Dodgy workshops and workshops praying on uninformed motorist

FTEvolution · Post by **FTEvolution** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:30 pm

I was just reading this thread and it got me thinking, how many people have had horror stories about getting reamed at a workshop?

Perhaps people could give tips about how to deal with the BS that happens continually, I mean, not everyone has even basic knowledge of cars or a mechanic they know when they need work done.

There are a few basics that I always do when taking my car to a mechanic or sparky that I haven't been to before:

"My car currently has xx,xxx k's on it, I know that you will need to road test it, but if it has done more than (insert justified number here) when I return, I will not be paying for it."

Some may think it's anal, but I had an acquaintance not long ago who was just a gopher at a workshop, yet his foreman would let him take any car that went in for a joyride, he used to see a car around town and say crap like "bro, that skyline does mean skids aye, I took it for a play last week."

"I know that you will need to pull it apart first to find out what is wrong, but I want to know what needs to be done to the car BEFORE any work is started, with the chance for me to have a look first if necessary. Any work that is done without consulting with me will not be paid for."

I got stung big time a long time ago with an old turbo SSS Bluebird, I took it in for an oil change and when I returned I was told that they had to replace all of the water lines around the engine, with a bill of over $800. I asked them to show me, they had indeed installed them, but had conveniently thrown out the old parts (which were probably worn, but not leaking at all).

I paid the bill and just took it as a learning experience.

The next time I played the card that I detailed above, this time an exhaust shop, when I was called they told me that I needed to replace the manifold as it was warped and of course the gasket before they could fix my sticking internal wastegate, I thought that was fair enough if necessary but told them to hold on and I would call back.

I took my dad's mate along, who is a mechanic, he listened patiently as they told me about everything that needed to be done, then entered into his little tirade and debunked the supposed issues. The manifold wasn't warped and I didn't need a new gasket.

A very red faced workshop manager subsequently offered to do the work for nothing.

To some up, be very vigilant, and get advice. You are the boss when people look at your car as it is you who are paying for it. Don't let yourself get screwed over.[/list]

sublime19 · Post by **sublime19** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:51 pm

Very nice post, and very well written. Will keep this in mind, thanks

J · Post by J » Mon Dec 22, 2008 4:35 pm

sublime19 wrote:Very nice post, and very well written. Will keep this in mind, thanks

+1 good advice

Post by **I8A4RE** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:28 pm

Well i was a mechanic for almost 5 yrs and i can honestly say they are a bunch of rip off wankers.

I hear soo many stories every day, here on the forum and people at work etc who are constantly having issues with workshops.

The only thing i can suggest is study up when ever you have an issue on the net as there is soo much info out there or get a second opinion.

It used to be really only woman who would get prayed upon like this but since vehicles have got more and more advanced the knowledge gap has got wider and wider.

Post by **BorepYano** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:31 pm

jay6 wrote:
sublime19 wrote:Very nice post, and very well written. Will keep this in mind, thanks
+1 good advice

+1 lol

J · Post by J » Mon Dec 22, 2008 6:15 pm

BorepYano wrote:
jay6 wrote:
sublime19 wrote:Very nice post, and very well written. Will keep this in mind, thanks
+1 good advice
+1 lol

Woah its borep again!!!

sublime19 · Post by **sublime19** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:38 pm

I8A4RE wrote:Well i was a mechanic for almost 5 yrs and i can honestly say they are a bunch of rip off wankers.

I hear soo many stories every day, here on the forum and people at work etc who are constantly having issues with workshops.

The only thing i can suggest is study up when ever you have an issue on the net as there is soo much info out there or get a second opinion.

It used to be really only woman who would get prayed upon like this but since vehicles have got more and more advanced the knowledge gap has got wider and wider.

so what do u do now that your not a mechanic anymore? and surprised u gave up that profession after doing it for 5 years (being the enthusiast that you are)

Post by **Bennoz** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 8:47 am

The key is to ask for a quote before doing any work. Once you have your quote, go ask someone you know if it seems reasonable - such as posting up here.

Post by **I8A4RE** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:53 am

sublime19 wrote:
I8A4RE wrote:Well i was a mechanic for almost 5 yrs and i can honestly say they are a bunch of rip off wankers.

I hear soo many stories every day, here on the forum and people at work etc who are constantly having issues with workshops.

The only thing i can suggest is study up when ever you have an issue on the net as there is soo much info out there or get a second opinion.

It used to be really only woman who would get prayed upon like this but since vehicles have got more and more advanced the knowledge gap has got wider and wider.
so what do you do now that your not a mechanic anymore? and surprised you gave up that profession after doing it for 5 years (being the enthusiast that you are)

It was in NZ and seriously so F&*ken cold, wages were absolutly crap, working on cars all day, the last thing i wanted to do was work on my car, sick of being associated with people who specialise at ripping people off etc etc etc.

However, i have considered getting back into but if i did i would start my own workshop. F&*k working for someone else

Post by **vipfto** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:57 pm

+1^ wages are sh*t and try working on a car when its not even above 5 degress during day or minus 5 when you start in morning

rock_it · Post by **rock_it** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 9:07 am

I8A4RE wrote:
However, i have considered getting back into but if i did i would start my own workshop. F&*k working for someone else

Truer words could not be spoken ... I am sure if you go down that path, and have the strong work ethic that it apears you have... I am sure you will do well ... Just too bad you are not in NSW ...

zuihoujueding · Post by **zuihoujueding** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:09 am

Men are getting rip off as well, perhaps not as much as the ladies. I just got ripped off two months ago. Take it as a lesson as i'll try to be more tough next time. haveto remember, im the client!
And yeah, research as much and get quotes as much as you can.