So we are getting ready to drive across crountry and back hauling a trailor. I have a lot going on, so I though I would stop by a Pep-boys to get a second set of eyes for a quick inspection while checking prices to save myself a bit of time turning a wrench. It has been a while since I have taken any of our vehicles to a shop for routine maintence, I try to do as much as I can by myself. Today I was reminded why.
I went in knowing I needed new tires, oil change, and possibly new brakes, but stayed quiet and let them do the talking to see how honest they were.
Initial quote after a brief inspection came up to $1700, and that didn't even cover any of their "additional findings"
Tires were going to run about $700, which is reasonable. Then came the brakes... pads and turned rotors would be about $250. BUT, I "needed" all new rotors (they didn't bother measuring, they said the surface rust on the caliper is how you know you need new rotors). Another $300 or so.
But that is not all they found. One of the caliper slide pins was stiff, causing slight uneven wear on one pad on one side. Now I was going to need all new rear calipers on both sides, and according to them you cant just replace rear and not front. God forbid they lube the slide on the one trouble caliper.
Coolant flush was going to be another $150...
Rear diff would be another $130, x3 if I wanted front diff and transfer case.
Then they notices a small patch of bone dry coolant next to a coolant hose, no active leaks, belt contam, or signs any coolant on anything else. Now I would need all new hoses, clamps, and a new serpentine belt. $150 in labor alone to replace 2 hoses on the front of the engine, and that did not include the cost of the hoses.
Bottom line, they were prepared to hand me a bill for about $2500-$3k+ with a straight face.
I told them I would come back later in the week so they wouldnt try and stick me with some "inspection fee", then I drove home and ordered the stuff I actually needed. I feel sorry for people who don't know anything about their vehicles and basic maintenance. Good grief.
I went in knowing I needed new tires, oil change, and possibly new brakes, but stayed quiet and let them do the talking to see how honest they were.
Initial quote after a brief inspection came up to $1700, and that didn't even cover any of their "additional findings"
Tires were going to run about $700, which is reasonable. Then came the brakes... pads and turned rotors would be about $250. BUT, I "needed" all new rotors (they didn't bother measuring, they said the surface rust on the caliper is how you know you need new rotors). Another $300 or so.
But that is not all they found. One of the caliper slide pins was stiff, causing slight uneven wear on one pad on one side. Now I was going to need all new rear calipers on both sides, and according to them you cant just replace rear and not front. God forbid they lube the slide on the one trouble caliper.
Coolant flush was going to be another $150...
Rear diff would be another $130, x3 if I wanted front diff and transfer case.
Then they notices a small patch of bone dry coolant next to a coolant hose, no active leaks, belt contam, or signs any coolant on anything else. Now I would need all new hoses, clamps, and a new serpentine belt. $150 in labor alone to replace 2 hoses on the front of the engine, and that did not include the cost of the hoses.
Bottom line, they were prepared to hand me a bill for about $2500-$3k+ with a straight face.
I told them I would come back later in the week so they wouldnt try and stick me with some "inspection fee", then I drove home and ordered the stuff I actually needed. I feel sorry for people who don't know anything about their vehicles and basic maintenance. Good grief.
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