip off auto shops - willbhere4u - 04-20-2011
Dam that sucks! I think on a lift 15mis is possible with out opening the hood!
RE: Gripe about rip off auto shops - JB3 - 05-08-2011
development.
I feel sorry for this chick.
Problem-
No start, no charge, beginning 3 months ago
Solution by three different shops-
New starter, new alternator, new battery, another new starter. All said and done, near 2000 dollars in repairs with outrageous labor charges for simple jobs. Car is out of action for damn near 5 weeks of the last 2 months
Actual problem-
Turned out to be a broken wire between alternator and starter/battery. Wiring harness had sanded on the engine mount metal heat shield. 15 minutes and some electrical tape solution.