Car troubles

[BridgetBordeaux]

OP............

Sounds like you are a military family-----thanks for your service and sacrifice.

Ask to talk to the service manager. Your repairs are large and contain substantial parts and labor expenses. Ask them if they could provide a discount on the repairs............the alternator at cost, or 10 percent off of everything. It does not hurt to ask and they understand that 2700+/- is a lot for repairing a 3-4 year old economy car.

Good luck and hang in there!

 

[pantherlj]

Ask them what is wrong with your water pump. It should be fine at 50K. I had a dealer tell me that I needed a new belt and water pump. Turns out the water pump was fine but they said it would be "cheaper" if I just went ahead and replaced it now since they were in there! I went to another mechanic and they said they would be happy to replace a perfectly good part but would advise waiting until I actually need it. 50K miles later and I still have the same water pump!

I guess it might be too late to ask them but can't hurt.

Good luck finding a trusty mechanic, i know it's hard!

 

[JENOS]

I understand OP situation, the car broke down and the obvious place was to take it to the dealer. Which I would have done as well. I don’t know any local mechanics either and don’t trust pep boys to do the job right.

And most of the time (especially with newer cars) its better that you have it diagnose by the dealer since they have the PROPER equipment and know all the codes.

And of course the dealer is going to charge more since they are using OEM parts, you can get the alternator cheaper, but the dealer isn’t going to put on an aftermarket alternator and warranty it even it is good as an OEM one.

I have had breaks changed at the local places but never feel as good as when I take it to the dealer. Plus my dealer also checks for service bulletins and recalls EVERY TIME I take it in for anything.

 

[bettymae1121]

I agree, a new water pump at 50k? Mine just went on my 13 year old car that has 180k, I'm fairly sure it's the original. Also still on my original altenator (but I've heard Chevy's are hard on altenators/batteries so maybe 5 years is normal).

$1000 for what amounts to a tune up is crazy. I've watched my DH replace sparkplugs/wires/filters on my car and it's easy-peasy, I could probably do it and I barely know which end of a pair of plyers to use...

I know you didn't have much choice, being stuck on the side of the road. But you really should try and find a good mechanic, and then get some sort of road side assistance plan to cover tows. If you have problems in the future, you'll have more options.

 

[Sadie22]

I understand OP situation, the car broke down and the obvious place was to take it to the dealer. Which I would have done as well. I don’t know any local mechanics either and don’t trust pep boys to do the job right.

And most of the time (especially with newer cars) its better that you have it diagnose by the dealer since they have the PROPER equipment and know all the codes.

And of course the dealer is going to charge more since they are using OEM parts, you can get the alternator cheaper, but the dealer isn’t going to put on an aftermarket alternator and warranty it even it is good as an OEM one.

I have had breaks changed at the local places but never feel as good as when I take it to the dealer. Plus my dealer also checks for service bulletins and recalls EVERY TIME I take it in for anything.

Our local mechanic does all of that for us. These are not things one must have done at an automotive dealer.

 

[SandrA9810]

Any mechanic can order OEM parts, it's nothing special by the Dealers. They're just more likely to have that really strange part in stock, instead of having to wait a few hours to get the part ordered.

All recalls can be found by anyone, even you sitting on the internet. However if there is a recall it's easier to deal within your own company for the replacement. But they'll still cover a reimbursement if you happened to have the repair done at another shop.

It's also nice to go to the same mechanic for everything. Not just Jiffy Lube for an oil change, or Just for Brakes for the brake job. Once you find a good mechanic, you stick with them for everything. Because they'll learn the inside of your car and know if something isn't right with it. Plus they'll have all your maintenance work history in their computer and can find out when the last time something was done.

With my ex, we had two cars. And sometimes I'd get confused as to which car had what done. But the shop was able to do a history search and see what was done for the past couple of years.

 

[JENOS]

Any mechanic can order OEM parts, it's nothing special by the Dealers. They're just more likely to have that really strange part in stock, instead of having to wait a few hours to get the part ordered.

All recalls can be found by anyone, even you sitting on the internet. However if there is a recall it's easier to deal within your own company for the replacement. But they'll still cover a reimbursement if you happened to have the repair done at another shop.

It's also nice to go to the same mechanic for everything. Not just Jiffy Lube for an oil change, or Just for Brakes for the brake job. Once you find a good mechanic, you stick with them for everything. Because they'll learn the inside of your car and know if something isn't right with it. Plus they'll have all your maintenance work history in their computer and can find out when the last time something was done.

With my ex, we had two cars. And sometimes I'd get confused as to which car had what done. But the shop was able to do a history search and see what was done for the past couple of years.

Of course any mechanic can order OEM parts but they don’t, they put aftermarket parts because they are cheaper.
And if the local mechanic doesn’t have that special part, then guess where they get it from anyway.
My original comment was based on people’s negative attitude towards the dealer and not intended to sway people to take their car to the dealer for everything. I take my car to the dealer for some things and YOU take your car to your mechanic. I’m not here defending the dealer prices because I know they can be high. But OP had to make a choice when her car broke down and people started telling not to take it to the dealer because she was going to get ripped off. If your mechanic is good then by all means, it’s your money as mine is mine. But if OP doesn’t have a mechanic then what other option does she have but the dealer.

 

[JENOS]

Our local mechanic does all of that for us. These are not things one must have done at an automotive dealer.

Your local mechanic checks for recalls and then tells you to take it to the dealer to have them fixed?

 

[SandrA9810]

Your local mechanic checks for recalls and then tells you to take it to the dealer to have them fixed?

Yep, we got a recall notice in the mail about the cruise control on the Ford Ranger. It of course says to take it to a dealership for a free repair/replacement.
The mechanic said, you need to go to the dealership to fix the cruise control.

Now if it's a part that makes the car inoperable, then the mechanic can fix it, bill you, and you get reimbursed by the maker. It just takes extra steps if you pay out of pocket first.


And most people that go to a mechanic, are not looking to spend an arm and a leg for repairs to be done. They're perfectly happy with the warranty that comes with after market parts. Which are sometimes just as good or better than the OEM part. But if you want the OEM part, you can always ask for them. And you'd still be saving a ton of money on labor.

Like I said in my first post about our car now. The mechanic that fixed the car worked for Volvo, and saw time and time again people dropping thousands for repairs that don't need to be done, and don't really care what is wrong with their car. Now that he works at Sears, he's often finding people like me who want to know what's wrong, wants to see what's wrong, and wants to know how to fix it. They're the ones looking to shave off 50 to a 100 bucks off their total if possible. The ones not afraid to get dirty.

 

[JENOS]

Yep, we got a recall notice in the mail about the cruise control on the Ford Ranger. It of course says to take it to a dealership for a free repair/replacement.
The mechanic said, you need to go to the dealership to fix the cruise control.

Now if it's a part that makes the car inoperable, then the mechanic can fix it, bill you, and you get reimbursed by the maker. It just takes extra steps if you pay out of pocket first.

you received it in the MAIL then after you showed it to the mechanic, they told you to take it to the dealer?

how is that the mechanic checking for recalls, that's just the mechanic telling you to take it to the dealer, which would have saved you a trip if you would have gone directly.

 

[JENOS]

Yep, we got a recall notice in the mail about the cruise control on the Ford Ranger. It of course says to take it to a dealership for a free repair/replacement.
The mechanic said, you need to go to the dealership to fix the cruise control.

Now if it's a part that makes the car inoperable, then the mechanic can fix it, bill you, and you get reimbursed by the maker. It just takes extra steps if you pay out of pocket first.


And most people that go to a mechanic, are not looking to spend an arm and a leg for repairs to be done. They're perfectly happy with the warranty that comes with after market parts. Which are sometimes just as good or better than the OEM part. But if you want the OEM part, you can always ask for them. And you'd still be saving a ton of money on labor.

Like I said in my first post about our car now. The mechanic that fixed the car worked for Volvo, and saw time and time again people dropping thousands for repairs that don't need to be done, and don't really care what is wrong with their car. Now that he works at Sears, he's often finding people like me who want to know what's wrong, wants to see what's wrong, and wants to know how to fix it. They're the ones looking to shave off 50 to a 100 bucks off their total if possible. The ones not afraid to get dirty.

He works at Sears and they do recall checks? Really, seriously? but you knew him when he worked at the dealer?

 

[daughtersrus]

To the OP,

Check to see if any of this may be covered under warranty. If I remember correctly, Chevy was offering roadside assistance starting in 2007 for 5 years or 100,000 miles.

My DH works at a dealership (Lincoln not Chevy) so I'm sure I'll come off as sounding biased. I would much rather have someone working on my vehicle that is trained. Even after 25+ years, DH has to continue to go to classes provided by Ford.

Sadly, upselling happens in all businesses. Appliance shopping~Fast Food~Beauty Salon~Car Repairs...
DD brings her car to a local place for her oil to be changed. Last time she went, they told her that she needed a new battery and a few other things to be fixed. DH checked it all and she didn't need the repairs that she was told. She just had the oil changed again last week. They didn't say anything about the previous things that they told her to replace but came up with a new list. Again, DH checked and she didn't need them.

DH has many repeat customers that ask for him by name because he doesn't sell things that really aren't needed. There are honest guys out there even at dealerships.

 

[tpinc]

Someone already mentioned that auto insurance may cover roadside assistance. Also, at one time cell phone plans came with roadside assistance.

OP could call both to help offset towing fees.

 

[SandrA9810]

He works at Sears and they do recall checks? Really, seriously? but you knew him when he worked at the dealer?

No the warranty was with the Ford Ranger, my ex's vehicle. From a few years ago. We were always in the shop for one reason or another, and had to go in for something after the recall notices were sent out. We were not in there to fix anything on the cruise control.


The mechanic I use now here in California, works at Sears. He worked at a volvo dealership for years before going to Sears. There's just a grand difference in a customer's view of car repairs between those that go to a dealership and those that go to a mechanic shop.

Dealership customers:
Don't particularly care about the cost, they've got money to spare.
Don't particularly care what's wrong, or if the "recommended services are actually needed".
They just want the car back ASAP.

Mechanic customers:
They're not afraid to compare prices.
They want to know what's wrong.
They want to know the total prior to work being done.
They want to know if it's something that can be fixed at home for cheaper.
Car repairs for many of you here are major budget busters, whether you have an emergency fund or savings, or possibly dipping into the entertainment/vacation fund. And there's many people here willing to do a bit of work themselves to save on the $80 per hour labor charge.

And yes, when I brought the car in because of the engine light being on. He tested the entire airflow intake, went through all recall and notices, and showed me the notice that the mass airflow sensor was faulty on many of the Fords 10-15 years ago.

 

[scrapquitler]

Dealership customers:
Don't particularly care about the cost, they've got money to spare.
Don't particularly care what's wrong, or if the "recommended services are actually needed".
They just want the car back ASAP.

Mechanic customers:
They're not afraid to compare prices.
They want to know what's wrong.
They want to know the total prior to work being done.
They want to know if it's something that can be fixed at home for cheaper.
Car repairs for many of you here are major budget busters, whether you have an emergency fund or savings, or possibly dipping into the entertainment/vacation fund. And there's many people here willing to do a bit of work themselves to save on the $80 per hour labor charge.
.

That's a bit of over generalization......

 

[JENOS]

No the warranty was with the Ford Ranger, my ex's vehicle. From a few years ago. We were always in the shop for one reason or another, and had to go in for something after the recall notices were sent out. We were not in there to fix anything on the cruise control.


The mechanic I use now here in California, works at Sears. He worked at a volvo dealership for years before going to Sears. There's just a grand difference in a customer's view of car repairs between those that go to a dealership and those that go to a mechanic shop.

Dealership customers:
Don't particularly care about the cost, they've got money to spare.
Don't particularly care what's wrong, or if the "recommended services are actually needed".
They just want the car back ASAP.

Mechanic customers:
They're not afraid to compare prices.
They want to know what's wrong.
They want to know the total prior to work being done.
They want to know if it's something that can be fixed at home for cheaper.
Car repairs for many of you here are major budget busters, whether you have an emergency fund or savings, or possibly dipping into the entertainment/vacation fund. And there's many people here willing to do a bit of work themselves to save on the $80 per hour labor charge.

And yes, when I brought the car in because of the engine light being on. He tested the entire airflow intake, went through all recall and notices, and showed me the notice that the mass airflow sensor was faulty on many of the Fords 10-15 years ago.

I like you comparison between dealer customers and mechanic customers, you are 100% dead on
Everything else….. I don’t understand and at this point don’t care too.

Good luck at the mechanics

 

[Swimalie]

$1000 for what amounts to a tune up is crazy. I've watched my DH replace sparkplugs/wires/filters on my car and it's easy-peasy, I could probably do it and I barely know which end of a pair of plyers to use...

I know you didn't have much choice, being stuck on the side of the road. But you really should try and find a good mechanic, and then get some sort of road side assistance plan to cover tows. If you have problems in the future, you'll have more options.

I've changed my own spark plug wires for cost of the parts from one of the major auto retail chains.

I say get enough done to make the car drivable an then get out of there. Don't give them another dime until you've had time to compare prices at other locally owned places. Since you say you don't know a mechanic - go to Yelp and other places and look for reviews of repair shops.

 

[JB2K]

OP - even though a lot of people say "find a mechanic", I understand that someone's mechanic experiences in Florida are going to be different from the person in New Jersey, who uses a shop completely different than the one in Iowa.

With that said, why not try a shop with national reputation/reach, such as Midas? They cost less (way less) than a dealer -- plus, you aren't dealing with 3 guys named Darrell.

 

[JB2K]

My DH works at a dealership (Lincoln not Chevy) so I'm sure I'll come off as sounding biased. I would much rather have someone working on my vehicle that is trained. Even after 25+ years, DH has to continue to go to classes provided by Ford.

That's important, as many late-model cars also come equipped with some pretty sophisticated technology under the hood.

In other words, I wouldn't want just anyone working on it -- I would want someone with the proper tools and technical expertise to get under the hood (which would either be the dealer, or a large shop such as Midas).

 

[mrodgers]

With that said, why not try a shop with national reputation/reach, such as Midas? They cost less (way less) than a dealer -- plus, you aren't dealing with 3 guys named Darrell.

Suggesting Midas is suggesting probably the least reputable shop to work on a car, and just a slight amount less expensive than a dealer.