Re: grand theft auto(repair)was Clutch Replacement 90CQ

["Gorman, Ken (PA62)" <Ken.Gorman@iac.honeywell.com>]

My power steering pump on my 1990 Audi 200T was leaking - I asked the q-list
to recommend a local (Philadelphia suburbs) competent mechanic with good
prices.  I got one response who had very good things to say about a specific
garage.  I took my car to him, didn't ask enough of the right questions, and
was a bit shocked when I was presented with a $520 bill ($375 pump, 2 hours
at $60, power steering fluid, tax).  I was charged full list price for the
power steering pump.  
I asked if he considered re-building the pump with a seal kit.  "Nope -
those kits never work - you're much better off with a new pump"
I asked if he used Pentosin - "Nope."  he answered.
"But regular p/s fluid will destroy the seals in the rack and the new pump"
I replied.
"No it won't.  The Audi p/s fluid is just a way for Audi to make more money"
he insisted.

I paid the bill and learned an expensive lesson - ask questions first -
before the repair.  BTW, I flushed the entire system and refilled with
pentosin.

Shortly thereafter, my water pump was making some major noises.  I had a
Blaufernugen catalog and saw prices for water pumps, timing belts, and
tensioners.  Fixing these things was a bit beyond my capabilities, however,
I didn't want to once again pay full list prices for parts.   I called
another garage in the area and asked if they'd install parts and just charge
labor.  They explained that part of their business was to make a profit on
the parts.  I asked if we could reach an agreement.  I offered the
following:  "If you will you replace the timing belt, tensioner, and water
pump for $300 total (parts and labor) you can have the job."
He accepted.  I was very pleased with the work and the price.  He now has a
committed customer.  BTW, if anyone wants a good, competent, HONEST mechanic
in suburban Philadelphia, I've been very pleased with:

Richboro Auto Imports - ask for Jim (owner)
881 2nd Street Pike
Richboro, PA
(215) 355-6325

Regards,

Ken
1990 Audi 200T (new p/s pump, timing belt, water pump, tensioner) 155K and
going strong!

Ken Gorman
Honeywell, Inc. - Industrial Automation and Control
1100 Virginia Drive - Mail Stop 105
Fort Washington, PA  19034
Phone (215) 641-3390    Fax (215) 641-3850
e-mail: Ken.Gorman@iac.honeywell.com