I have a 2004 Mazda, I heard squeaking sound when I steped on my brakes. So I took it to Midas, to change my brake pads, which they advertised for 45 dollars. But now they want to charge me 800 dollars, they said I have to change my axile as well, so what the heck is going on? Should I take a male next time I go fix my car?
2007-05-02 08:03:09 · 14 answers · asked by 結縁 Heemei 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This is the machanic's exact words, when I told them forget it, he said,
"We couldn't possibly let you drive your car in this condition, it's not safe" . My own car was detained by them, until my husband arrived
2007-05-02 08:10:09 · update #1
Report that place and that employee to the better business bureau. If the car was not safe for you to drive why would it be safe for your husband to drive. That place was trying to take advantage of you. Some places do that to women because they think we are ignorant about car maintenance. I had the same thing happen to me, but with another car part. The repair should have cost about thirty dollars and they wanted to change more things and charge me about 500 dollars. I reported them. They were apparently doing a lot of that sort of thing and were shut down.
2007-05-02 08:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by magix151 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My family owns repair shops, and I have been in the business my whole life. I'm very sorry you had a bad experience. It makes me angry, because it puts a "black eye" on the entire industry. The vast majority of people I know, including our competitors, are just trying to help people and make an honest living. Unfortunatly, not everyone is honest.
In your case, even if it's true that you needed to replace both axles, that and brakes should at most be about $600.
Did you hear a "clicking" noise while turning? If not, it's highly unlikely your axles were unsafe.
Free Advice: Don't get your car fixed by someone who advertises the cheapest price. Your car is one of the most expensive items you own. You want it fixed right, not cheap.
Ask friends or co-workers for names of shops they trust. It is more important that you trust the shop that repairs your car, than that place has the cheapest price. In the long run, you will be better off using the same shop for all repairs, instead of trying to save a few bucks here and there.
2007-05-02 15:48:50 · answer #2 · answered by Cowboy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry, but yes, my opinion. It is true that imports are MUCH more expensive to repair than domestics. I AM NOT picking on Midas, but most fast fix shops. I would tell them to put it back together NOW and go to someone else that a friend recommends. Same thing happened to my wife and secretary, but I told them ( NO SEXUAL MEANINGS HERE) that I would look at it first. In the case of my wife, she knows that if she takes the car for an alignment, that IS ALL that is to be done. These guys have even tried scaring her that the car was unsafe to drive..Personal inspection..that was a lie.
Sorry, but sometimes true..but not all men are pigs.
2007-05-02 15:13:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Changing an axle is not exactly routine mateinance..
Did they tell you what was wrong or did they just give the 800$ tag and try to justify it..?
Have someone you trust inspect your axle.
If you understand the specific thing that needs fixed or replaced ex. (brake pads, oil change). You shouldn't need anybody's help.
Just have what you need done at the shop.
If the mechanics tell you about a problem with anything else that you do not understand, get a trusted second opinion before doing any other mateinance or repairs.
2007-05-02 15:11:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, some of them would. Next time, insist that they do only what you asked, and immediately take the car to another shop for a second opinion. It could very well be that he was telling the truth and was concerned you would have an accident and balme them for not finding the bigger problem, but you can never tell if it's that or if they want to scam you out of money. It's best to try to find a good locally owned repair shop that you can trust every time you have a problem. Ask around, ask everyone you know.
2007-05-02 15:16:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
male or female, you should take someone or at least consult with someone that understands auto mechanics and the lingo used at a shop. It ain't the 50's guys know little anymore about ebing manly like we were back in the day. They know more about cell phones, hairstyles and clothing brands.
They very well could be trying to take advantage of you yet you very well might be in need of legitimate repairs.
Trying to upsell is those guys' job. but if they can't explain or show you why you should have a repair or service performed, I'd walk away.
2007-05-02 15:11:38 · answer #6 · answered by Clint M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mechanics will take advantage of anyone, male or female.
They know you know bugger all about cars and won't be able to question their judgement.
For something like this I would suggest you shop around and get a second opinion, or at least get them to show you exactly what is wrong with the axle.
2007-05-02 15:17:40 · answer #7 · answered by shazzawazza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you should take the car to another shop for a second opinion. You may well find that what they quoted was legitimate and not to have ther epairs done would put you and any passengers at risk...
2007-05-02 15:10:50 · answer #8 · answered by dave_from_auburn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Midas Muffler is notorious for inflating maintenance estimates. They do it on males and females alike. They know real quick if you are car savvy and will skin you alive if you let them. Just ask for your keys back and leave immediately.
2007-05-02 15:21:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is sad to say but sometimes they do. My sister in laws car needed tires so my brother called the tire shop and got the pricing but when my she went the gave her a much higher price so she went home and came back with my brother and he got the first quoted price.
2007-05-02 15:12:52 · answer #10 · answered by Fern S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋