[s-cars] Head gasket: 2850$ (longuish)

[Djdawson2 at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/18/2005 8:57:50 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
brucem105 at comcast.net writes:

> I don't agree, and I've worked on lots of stuff in different industries. 
> Shoestring budgets and not being rich have nothing to do with being fair and 
> honest. There are laws against this sort of thing for a reason!


I have also worked in a bunch of industries, including working as an auto 
mechanic in a shop for 4 years putting myself through college.  I agree with your 
points, and I agree for the need for laws restricting such actions.  However, 
I think that jumping to the conclusion that something unfair and/or dishonest 
occurred is premature.  I've seen numerous posts from guys on this list and 
the 200 20v list that have spent $3k having their top ends serviced.  I 
wouldn't call this figure abnormal.

>   
> The guy made a major mistake (maybe honest, maybe not) in more than doubling 
> the cost of the quoted repair without first informing his customer. So now 
> the benefit of the doubt beyond the original quote has to go to the customer, 
> as the mechanic lost his benefit of the doubt by his actions.


Agreed... 100%.

>   
> I did not advocate screwing him, but rather getting the car at either 
> originally quoted rate or under protection laws if it becomes a hassle, and once 
> verifying the work was done well, working out something fair. 


I simply suggested working out something fair... try and skip the legal crap. 
 Come up with independent figures that are valid, and present that to the 
mechanic, and work something out.  This is exactly what I suggested he do.  The 
only thing I objected to was, as you said:


> If it were me, I'd get my car out of there for free, or as close to it as 
> possible based on the Canadian consumer protection agency, with the repair 
> work done. THEN I'd call him and try to work out something you feel is 
> reasonable and fair if the work was done properly.

Do this, and I think he'll never have a good working relationship with the 
shop again.

>  
> Paying that kind of overcharge up front is silly to me. And I totally 
> disagree that any professional working on a customer's car should put 120 miles on 
> it without first informing the customer that those type of miles are needed 
> to shake it down. But then, if he didn't tell his customer about the 130% 
> upcharge, why would he say anything about the long joyride?
>   
> 

I never suggested he pay that amount up front, but to come up with what he 
believes to be a reasonable figure, and approach him with that.  Good shops are 
hard to find... so I'll reiterate ... if he wants to maintain a relationship 
with the shop for the future, legal actions should be used as a last resort.  
Negotiate a win-win without legal action, and everyone is happy in the long 
run.

I won't bother addressing the "joyride," that's the least of his concerns... 
again a statement that implies "guilty until proven innocent."

That's all I've got on this topic... flame away.
Dave in CO