Quote:
Originally Posted by speeder
I watched the whole video. I want to start by saying that it's easy to beat any dealership's repair estimate and still make a lot of money on a job, which he was getting ready to do. He does seem like an honest, competent mechanic but he's expensive himself. The dealer's estimate was ridiculous, as they usually are.
On a side note, I picked up my 2006 Mini Cooper JCW from the dealer today, it was in for a recall repair having to do with the airbag sensor mats in the seats. I had a problem with the airbag light being on that I could not figure out and it was driving me crazy and causing me to do internet searches that led me to someone on a forum mentioning a recall. I called my local dealer and asked there were any open recalls on my car, which anyone can do on any vehicle, and sure enough, I scored a bullseye. Safety recalls never expire, doesn't matter how old the car is.
Before I made that call, I was there the day before asking if someone could do me a favor and just reset the light for me. They explained that it required a diagnostic and it was $250. Good thing I didn't go for it. It was all part of the recall and cost me zero, plus they offered me a loaner, (didn't need that), so they gave me two free Uber rides home from the dealer and back today to pick it up The service advisor was super cool and respected my wishes not to test drive the car under any circumstance, (it puts out ~270hp at the wheels), I just don't need another headache. He told me that he was going to keep it inside over the weekend and hold the key himself until the parts came in and the repair was done. He even asked whether I wanted it washed or not, (didn't need it so I politely declined). Major shoutout to Ira at Nick Alexander BMW/Mini in DTLA!  |
Good post, Denis...honest and competent mechanics are worth their weight in gold. I don't mind one bit paying well for good service. So, I'm thinking Dixie's car will be repaired competently....Ray may make $ with his youtubes, but it also means he really has to keep his reputation intact.
In your case, it's good that you thought to ask about the recall. Otherwise?
I had a bad dealership experience with Cindy's Camry. RN daughter here during my early return from a spinal collapse. Asked her to take the car to the local dealer for an oil change. She was told that the car needed new ball joints. Forget the tab estimate...nothing in writing, couple of thou. if I recall right. She declined. Then the car went to a local alignment shop with a decades long good reputation. The one that did the repairs and alignment when Cindy ruined a tire & bent a tie rod with a curb hit.
Gee, ball joints were fine...under 30,000 miles on the car... So yeah, there is a bit of a problem women have when dealing with shops.