Thanks guys, appreciate the insight...

Despite not being mechanically inclined, logically and intuitively when I got the bill I was shocked...Was just trying to give benefit of the doubt until I could get some other smarter opinions than mine--I thought maybe I was just clueless as to the real cost of servicing the P-car. I think they do good work it just seems the pricing structure is, flat out, not right.

Ahhh, lesson learned for sure. The Seattle suggestion is a great one, I've gone to John once before and I think he is exceptional, everybody loves him--it's just a long haul up there. But, I think it's just been proven, a worthwhile one.

Raz

2k pays for a certain amount of inconvenience. Wow, as "nice" a guy as this guy might be, his business practices leave a lot to be desired. In theory, when you go to a shop and you're paying $100 per hour,it is because they've put in their time understanding your particular type of car so they can be very effective in diagnosis and repair..... sounds like you paid the big bucks but didn't get the expertise. $30 to put in two quarts of oil....I'm no expert but what does it take? Bringing it up to running temperature, (which doesn't demand the mechanic to be watching, to do), checking the dipstick and adding until he reaches the desired level. What's this guy charge for an oil change on a 911? $800? From the sound of it, John Walker/ space needle is the way to go. Hope the work a least results in your problem being solved. Cheers

AAA + is your new friend. I think I pay $130/year. That gives me 4 x 100 mile tows. Well worth it, and cheap insurance. In your case, this will get your car to John Walker, hence saving you thousands in bogus repair bills.

Don't ever go back to your old shop again.

---

Tom '75 Targa

In NJ shop is required to provide estimate before work is started. Also to return used parts if requested. Having said that, I think most of us have overpaid... I have. Now I request a quote before all work.

I'd drive 2-3 hours for JW. Too bad I'm on the wrong coast.

But, certainly be sure to let the owner and manager know why you won't be back! Print out a summary of this thread and leave it on their counter. That manager guy has to be a little ashamed of handing you that bill.

Your, sir, were hosed.

+1 on AAA. Have them tow it from your driveway and then bum a ride down to pick it up.
The only thing worse than a car that needs work is one that was worked on by an incompetent or crooked mechanic.

I have to agree with the other guys, that was way too much. You should have asked for a quote especially after you first repair seemed high. For that manager to sting a repeat customer like that is just driving the owners business down.
I'm a bit of a DIY'er and have always been but I've learned so much about my car from hanging out here, a local repair shop put on an engine re-build course and 1/2 of the guys there were not DIY people but wanted the knowledge to understand there engine and how it works for their own benifit when taking their car to the shop. I would bet big dollars that when those guys need engine work they will take it to the same shop to have the work done. Ask around at the local shops to see if any of them put on courses like that not only do you get to see stuff done you also get a feel for the shop, the mechanic's, do they do a pro job, clean and tidy with their work etc... After my experiance with this course I would have no reservations about letting Jacob's in N. Vancouver do work for me. These guys are pro's un-like your shop, did that manager ever work for Motor Miester?

unless the draw is so bad that the car would die on the way up. you wouldnt have needed a tow to get to JW to get the heater fixed. but a truck and trailer rental would have been cheaper than your research bill.
not sure if JW would have bothered with the targe top. but that could be sent to a specialist and you could reinstall your self. seals are a b!tch to install but a DIY.

the zoo is walking distance to JW. i have made the visit there several times while waiting for JW to do something i didnt want to DIM.

checking/topping off the oil should have been done in your driveway...

Not tryin' to be a clown but the last time I added - albeit only half a quart - of oil to my SC the "process" was:

1) Start Car
2) remove oil filler neck cap
3) pull dipstick
4) wipe said stick off with my finger
5) re-insert dipstick
6) re-remove dipstick
7) read level on dipstick
8) see that it needed 1/2 quart
9) stop engine
10) add 1/2 quart
11) re-start engine
12) pull dip stick again
13) wipe dipstick with same finger as before
14) re-re-insert dipstick
15) pull stick yet again
16) read the level once again
17) smile because I hit it right on the money
18) replace filler neck cap
19) close engine compartment cover
20) get in 'er and drive away.

Wow! 20 steps! Looking at it this way $30 was a Bargain!
Just kidding, :D

OH NO!!!

You just lost your oil dip stick on the freeway. Step missing between 17 and 18...putting the oil dip stick back in before putting the oil cap on. LOL

Kidding.SmileWavy

Raz,

I live down south as well and I use Too Quick's German auto in Tacoma for routine stuff. Chuck Johnson the owner, was a factory tech at the Porsche dealer in Tacoma before Robert Larson bought it. I've know chuck for over twenty years and he is fair and his rates are responsible.

Good Luck,
John