Dodgy workshops and workshops praying on uninformed motorist
Posted: 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]
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]
