When I need an oil change or new tires on my van, I always send my husband. But, today I couldn't. He was out on a job, I knew I was taking a day trip today. And, I had been so busy I kept forgetting to get two new back tires.
So, first thing it was off to the tire store. I'm a price shopper, and I took the van to the place with the most competitive prices, where we've previously bought tires.
I talked to the nice fellow at the front desk, had done my homework, and knew what the price should be. I asked what the "out the door price" for two tires would be. He gave me the price. Great. They would be finished in an hour. Great. And they would do a 21 point inspection for free. Great again.
I left my van, which I know my husband never does. He likes to watch to see what they're doing.
I got a call in 45 minutes from the nice fellow at the front desk. He told me they had found some problems with my van.
Here it comes, I thought. This is the reason I don't like to take my vehicle in to these places.
He told me that 'while we've got your van up on the rack, your front tire is starting to show wear so we should go ahead and align your tires.'
And, since I was getting on the road today, I needed to get brakes, today. The computer was indicating they were in the caution/danger zone.
Hmmmm.
"Where do I need brakes?" 'On the front.'
"What does it need?" 'It needs new brake pads and new rotors.'
My van is 3 years old and has less than 35,000 miles on it. I'm no mechanic, but I did grow up around people rebuilding cars, motorcycles, vans, boats, you name it. So, I do know a little something about them. And, I know what bad brakes feel like and I hadn't heard the brakes chirping or squeaking. When I was much younger, I remember driving cars where we almost had to slam our foot through the floor board, like Fred Flinstone to get the car to stop.
"How much?" I asked. 'New brakes are $169. New rotors are $79 each.'
"What about labor?" I didn't let him answer. "I have to make a call and I'll call you back."
I called my friend of 35 years with an automotive repair shop. He does all of my automotive work for me (except tires and oil changes). He told me what I suspected, it would be highly unlikely that I would need new rotors at this point. If there was a problem it was likely that the rotors could be re machined at $16 each. He told me to bring the van in and he would take a look at it.
I called the tire place back, and asked the nice fellow, "did you say that I need new rotors?" He didn't hesitate, 'Oh, my mistake, I misunderstood the guy in the garage. I couldn't read his writing. You don't need rotors.'
Unbelievable!
"Just put the tires on my van, I'm on my way to pick it up."
I went in, paid the quoted price for my tires and left.
I wasn't going to waste my breath trying to argue with a place that does business like that.
I wondered, how many people don't question these guys when they bring their car in for a set of tires and they walk out with things they don't need?
It makes me nauseous.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate and Investing
I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations.
We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.
I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
that for you
Sounds so typical Sandy. It always amazes me how a $40 tire turns in to $200 by the time they add in valve stems, sales tax, federal excise tax, balancing, etc., etc.
I have spent my career in two industries - auto repair and mortgage lending and the same thing holds true in both (and with just about every other consumer industry I would suppose) . . The un-informed consumer is the one ripe to be ripped off. Kudos to you for getting informed and not letting it happen to you. Information is power. (Oops - I was logged out when I left this comment before.)
Sandy
Sad but true is a very common practice to sell work that we don't need.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
One of the things I hate more than anything else is dealing with car issues! I keep thinking that when I take the car into the shop, I have emblazoned on my forehead that they can have their way with me. I think it must be worse now because of the economy! I am also a shopper, and have my game plan set in place before I ever walk in the door! I also try to not leave my car if I can help it!
Good for you, Sandy! You are fortunate to have a trusted mechanic that is your "go to guy" for those type of situations. If nothing else it is a great lesson in honesty and integrity and that consumers appreciate being treated honestly and they will not bring their business back to firms that treat them dishonestly!
Buyer beware..... Where have I heard that before?? Sorry you had to deal w/ that...........
Sandy, this reminded me of a friend who needed brakes every time his vehicle was up for state inspection in PA. I had never heard of anyone being that hard on brakes before. When I took him to pick up his car I immediately found out why. I followed him home and observed his brake lights on almost constantly. He was the dreaded two foot, left foot on the brakes, right means go and left means stop driver. Anyway, I'm glad you put them (TK) in their place today. Good post!
Sandy
Happens all the time and in shops where mechanics get a split of the work order!
Ty
Sandy, great response on your part. Some of these shops give incentives to their employees for unneeded work.
It's kind of like going to McDonalds. They always ask if you want an apple pie or to supersize. Some people will say yes and the store gets an extra sale. However in your case, they use a little bit of scare tactics which isn't cool at all.
I just had new tires put on my daughters car and they tried to sell me shocks. I told them no just the tires. I can change the shock my self for $43. They wanted $300 to change one shock.
Sandy,
Car places think we women are dumb..... I hate taking my car in. They almost always treat me like I am an IDIOT! I have learned as you to never trust what they say after they have it on the rack!!
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Hi Sandy, I agree with you, it's nauseating. At the same time, the poor unsuspecting soul is thinking they are looking out for the customer and their safety! ERGH!!!!
Ann has given me an idea! I could run a business on the side to rent my services out to take cars into auto repair shops for females who believe that they may get ripped off because of their gender.
Now if someone will explain to me how an engine works! ^_~
Dan, You're right - when buying tires it can be so costly. That's why I asked upfront what the out the door price was. I knew they were going to try to sell me everything else too. I really dislike that.
Steve, So you know exactly how it works then - grab the sucker and stick him with things he doesn't need. Ugh!
Lou, It's really too bad, because so many people just don't even know.
Myrl, I know what you mean about having it emblazoned on your forehead. It's as if they see you coming, but I bet they're surprised when you and I tell them - just tires, and nothing else. I agree completely, that you shouldn't leave your car. My husband never does, I was just running on such a tight schedule.
Bruce, I agee, that it is a lesson in honesty and integrity. It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth when a company does what these guys did. Before buying tires next time, you better believe I will look for a different place to buy them from. And my friend Danny, was my next door neighbor for years. We grew up together. I feel so fortunate to know I can take my car to him when there's a problem.
United - Isn't it terrible when the buyer really does have to beware? It's too bad.
Kevin, Uh-oh, that friend of yours with the heavy foot really did need brakes on his car. I bet he kept the brake shop busy.
Ty, Ahhhh, that's makes sense. So these guys are getting a split of the work...now it makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Commission work and dishonest to boot. It's a shame.
Gabe, Incentives for unneeded work....that's unbelievable, isn't it?
Rob, True, the fast food restaurants are always trying to upsize the order. Funny, that doesn't seem to bother me very much. I think you hit the nail on the head - they guy told me that I better get those brakes fixed because I was taking a road trip (which I had mentioned, silly me) and they were showing in the danger zone.