I brought my car into a chrysler dealership because it was not running and i had a coolant leak. They got my car running and told me it would be around $1700. I am not sure exactly what they did. They then looked at the coolant system and replace the water pump and thermostat and some other things. They where also going to replace my front brake pads and rotors. Bringing the bill to roughly around $4000. Once the coolant system was fixed they told me my car will not run above and idle. They suggested flushing the fuel system and i believe the transmission. Which was another $130 they said they gave me a break on that. But they said if that didn't fix the problem it might be the valve train i think. Anyway this seems quite a high price for doing engine work when i could have probable bought a rebuilt engine for the same price, My car has now been in the garage for about 2 weeks. Does anyone have any advice?
2007-02-07 13:27:45 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am a 22 year Goodyear ASE master tech and I totally agree with Mark F. How can anyone say that dealer is a rip off without even YOU knowing what they did? Auto repair is expensive, but most people are stuck in the days of the 100 dollar repair. Well those days are long gone and the days of cars costing 8-10 thousand are long gone too. Lets see, a car can cost 40-50 thousand dollars, yet 1700$ is high? Lets get a list of everything that was done and then make a acurate diagnosis of the costs. ps, you have the right as a customer to say yes or no to all repairs befoe they are performed.
2007-02-07 14:49:56 · answer #1 · answered by mrautomechanic 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its a newer car they should be able to hook it up to the computer and diagnose the problem or atleast narrow it down. I would ask for a list of all the stuff that they did and ask for all the old parts back. Allot of places charge you for replacing stuff that dont get replaced. I would then call around and ask a few places what they would charge for the same thing. Dealerships usually charge a little more than other places but it shouldnt be drastic. If its drasticly different I would threaten to call the Better Business bureau. I believe you can look on the BBB website and see if the company has had any complaints. I would call the bbb if that didnt work. Your state might have laws that help you.
2007-02-07 13:43:37 · answer #2 · answered by Brian S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The charges seem excessive for the work you indicate was performed. Yes, you could have purchased a rebuilt engine for $4000; probably much less. Insofar as advice is concerned: It's hard to suggest a course of action from where you are at this point. You may want to consult an attorney who specializes in consumer-related issues.
2007-02-07 13:40:07 · answer #3 · answered by trucktrout 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure how you expect anyone to make an accurate value judgement on the work done since you are so completely vague about what work exactly was done and don't even mention the year/make/model/engine of the vehicle in questions. All the basic fundamental information needed to answer your question is missing.
For $1,700 you don't even know what they did??????
I do have advice. Take a more active role in exactly what it is you are having done to your car.
2007-02-07 14:33:18 · answer #4 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Every state has a "watchdog agency" of some sort that oversees the auto industry. They are generally administered by the State's Attorney General's office. Contact that agency and ask for help.
In California it is callde the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Happy motoring
2007-02-07 13:37:53 · answer #5 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never take it to a dealership when paying for it yourself. They are the most outrageously priced mechanics around, best certified for your make and model but is it worth $75/hr? Our mechanic (friend) only gets about $19 out of that $75!! You got taken for a RIDE...that's awful. You can buy a used car for $4,000! What year, make / model is your car? Parts can take a while to come in...I've heard of the guys waiting up to 7 days just for the right parts to come in!
2007-02-07 13:38:36 · answer #6 · answered by luv2bake 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
YES, you are being ripped off!! 1700 to fix a coolant leak...... you can replace the engine for 1700..... and charge $4000 for repairs... now you can get a new Dodge hemi for 4 grand..... tell me what shop that is so I can drive over there and throw dog poop at their faces!! LOL!!
2007-02-07 13:37:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
well...i work in a shop as a mechanic....and deep engine work is very expensive and labor intensive....
but somethings to consider are
the labor rate of the shop
the time it takes to do the job right
the parts
and taxes
hazardous materials disposal
so factoring all that in it can be quite expensive...
2007-02-07 13:35:40 · answer #8 · answered by ke6mdw13 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any work at a dealership = rip-off
Head gasket replacement at a Chrysler dealer $ 2,100.00.
Same job at a licenced private shop $1195.00
Guess were I had my work done.
Remember > the so called service consultant at the dealership is a commissioned sales person, they make $$ on every dollar they talk you into spending, that is fact.
Are you being ripped off, Yes big time !
2007-02-07 13:44:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
did you sign for all the repairs ? if you didnt you call the owner of the dealer itself because in some cases the owner doesnt even know i think he will help you if he dont get them to court GOOD LUCK
2007-02-07 13:40:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋