Porsche mechanics...grrr etc.

[Sonic dB]

ji

[Wayne 962]

Sounds bogus to me...

I would have said "I spent X hours working on these items. Here's the bill."

-Wayne

[slater]

don't mechanics usually use a book or someting like the alldata system to quote a price? Like the system would give them how much time it would take to replace the switch and they would multpiply that by thier hourly rate plus parts and give that to you as a quote? I agree with Wayne, sounds bogus.

[Sonic dB]

i

[Jim Richards]

Sonic, it's probably time (if you already haven't done so) to get some recommendations from local folks. Also, be very careful what you ask for when talking to the mechanics...let them know what your expectations are. You have enough bad experiences to know what you don't want from them.

By the way, where are you located? Some of the folks here might have some advice to offer.

[masraum]

Yeah, Sonic, where's "here". I'm sure someone from the board can offer advise. Yep, that sucks.

[on-ramp]

i would ask for your money back. and take pictures just in case you go to court.

[GettinHeadStuds]

Go to Oest Enterprises next time.

[Sonic dB]

.

[H.G.P.]

I'm curious as to what the complaints were from both the neighbors and what the landlord said?

[aigel]

There are certain jobs that mechanics don't like. Fixing a buckle may be one of them, but lowering a car, shouldn't be it.

If the guy was good, he'd say "look, I am a mechanic and I don't do interior restoration". Please take the car to xxx, who is an excellent upholsterer and will be able to help you out with restoration type work.

I agree, time for a new mechanic.

George

[singpilot]

Sonic,

Please tell me this isn't my guy.

But then I know better. He would have pulled a new seat belt cover out of his 'hidden closet".

PM me if you want my guys number again.

P.S. I think I was behind you in line for gas a few minutes ago in MB. I was in the 420, and you were backing out of line?

[john70t]

Not sure about this, but I thought

-there is an industry standard "book time" that say's a job takes such-n-such hours (that may be for dealerships only, but estimates from there are available)

-by law the shop hourly prices must be publically visible

-before being charged for any repair you must sign a written estimate or the shop must specifically get the owners verbal consent by phone(time/date/contact) written on final bill. If they can't prove they talked to you....

-not sure about the legality of him "fixing" saftey equipment without current brake/lamp certs and/or complete replacment with U.S. saftey-certified parts.

Doesn't smell right. He can keep your car(probably drive it) without being paid. Complain, pay, and then sue and file complaints. Won't do much good in South Cali though, it's not illegal if everyone is doing it.

[AFJuvat]

I am a Porsche (only) mechanic and I can say without reservation that you got screwed.

Checking suspension to see if it can be lowered - fronts are easy, backs are a little tricky - inspect undercarriage for gross abnormalities: 5 minutes

Electrical tape on the buckle is not fixing it - the only real fix for seatbelts that is approved is replacement of the defective part.

A general inspection is fairly comprehensive and does take some billable time - looking at the suspension with the car on the ground doesn't count.

Standards:

There is an industry standard for repairs. This is the "book" time. Chiltons, Alldata, and Mitchell all publish manuals with repair times - they vary WIDELY between publishers. By the law (sort of) that is the maximum time that should be charged for a repair. That said, there are always little things that get in the way that stretch the time out that you can charge for.

Then there are other repairs that have no published time - then you charge what is reasonable (fetching dropped dipstick out of an oil tank immediately comes to mind) Nor do published times account for rusted\broken exhaust bolts etc...

For reference only - here are some of the billable times for 911 repair. 930 time slightly higher

Remove and install engine\transmission: 6 - 7 hours
R&R clutch assy: 1.5 hrs After engine removal
Adjust valves (engine in car) 3.0
adjust valves (engine out of car) 1.0
Oil change 0.5
Top end rebuild (R&I heads, camshafts, and rocker assy, new piston rings: 35 - 40 hours
Rebuild motor: 60 - 70 hours

AFJuvat

[Randy Webb]

The law that applies is your state law - it differs from state to state. The tape on the seat belt thing is ridiculous in any known planet in this solar system.

Cal. consumer law is fairly good for consumers. Also, Calif. has a business fraud law that can really make a dishonest business gulp. So you will need to investigate that with an attorney in your state.

No $$ for attorney? Contact the state consumer protection agency. Do everything in writing - don't phone the business and don't let them phone you. If they do anyway, take written notes.

The advice on not siezing the car is sound. However, the business cannot just drive it around for fun - they have to take care of it also. So start working on that demand letter ...

[MIK911]

Sonic,
Since i live in the SoBay area, i'd lke to avoid this mechanic in the future. If you feel comfortable telling me who it is, please PM me.

Thanks
Mike
'86 coupe

[tiorio]

Well, I just got my 930 back from my wrench. Expensive, but anal. Tells you his price and then charges it. Doesn't charge for anything without asking. Expensive though. Did I mention he's a little pricey? Worth it though...

Now, what we need is a common collective for garage rent and tools for those of us stuck without!

[Shipibo]

Yes, we know Wayne-anything for a buck.

[filou]

there is always that breed of mechanics that just work the crowd of Porsche and like owners, because they see us driving a expensive and "exotic" car so they know that we have the means of supporting our habit and they (those "mechanics") charge ridiculous amount of money for "work" they "perform" on our car.
Becoming educated and aware of simple things,
can go a long way when dealing with those "mechanics".
One time, around Monterey, Ca, i went to a P-mechanic to see how much to charge and how long it will take him to do, let say, a valves adjustments job to see if he's not taking me for a foul.
Look around his shop: Is he neat and organized ??? Ask for credential and references. I do and not afraid of it !!!
Good luck on your quest.
Personally, i do the work on my car myself. I take a lot of care, time and reflection. This is a great board to ask or give advices to fellow P-owners, anyway. Why do i need some smocks who are ready to rip me off ????
Truly, Filou.

[69Sman]

What is the point of posting these tirades without providing NAMES....?????