Help all auto buffs!!!

[mrsyarbie]

Today I took my car to Tire Choice at Colony on 466a. Two weeks ago I had an oil change scheduled and ended up with new shock absorbers on the backend and the serpentine belt changed in addition to my oil change. Had no problems with my car up to that day. The charge was $471.83. I noticed over the last few weeks a tiny bit of clear stain on my garage floor upfront so I took it in to see if the oil filter was leaking. To my amazement they told me I had a bad power steering pump of which I have had no symptoms of a problem. When they called they said they already had everything apart and it would, and did cost me $1,245.00 to (that was with a 10% discount) replace it and all the fluids to go back into the new hose and pump. The pump itself cost me $789.00 Does this sound reasonable to you experts out there?? I am :cus: scared to go there everytime we take a vehicle there we walk out spending at least $500.00. Help!!!
What do you all think ???? barf So much for christmas gifts for the kids...

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I don't know about FL law, but the way it works in OH is that shops aren't allowed to begin work on anything without the prior authorization of the vehicle owner, either in writing or verbally.

If the shop is doing the work without your prior approval, I'd think you'd have something of substance to pursue.

Bill :)

[2BNTV]

I agree with Bill. My mechanic always called for approval before he needed to replace something and the bill would be greater than expected.

Going forward, I think I would find a different service shop. It sounds awfully expensive.

BTW - I am not an expert on cars but go to a trusted mechanic in CT.

[dgammon6]

Why would they need to take it apart to see a leak? Doesn't sound right to me.

[buzzy]

I think you were totally scammed. They should not have to take the whole system apart to detect a leak, and they should not have done any dis-assembly without your prior approval. We don't know the make or age of your car, but $789 sounds expensive for a PS pump, and most of these things come off with a few bolts.

[Ripcord13]

It sure sounds like they took advantage of you, $789 for a power steering pump? ridiculous, Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/power-steering-pump-replacement-cost.html)

[redwitch]

Time for Seniors vs. Crime?

[villagerjack]

WOW remind me to stay out of that place. I agree, call seniors against crime. You got ripped.

[Penguin]

I don't know about FL law, but the way it works in OH is that shops aren't allowed to begin work on anything without the prior authorization of the vehicle owner, either in writing or verbally.

If the shop is doing the work without your prior approval, I'd think you'd have something of substance to pursue.

Bill :)

Bill is right, its a federal law that no auto repair facility may perform repairs without your approval. As many of us have commented on this very subject, it is a common practice for these places to try and upsell. I've been in the business for 40 years and they do it to me all the time. Just always say no and get a second opinion.

[jimbo2012]

Did the OP get a written estimate?

If not it's a violation.

Florida Statutes 559.905 - Written motor vehicle repair estimate and disclosure statement required
Florida Statutes > Title XXXIII > Chapter 559 > Part IX > � 559.905. Written motor vehicle repair estimate and disclosure statement required

Current as of: 2011


(1) When any customer requests a motor vehicle repair shop to perform repair work on a motor vehicle, the cost of which repair work will exceed $100 to the customer, the shop shall prepare a written repair estimate, which is a form setting forth the estimated cost of repair work, including diagnostic work, before effecting any diagnostic work or repair. The written repair estimate shall also include the following items:

(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the motor vehicle repair shop.

(b) The name, address, and telephone number of the customer.

(c) The date and time of the written repair estimate.

(d) The year, make, model, odometer reading, and license tag number of the motor vehicle.

(e) The proposed work completion date.

(f) A general description of the customer�s problem or request for repair work or service relating to the motor vehicle.

(g) A statement as to whether the customer is being charged according to a flat rate or an hourly rate, or both.

(h) The estimated cost of repair which shall include any charge for shop supplies or for hazardous or other waste removal and, if a charge is included, the estimate shall include the following statement:

"This charge represents costs and profits to the motor vehicle repair facility for miscellaneous shop supplies or waste disposal."

If a charge is mandated by state or federal law, the estimate shall contain a statement identifying the law and the specific amount charged under the law.

(i) The charge for making a repair price estimate or, if the charge cannot be predetermined, the basis on which the charge will be calculated.

(j) The customer�s intended method of payment.

(k) The name and telephone number of another person who may authorize repair work, if the customer desires to designate such person.

(l) A statement indicating what, if anything, is guaranteed in connection with the repair work and the time and mileage period for which the guarantee is effective.

(m) A statement allowing the customer to indicate whether replaced parts should be saved for inspection or return.

(n) A statement indicating the daily charge for storing the customer�s motor vehicle after the customer has been notified that the repair work has been completed. However, no storage charges shall accrue or be due and payable for a period of 3 working days from the date of such notification.

(2) If the cost of repair work will exceed $100, the shop shall present to the customer a written notice conspicuously disclosing, in a separate, blocked section, only the following statement, in capital letters of at least 12-point type:

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, CHECK ONE OF THE STATEMENTS BELOW, AND SIGN:

I UNDERSTAND THAT, UNDER STATE LAW, I AM ENTITLED TO A WRITTEN ESTIMATE IF MY FINAL BILL WILL EXCEED $100.

[philnpat]

This outfit should be fined to the fullest extent that the law allows!...More importantly, the public should be aware of their tactics. Maybe we should take turns picketing the shop!

[gomoho]

I am sorry and disturbed to hear what happened to you at that shop. We have used them for oil changes, new tires, and various other issues and have never had a problem. Again sorry to hear this.

[blaZen]

Went there once, and they tried to sell me a brake fluid change!!!! Did not bite.

[jimbo2012]

I think there R many sales people & contractors that have in their mind ohhh those village folks are old farts and easy for the taking.

Similar to those that demand money upfront.

There are many (NOT all) unscrupulous people out there.

Don't be a victim, buyer beware.

[billethkid]

These types of shops and the "quickie" lube places all pay their mechanics a commission on parts and services......better known as upselling. It can be a fairly high percent some approaching 40%.

The best guide to services needed for your car is your owners manual. If it is not in there you DO NOT NEED IT!!!!

Before the mechanics even touched that steering flid device they should have called you. They should have explained what the SEE and how much to repair AND offer to show you the leak BEFORE ANY work is performed.

If all happened as described you most definitely have a case. If you have not talked to the store manager yet, he is your next step. If you have then ask to be in touch with the owner. Then the franchise holder next.

I use only the dealer where I buy my cars (I know some have a dislike of dealers for various reasons). After the warranty I swith to an independent mechanic/service location.....NO FRANCHISE MECHANICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

btk

[Challenger]

Many years ago I knew a new car dealer . I overheard his telephone conversation with his service manager where he was very excited . It seems that the dealer was reviewing a report that indicated that the average service job price had fallen below some $amount which the dealer wanted to exceed. The insuing rant was ugly and ended with the admonition that if it happened again , the service mngr would be looking for a new job. "Caveat Emptor"

[2 Oldcrabs]

Today I took my car to Tire Choice at Colony on 466a. Two weeks ago I had an oil change scheduled and ended up with new shock absorbers on the backend and the serpentine belt changed in addition to my oil change. Had no problems with my car up to that day. The charge was $471.83. I noticed over the last few weeks a tiny bit of clear stain on my garage floor upfront so I took it in to see if the oil filter was leaking. To my amazement they told me I had a bad power steering pump of which I have had no symptoms of a problem. When they called they said they already had everything apart and it would, and did cost me $1,245.00 to (that was with a 10% discount) replace it and all the fluids to go back into the new hose and pump. The pump itself cost me $789.00 Does this sound reasonable to you experts out there?? I am :cus: scared to go there everytime we take a vehicle there we walk out spending at least $500.00. Help!!!
What do you all think ???? barf So much for christmas gifts for the kids...

Sounds like you were ripped off. Depending on the car, the power steering pump may have been the pivot point to adjust the new serpentine belt. They may have overfilled the power steering fluid on the first trip there. They may have overtightend the belt and damaged the seal on the power steering pump. I have changed a few P.S. pumps and have never paid more than $125 for new and less for rebuild ones. You may want to do a search for a P.S. Pump for your make and model and see what it cost. Rock Auto may have the OEM pump. Check Auto Zone & Advance Auto for after market pump. You may want to contact Seniors vs Crime after you have the numbers. PM if you have trouble looking up the pump prices.:cus:

[GaryW]

Same at the other store on 466. Tried to get my wife to buy all kinds of stuff she did not need.
There have been alot of complaints about them. It is about time someone takes care of it.
I would not go there at all.

[coach 67]

Thank You very much.

[JoeC1947]

I agree that you were grossly overcharged which is not a crime in itself, however unethical. If you were given an estimate and agreed to it then it's a buyer beware thing. They can also charge you for the diagnosis if they told you about the charge upfront. My first career was as an auto mechanic so I know what goes on in dealerships and garages. Nothing has changed. Unless you're familiar with the workings of a car then you're destined to be ripped off at some point. Do a search for reputable auto mechanics on this site and never, never let a shop do work that you didn't come in for without first doing the research your self or, bring your car someplace else to get a second opinion from someone you trust however hard that may be. An honest shop can make as much profit as a dishonest shop because they will get more business due to word of mouth. I'm sorry that you and countless others are being ripped off.

[keithwand]

What year is the car in question and how many miles are on the odometer?

Has routine maintenance been handled through out?

Heck I had a 1989 Olds 98 Touring Sedan that was pretty much rebuilt (trans, springs, shocks, water and fuel pump, rear window def. never plugged in from the factory plus more) before it was 1 year old with 12,000 miles.

Haven't had another GM car since 1990!

[CarGuys]

Bill is right, its a federal law that no auto repair facility may perform repairs without your approval. As many of us have commented on this very subject, it is a common practice for these places to try and upsell. I've been in the business for 40 years and they do it to me all the time. Just always say no and get a second opinion.

What they said. No work can be performed without written approval.