Alignment Question

[shikzachaser]

I just installed 17" wheels and H&R springs on my 91 C4. Obviously a trip to get it aligned was in order. I have used Parktown Porsche Audi (dealer) here in St Louis for over 20 years. They told me no problem $199 and it's done. I get a call late in the afternoon that the camber is off 2 degrees and it's going to take three alignments to get it right and that it will be $600. Am I just getting hosed or is this a possibility. I thought $199 was high!


Steve

[kang]

Sounds like BS to me. What do they mean it will take “three alignments?” That’s like saying you need three oil changes. All they do during an alignment is loosen some adjusting bolts, tweak the adjustment, and then re-tighten them. As each of the three settings effects the other settings, it’s somewhat of an iterative process. Adjust one, adjust the other, and then adjust the first again. But this is the typical alignment process. Nothing unusual about it. If they are saying that since yours will take three iterations your charge is three times the $199, that’s bogus.

On the other hand, $199 is relatively cheap for these cars. $300-$400 is typical. $600 is a ripoff, unless you are also doing a corner balance.

There is a reason they call them “stealers.” The “service advisor” or some such person contacted you, right? Not the mechanic? Service writers or whatever they name them at this dealer are commissioned sales people. The more they sell you, the more commission they make. They are experts at telling you BS to make you think you need what they are trying to sell you.

[shikzachaser]

That was pretty much they way I interpreted it. It's a drag in that I have had a good relationship w/ them for so long, 6 911's, 4 AUdi's, and then they try to break it off in my a**** for an alignment.

Steve

[kang]

Agreed.

I think perhaps this dealer quotes a relatively cheap price for alignments to generate business. They are counting on the fact that most cars are not out of alignment very much (if at all). It doesn’t take much (or anything) to get them back into alignment. They can do it for $199 and still make a profit. For cars that are not out of alignment at all, all they do is check the alignment and then take your money. Then a car comes along that is way out of alignment. Rather than suck it up and lose money on this car, they give you the “three alignments” story.

[shikzachaser]

Final tally $494. It seemed way high but at least it drives right.

Steve

[shikzachaser]

Update:

Parktown called me to say they had credited me back $140 so the total came out to $354 which seems fair. It definately drives good.

Steve

[kang]

Yes, $354 is pretty typical for an alignment. Good for you for "fighting" with them.

[shikzachaser]

It's unfortunate to have to do that. I really do like the car though. After tooling around the last year in a 944 it's amazing how much of a difference there really is. It's been a year since I sold my 86 Targa and getting this one is great. I'm into it w/ the wheels, tires, springs, etc for right at $24K w/ 83,000 miles which seems about right. Engine is tight and the car is immaculate. The previous owner since new was a really anal heart surgeon here in St Louis. I bought it from him 4 years ago, sold it back to him 2 1/2 years ago to get money to help my son buy a house, and just rebought it a couple months ago.





Steve