The Shop Dixie is using..
 

Dixie, this may help you feel a bit better about the repair estimate you got on your Camaro. Yep, they don't call 'em stealerships for nothing.. 39 minutes, worth it...especially if you're like me with nothing to do because I can't...;)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZutjA7QwMjI

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! :)

Here is a size comparison of my little JCW and the new "Mini" Clubman at the dealer:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1779945865.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1779945865.jpg

I simply wish the back ordered parts needed to fix my car would show up.

Actually, I wish stuff would stop breaking, at least all at once. I can't afford May.

Edit to add, and everyone tries to charge extra of you're female. It's like people figure having boobs makes you stupid.

Other way around. It makes us stupid.

Dixie, my business partner is single, and has dated many ladies for extended periods. Unlike most breakups, he remains friends with his ex girlfriends. Several of them have called him to deal with dealerships. He said he ends up being the designated a-hole. He will stand there quietly as the dealership offers to do totally BS items. When they are done. he rips into them as he knows cars.

One former girlfriend had a Lexus, and the dealership said she needed a brake job immediately as a safety item. He said BS. He took the car home, pulled a wheel and the pads and they had over 60% of the pad left. There was 100% nothing wrong whith the brakes.

My mother in law bought a new Mercedes from the local dealership. Her first name was Bertha, so they knew she was not a young lady. She would come down to our house and "let" me take the car in, and the dealership would take me to work, and pick me up when it was done. They called my number and asked for Bertha, and I said she was busy, and I can help them. They said her front brakes and struts all needed to be replaced and it was several thousands of dollars. I declined that repair.

I took her car home, pulled the front wheels and the brakes looked new, and the struts were 100% fine. She drove the car for many years more, and sold it with the original brakes and struts attached. The dealership was simply trying to rip off a old lady.

Can't you take a man with you as a backup? It sounds like you are more knowledgeable than most men re cars but the presence of a man could sway the advisor?

Is there no one down near Dixie's way to give her a hand?

I take Wyatt. More importantly, if a company tries to be cute, I take my business somewhere else. Anyway, this instance involves my house, and not my car.

Ha! You made me laugh. Thanks :)

Yes well said. Certainly the laugh of the day.:)

Yeah, I see boobs and my brain goes all mushy!!! [emoji38] [emoji1787]

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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.

Parts are in! I drop the car off Monday. (I feel I owe an update since I was whinging.)

Great! Now to hope yours is a future video car. Also, as far as Ray taking monetary advantage of a woman? I get the distinct impression that his "wife unit" wouldn't let him get away with that. ;)

Everyone there has given me confidence that they're on the level. As I said, if I even thought they were pulling some crap, they wouldn't be working on my car. I do find Lauren working the office to be a reassuring presence .