They gave me a quote of $1600 to fix my durango's transmission here in arizona when the called me to tell me it was ready they said the bill is $3200 and said they told me that the base price was $1600. Bull$*%*! Can they do that? am i screwed? it that Legal?
2007-03-11 08:17:39 · 15 answers · asked by jae 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
read the estimate copy that was given. all the fine print. I think that f--ked up personally they should have at least call you and said something hey my estimate is kinda low do you still want to continue. what was wrong with your trans drangos haven't been out that long, and I wound be surprised if they couldn't of repaired it for less assuming for that price you got a replacement
2007-03-11 08:24:05 · answer #1 · answered by whynot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This all depends on whether or not the estimate was given in writing. Where I work we give a written estimate (includes parts and labor)for anything that comes in for service even if it is not directly part of the concern. If you have a written estimate then see if it includes parts and labor. Was it an independent shop or a dealership? If it was a dealership ask to speak with the service manager and have them explain exactly why you were told 1600 but actually charged 3200. We have to get every little thing approved by the customer if it will charge more than the estimated price. Honestly, I do not think that it is legal and you should find out why even if 1600 was just the base price you were charged twice as much as the base price. Or call a Dodge dealership and tell them what they fixed but call it an estimate and ask them for an estimate.
2007-03-11 08:36:21 · answer #2 · answered by linea843 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you agreed to it. Always have it in writing that you be called if the charges get past a certain point for any reason! This pre-inspection uncertainty is bound to result in misunderstanding and disagreement in some cases.
A few unethical auto repairmen use this uncertainty to their advantage. Most, however, simply are frustrated by it. They would prefer to give complete and precise repair cost quotes in advance, but they cannot.
Automobile owners should be aware of an Arizona law that gives garages, service stations and repair facilities a lien for the value of labor, materials and storage charges on cars that they work on. The lien allows the repairman to hold the car until the owner pays the repair costs.
If the charges are not paid, and certain legal requirements are met, eventually the repairman can have the car sold at public auction and apply the sale proceeds to his bill. It is possible for such a sale to occur as soon as 30 days after the completion of repair work.
Most repairmen, of course, will work with you to resolve a dispute. And, there is some protection for consumers in the mechanic's lien law. The lien applies only when the automobile owner has agreed to the charges. In other words, a repairman may not hold a car for payment of his bill unless there was an agreement in advance of the amount to be charged.
Thus, it is unwise to sign an authorization form allowing a repairman to do "any and all needed repairs." To the extent possible, specify exactly what is to be done and what may not be done without further written authorization from you.
2007-03-11 08:27:17 · answer #3 · answered by AJ A 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all I work for a transmission shop and a brand new transmission for that vehicle is only about 1500.00. Secondly it's a law that if the bill is going to be 20% above what they quoted you they have to notify you before begining the work. The transmission in your Durango should be an A518 just so you know I'm not B*** S****** you. You definantly have some ground to stand on. I hope this answer was helpful. Good Luck!!!!
2007-03-11 08:33:56 · answer #4 · answered by jdm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was the estimate written and did you sign something? I am pretty sure that you have an option of signing to different agreements. For example, you can sign a contract saying they won't do the repair if it is a certain amount over their estimate, unless they call you and confirm it with you first.
And an estimate is just an estimate. If they found out that more things were wrong and it cost more money, they really should have called you to confirm it.
As far as Arizona laws go, I don't know.
2007-03-11 08:24:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time to go on. while the cost of maintenance exceeds the real industry value oft he motor vehicle you're dropping good money. Your money is greater effective spent changing the vehicle. previously you do something ask the mechanic how plenty fo rjust the tranny artwork. you haven't any longer have been given the money for a timing belt and the rest he needs to pile on. Get the vehicle decrease back on the line. If he can do exactly the transmission artwork for decrease than $1500 then that's quite helpful to evaluate doing that and ignoring each and all the greater income the guy needs to squeeze out of you.
2016-10-01 22:57:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in most states, if they give you an estimate and later have to exceed it, they have to contact you and clear it before they do the work. Politely discuss this with the shop owner, and then be aware that most states attorneys general are the monitors of this, and be prepared to mention that youre aware of that.
2007-03-11 08:22:23 · answer #7 · answered by David B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look at the quote they gave you in writing and see if ti says base estimate. if you don't have a written quote your screwed
2007-03-11 08:21:04 · answer #8 · answered by murray3432 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's only about $2400 to put a brand new transmission in one of those. They're crooks.
2007-03-11 13:06:03 · answer #9 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats legalk if the company has got it passed by the main office, check up on it though.
2007-03-11 08:19:21 · answer #10 · answered by Phlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋