Doesn't really matter, just ask any of the internet experts in the countless timing belt threads. The belts looked perfect and they never break. The service schedule is just there as a profit center for the dealership. Sorry this isn't going well and sorry sounds harsh but: If the work is already done and you approved it the ship has already sailed. It sounds like there were a couple of bad decisions on your part about the work and now you are down to damage control. Loz997S - not paying is an option but so is the mechanic keeping the car until the bill is paid and charging storage.
I would only add that each state is a bit different. Many states require verbal authorization for each repair costing more than x dollars. If the whole thing was open ended, then that is a different story. Was any kind of estimate given?
It's in Massachusetts at a very reputable shop. I really don't want to say which shop. He only called once to say he would need a few thousand in parts for the bearings and piston. Then I went in and he said it would be 30k
I really like the guy so far. And hope maybe he's even giving me a rouse. I doubt it. But I can pray. lol. He's seemed to be a nice guy but I really hope it adds up. He originally gave me a quote to pull the whole thing and fix it and said about 25k worst case and maybe 10-15 if I got lucky and didn't bend everything. then I pulled motor to trace damage myself. Repaired heads. And brought him the rest after I realized i was very fortunate it didn't do more to block besides that one piston top being slightly scuffed.
Not even close to 355 money. 35k wouldn't cover an oil change. Engine rebuild would equal the GDP of Belize
Pay a handwritten invoice in cash with nothing itemized between parts and labor.. only THEN is one a schmuck in my eyes..
prima facie, yes....... seems like it since you had already dropped the engine and got the top end job done by yourself ....and for a 75-k-85k car, i think going the route of swapping another engine would have been the better option....
How do I politely contest the price of the rebuild? Has any other Ferrari owners felt this way? I hate being taken advantage of. I'm 29 years old and worked hard to buy my car. Not some hedge fund kid. That's gonna cripple me.
I would be requesting a detailed breakdown of all parts and labor. Then I would have him walk me through the detailed list. Something looks way out of whack and I wouldn't hesitate in questioning it....
You should never have been allowed to go down the road of a $35k repair job without having a clear indication from the start what was involved. Any reputable shop should have explained the options of replacing with new, replacing with used and repairing (while also explaining the risk of extras if going down that route). If and when they got your go-ahead for repair they should have re-appraised you of any additional complications encountered along the way and should have sought your approval to continue. I don't know where you stand legally at this time. They presumably have possession of the vehicle and will not release it until it's been paid? I don't see a happy ending in this.
This. Try to keep your cool; I know it will be hard. If they are dishonest, it will show as you go over the list in detail. If he is trying to rip you, also don't be surprised if he goes on the offensive, or gets nasty under the pressure of proving why it is so expensive. Don't let him pull you into an argument, just go back to the goal - he must show you the labor and parts that led to this bill. But again, as another poster just pointed out, and even assuming all this work was legit, he still has a responsibility to keep you informed and give *you* the opportunity to make a decision to control costs, not just do what he wants at any cost. The law protects you here as well. Where did you get the shop name? Any complaints against them in the BBB? What is their reputation locally?
+1 How did you find out about them and made you go there for the repair? Did you consider taking to the dealer instead? You already have the labor cost 35 hours x $130 = $4,160 All you need now is the cost of the parts. If they can justify somehow all the prices then unfortunately you have no argument.
$30K seems high, but it depends on what is being done. I still want to know how long the prior belts had been in, as well as the milage.
$4160 for 32 hrs of labor; so $25840 for part? I'd definitely want to see a list of parts installed as well as the old parts to make sure that things were actually replaced.
Was gonna say... that sounds like a borderline parts car unless it has sentimental value. But, if the work is done already, no turning back.
Not all states have consumer protection regulations to cover this. I do agree it is just good business to inform you up front as best as possible what the costs will be and if that turns out not to be accurate to keep you informed as the job progresses. Really no good reason for that type of surprise at the end. $130 an hour is not at all unreasonable but what everyone seems to forget is that number is meaningless. You will be paying a total labor bill and not an hourly rate. One shop bills 10 hours for job x and either for reasons of inability or in some cases a more thorough job the same job at another shop bills 20 hours. The bottom line is what you need to know. From your description of the job it seems like you are getting bent over but many important details being left out here. Unless there is something major not covered by your description the parts bill is incomprehensible.
Man this is a nightmare. Sorry you are going through this. What makes it worse is the fact you like this guy, so he's done a good job on you. He probably thinks you are weak and will just pay this bill. Seriously though, you get a digital invoice when you buy a toaster for $19.95 these days, so $35k on a bit of paper................ Hopefully he will see you right. Best of luck
