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KSIMP88 · 02-19-2013, 04:03 PM

My main Mechanic quoted me about $280 to install my struts and do a4-wheel alignment. Then, my old mechanic, aVolvo specialist, quoted me the struts for $180. 2 hours of labor. I said OK, better deal, Igo to him. So I dropped it off today. HE just called and said it ended up being 2.5 hours of labor each side. $450.

$450. More than twice the quote. $450.

FYI,I have the $$$. easily. But... No. Don't double my quote!! Here's my plan:

Go over there, pickup the keys saying I need to go to the bank. With keys in hand, remind him of our quote and ask why it took 5 hours to put on my struts when anyone else could have done it in 2. Then, if he doesn't take the agreed upon price, I will mail him a check with a certified letter explaining the agreed upon price, also stating that cashing the check hereby confirms that he accepts my offer. Worst case, he takes me to court. His is a failing business. I don't think he can afford to go to court. Worst case,he wins, I pay the total bill.

What would you do?

KSIMP88 · 02-19-2013, 05:35 PM

Problem solved. He mispoke

**Mike** · 02-19-2013, 05:36 PM

Just pay the bill. Quotes aren't concrete and never will be.

M_Metzger1114 · 02-21-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

Just pay the bill. Quotes aren't concrete and never will be.

They aren't concrete yes. But to double in price? What he should have done is once he got into it and realized it was going to take more time, call you and say hey it's going to be more would you like me to continue?
Also don't most shops work on flat rate anyways? Shouldn't matter if it took him 8 hours, if it was a 2.5 hour job that's what should be paid for.

pbasil1 · 02-25-2013, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSIMP88

Problem solved. He mispoke

Haha, good to hear!

**lautinjr** · 04-26-2013, 06:37 PM

Not sure how I missed this the first time, but after deleting spam I feel I should contribute if something like this happens again. Depends on the law in your state. In CA it doesn't matter if you owe 5K a shop can't keep your vehicle from you. If you took it they have to take you to court. You will loose the court case if they can prove you authorized the quote and it will cost more in legal fees. In Vegas in NO where I have worked I can increase a estimate up to $100 or 20% (which ever is less)of the original agreed upon price with out authorization anymore and I'm breaking the law. If a owner takes a vehicle with out paying it's a felony if over $70 and I can call the cops and have them arrested. The few times this has happened the cops went to there house and gave them the option return to the shop with the officer and pay the bill or get in the back of the car and come to jail with us. Even if he gave you the keys under the assumption you were returning to pay the bill it doesn't matter.

02-19-2013, 04:03 PM	#1
KSIMP88 R for Refined. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, OR Posts: 2,507 Rep: 36	Wwyd My main Mechanic quoted me about $280 to install my struts and do a4-wheel alignment. Then, my old mechanic, aVolvo specialist, quoted me the struts for $180. 2 hours of labor. I said OK, better deal, Igo to him. So I dropped it off today. HE just called and said it ended up being 2.5 hours of labor each side. $450. $450. More than twice the quote. $450. FYI,I have the $$$. easily. But... No. Don't double my quote!! Here's my plan: Go over there, pickup the keys saying I need to go to the bank. With keys in hand, remind him of our quote and ask why it took 5 hours to put on my struts when anyone else could have done it in 2. Then, if he doesn't take the agreed upon price, I will mail him a check with a certified letter explaining the agreed upon price, also stating that cashing the check hereby confirms that he accepts my offer. Worst case, he takes me to court. His is a failing business. I don't think he can afford to go to court. Worst case,he wins, I pay the total bill. What would you do? __________________ My Ride: 2004 Volvo S60R -- Official Thread 300HP - 295 ft/lbs Torque - 6-speed Manual - AWD Active Chassis Suspension Mod list: CAI, Strut Conversion, HD TCV, Power Slot rotors, Hawks Brake pads Current Performance Guesstimate: 312HP - 305 ft/lbs Torque (I'll save dyno runs for stage 0-3 for a total of 4 runs) To-Do List: Entire Exhaust to 3" Oval IPD, Larger IPD Turbo, K&N Air Filter, IPD Stage III Tune, other misc

02-19-2013, 05:35 PM	#2
KSIMP88 R for Refined. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, OR Posts: 2,507 Rep: 36	Problem solved. He mispoke __________________ My Ride: 2004 Volvo S60R -- Official Thread 300HP - 295 ft/lbs Torque - 6-speed Manual - AWD Active Chassis Suspension Mod list: CAI, Strut Conversion, HD TCV, Power Slot rotors, Hawks Brake pads Current Performance Guesstimate: 312HP - 305 ft/lbs Torque (I'll save dyno runs for stage 0-3 for a total of 4 runs) To-Do List: Entire Exhaust to 3" Oval IPD, Larger IPD Turbo, K&N Air Filter, IPD Stage III Tune, other misc

02-19-2013, 05:36 PM	#3
Mike Community Director Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 6,140 Rep: 129	Just pay the bill. Quotes aren't concrete and never will be. __________________ Take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green, and the girls are pretty. \| Save a tree, support your local drag strip! Read the rules! \| DO NOT REPLY TO SPAM \| See a bad post? Just report it! Daily Driver: 1996 Chevy Blazer LT 4x4 - 235k miles Girlfriend's Car: 2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4L 4 door - 130k miles Bike: 1981 Yamaha XS 400 [Almost ready!] Plow Truck: 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500 LT - 190k miles [6.0L, 4x4, ECSB, Eaton Rear Locker] Others: 2012 Chevy Cruze automatic, Sonic sedan manual, both 1.4 Turbo, LT trim

04-26-2013, 06:37 PM	#6
lautinjr Now accepting bribes. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Currently Las Vegas Posts: 4,026 Rep: 191	Not sure how I missed this the first time, but after deleting spam I feel I should contribute if something like this happens again. Depends on the law in your state. In CA it doesn't matter if you owe 5K a shop can't keep your vehicle from you. If you took it they have to take you to court. You will loose the court case if they can prove you authorized the quote and it will cost more in legal fees. In Vegas in NO where I have worked I can increase a estimate up to $100 or 20% (which ever is less)of the original agreed upon price with out authorization anymore and I'm breaking the law. If a owner takes a vehicle with out paying it's a felony if over $70 and I can call the cops and have them arrested. The few times this has happened the cops went to there house and gave them the option return to the shop with the officer and pay the bill or get in the back of the car and come to jail with us. Even if he gave you the keys under the assumption you were returning to pay the bill it doesn't matter. __________________ Please help reduce our mini van population and wear condoms!

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