To make this short, I took my car into Firestone because my car was overheating.. So, they inspected my car and told me I need a new thermostat.. They also recommended that I get it flushed while I'm at it.. The estimated total at this point is $280. They told me to come back in 1 and a half hour. When I return, I was shocked when they told me that I need a new radiator because they found a crack.. and they recommended that I get new hose, also.. Ok, so I ask for a new estimate and the guy tells me $950 at first.. I'm like "what?!?!" how did it go up to $950?". The guy goes back on his computer and recalculates and told me that he miscalculated.. and the actual estimate should be around $700.. I still feel I am being overcharged! If anyone can help I would kindly appreciate it! I have also allowed for users to contact me through Y! Messenger just in case there are some very knwoledgable mechanic out there who is willing to help me. I beg you, please help me ASAP. Thanks!
2007-06-18 17:32:17 · 5 answers · asked by Ken C 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
To make this short, I took my car into Firestone because my car was overheating.. So, they inspected my car and told me I need a new thermostat.. They also recommended that I get it flushed while I'm at it.. The estimated total at this point is $280. They told me to come back in 1 and a half hour. When I return, I was shocked when they told me that I need a new radiator because they found a crack.. and they recommended that I get new hose, also.. Ok, so I ask for a new estimate and the guy tells me $950 at first.. I'm like "what?!?!" how did it go up to $950?". The guy goes back on his computer and recalculates and told me that he miscalculated.. and the actual estimate should be around $700.. I still feel I am being overcharged! If anyone can help I would kindly appreciate it! I have also allowed for users to contact me through Y! Messenger just in case there are some very knwoledgable mechanic out there who is willing to help me. I beg you, please help me ASAP. Plymouth Breeze 96'
2007-06-18 18:14:53 · update #1
It's a 1996 Plymouth Breeze. Their Flushing service was listed at $89.99. Please contact me through Yahoo Messenger or e-mail if you have the time for any other information I may have. Thanks again..
2007-06-18 18:16:34 · update #2
$280 for a thermostat and a radiator flush is very high. You do not say what type of car you have, but the cost of a new radiator should only be a couple of hundred dollars. A hose should not cost more than $25-30. The labor to install the radiator is going to depend on the car, but again, I can not see it being $250.
Most likely you had a sticking thermostat. and a weak radiator. When they flushed the system, it added stress to the radiator, and it developed a leak.
Without knowing the make year and model, I can not give you a better answer, but I think that the price is about twice what it should be!
2007-06-18 17:48:53 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I'm sure the crack in your rad. caused your car to overheat, since a crack won't allow the system to pressure up properly.
Depending on the car, radiators can cost several hundred dollars.
I would take the car to another mechanic (please don't go to Jiffy Lube or Car-X). An independant (non-chain) mechanic would be preferable. Ask for an estimate. If the price comes out to be about the same, pick where you want your car fixed and get it done.
2007-06-18 17:45:45 · answer #2 · answered by Kyle H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
awww... firestone... i've had friends work there.... they pay there mechanics "bonuses" on how many up-sales they can make... they'll try to sell u wipers, radiator/engine flushes, a/c checks a bunch of stuff you prolly dont need..... go some where else, thats an obsurd price unless ur driving a porsche, viper, vette or something to that nature....
2007-06-18 17:45:20 · answer #3 · answered by bigblockimus 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the car, a Dodge Neon radiator is alot cheaper than a Lexus.
2007-06-18 17:44:46 · answer #4 · answered by bdknocks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well ken, if you want my opinion, i would say your being used. thats alot of money. $280.00 to get a cooling system flushed, thats outragious. if i were you i would go someplace else, because it sounds to me like they are taking advantage of you. why didnt you tell them you didnt want to buy a car, just get yours fixed. thats the trouble with those garages, they will bilk you out of every penny you own, thats why i do my own work.
2007-06-18 18:32:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋