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Car repair rip offs

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Chewbacca Fri 23-Oct-20 14:22:22

Last weekend, whilst driving home, the sudden roaring emanating from my car suggested that I'd got a problem with the exhaust. DS came up that day, took a look and confirmed that there was indeed a hole in the top section of the exhaust and it should be a simple job to just replace that section. On Tuesday, I took the car into a nationally known garage that specialises in tyres and exhausts. They told me that the problem wasn't in just one section; it was far worse than that and the whole thing would have to be replaced. Estimated cost £389 + vat. On seeing the look of shock on my face, the young man said that, as I was a pensioner (I'm not) he would knock 20% off as a goodwill gesture. I phoned DS who told me to walk away and he would take the car into the same garage company, but a different branch in the next town, himself. DS is just back with the car. On closer examination of the exhaust, he agreed with the garage that, in the long run, it would be better to just replace the lot. Quoted price to DS? £195 + vat. The job has been done and the car is now fine. But I'm livid that a well known garage obviously saw an older woman who didn't have a clue about car mechanics and saw an easy touch to exploit her and double the cost. I thank goodness for DS but it shouldn't be, that in 2020, we still need to have man to deal with things of this nature to avoid being taken advantage of. I'm still considering my next move....... angry

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billericaylady Tue 27-Oct-20 06:18:27

That's blooming terrible ...I work for a small Tyre co(And brakes) in Essex which is extremely busy ..we have customers in and out all day long.The shop has a very good reputation so much so it is mentioned on a Facebook discussion page frequently. The Customer services is second to none .I was employed because they wanted an older lady which I do feel puts ladies at ease when coming in.When will other shops learn that being truthful re needing only a puncture repair(fir example) will bring customers back time and time again...

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AlexG Tue 27-Oct-20 17:11:38

A few years ago I took my car into a local garage for an MOT. It failed with a list of things needing fixing. Called into my daughter’s just after picking it up and her mechanic boyfriend said it failing was rubbish. He immediately took the car into a different garage and it sailed through. Another case of trying to fleece a lady driver!

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Davidhs Wed 28-Oct-20 07:06:07

Beware, with MOTs any fault is a matter of judgement I know garages that will pass almost anything, others that will fail a car just to generate repair work. Particularly with older cars an MOT is not a guarantee it is safe

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mokryna Wed 25-Nov-20 10:20:32

Further to my message 24 Oct. Technology permitting only allowing a dealership garage, a month later I finally got my four-year old vw car seen, to stop the wind screen wipers working while the motor is running. Arriving at the garage they inspected the outside for marks and with a flash of a torch, and told me that, the back brake pads needed to be changed and should they do the job. I declined as my car has not been used since it’s MOT because of lockdown. Who do you believe? I will get them check with the local garage.
Regarding the problem I went for, new technology is costing me 600 euros because everything has to be changed! Vw, although there is a forum on the web dealing with this problem, will not except any responsibility.

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travelnan Thu 26-Nov-20 15:24:32

Well I must be the lucky one. I had a nail in my tyre which caused a flat tyre. Took it to our local well known KF who mended the tyre checked all the other tyres, made sure all had the correct pressure etc. When I asked "how much do I owe you" was told nothing!! have this one on us! To say I was absolutely stunned and delighted was an understatement. So ladies not all garages are out to con us.

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Puzzled Fri 27-Nov-20 14:23:48

Beware the "free" brake or tracking check!
I know of two cases where the tracking was "out" according the garages, and reset. Which explained why the tyres showed undue wear within a couple of weeks. Resetting the tracking returned the fixings to the original dirt marks, and no more undue tyre wear!
When we had a Renault, having a new tyre fitted by K F, the wheel came back covered in balance weights, and lacking the inner tube. (Tubeless tyre visible instead of the original)
Returned car, told them that model cannot have tubeless tyres, and required a special adaptor for balancing. Tube replaced, wheel balanced using the adaptor. Very few balance weights needed! Lost the business for two cars, at least!

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