- Joined
- Feb 28, 2016
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I don't know a lot about vehicle maintenance. I usually just get the oil changed when it's scheduled and if the mechanic recommends something else I get a 2nd or 3rd opinion/quote but recently I thought I had found someone I could trust to not rip me off.
Last month, some other place tried to hose me and wanted to charge me $300 to replace the front brake pads on my Ford.
Previously, I had done an oil change at this place because I had a groupon deal. They said my pads were getting low but I would be fine until my next oil change. I come in on time for my next oil change to this same place because I had another coupon and they say that my pads are now dangerously low and I may need to replace the rotors which will raise the cost even more than $300.
6 months earlier, it was recommended to me that I change my spark plugs and after calling all of the shops that were well reviewed, I went with the one who offered the best price. He claimed that he used good spark plugs too. I think it was motorcraft brand.
Since I had a good experience getting the spark plugs replaced at a reasonable price, I went back to him to change the pads. He quoted $160 to replace pads, a lot more reasonable than $300.
He confirmed that the rotors were indeed worn but he would see if they could be machined and still be thick enough to be safe. If he needed to replace the rotors, it would be an additional $40 per rotor, $80 total. Still considerably cheaper than $300 just to swap pads.
I pick up the vehicle and he said he needed to replace the rotors. He showed me the old rotors he'd removed and explained the minimum safe thickness. He even charged me $10 less than he quoted when we settled so I was out the door with new pads AND new rotors for $230. I appreciated him taking the time to show me and the fact that I'd saved money. I resolved to use him for future work.
So today I go in for an oil and filter change on the gf's toyota sienna. I think it's a 2015. She was going to take it to the dealer and in my experience, they always overcharge for everything. So I take it to my guy and he says $90 for the oil and $25 for the filter explaining that it takes a special synthetic. I'm already there and have limited time and think that sounds really high but I say ok. I'm thinking that this sounds absurdly high though.
While I'm waiting, I call 2 different Toyota dealers and they quote $75 and 77 for synthetic oil+filter replace. I mention to him what they quoted and ask why the price is so high and he repeats himself about synthetic costing more and then says that he'll match the price this time. I must look like a big sucker. Now I think I have to start getting price quotes and multiple opinions again rather than trusting him to give me a fair price and good service.
Yes, I know I sound poor and obviously I don't know anything about cars. I just drive to get to point a to point b.
Tldr- mechanic I trusted tried to charge me $115 for an oil filter change. I must look like a sucker.
Last month, some other place tried to hose me and wanted to charge me $300 to replace the front brake pads on my Ford.
Previously, I had done an oil change at this place because I had a groupon deal. They said my pads were getting low but I would be fine until my next oil change. I come in on time for my next oil change to this same place because I had another coupon and they say that my pads are now dangerously low and I may need to replace the rotors which will raise the cost even more than $300.
6 months earlier, it was recommended to me that I change my spark plugs and after calling all of the shops that were well reviewed, I went with the one who offered the best price. He claimed that he used good spark plugs too. I think it was motorcraft brand.
Since I had a good experience getting the spark plugs replaced at a reasonable price, I went back to him to change the pads. He quoted $160 to replace pads, a lot more reasonable than $300.
He confirmed that the rotors were indeed worn but he would see if they could be machined and still be thick enough to be safe. If he needed to replace the rotors, it would be an additional $40 per rotor, $80 total. Still considerably cheaper than $300 just to swap pads.
I pick up the vehicle and he said he needed to replace the rotors. He showed me the old rotors he'd removed and explained the minimum safe thickness. He even charged me $10 less than he quoted when we settled so I was out the door with new pads AND new rotors for $230. I appreciated him taking the time to show me and the fact that I'd saved money. I resolved to use him for future work.
So today I go in for an oil and filter change on the gf's toyota sienna. I think it's a 2015. She was going to take it to the dealer and in my experience, they always overcharge for everything. So I take it to my guy and he says $90 for the oil and $25 for the filter explaining that it takes a special synthetic. I'm already there and have limited time and think that sounds really high but I say ok. I'm thinking that this sounds absurdly high though.
While I'm waiting, I call 2 different Toyota dealers and they quote $75 and 77 for synthetic oil+filter replace. I mention to him what they quoted and ask why the price is so high and he repeats himself about synthetic costing more and then says that he'll match the price this time. I must look like a big sucker. Now I think I have to start getting price quotes and multiple opinions again rather than trusting him to give me a fair price and good service.
Yes, I know I sound poor and obviously I don't know anything about cars. I just drive to get to point a to point b.
Tldr- mechanic I trusted tried to charge me $115 for an oil filter change. I must look like a sucker.