Talk of The Villages Florida - Help all auto buffs!!!

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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"

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsyarbie (Post 583059)

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:

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.

Thank You very much.

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.

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!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penguin (Post 583194)

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.