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View Full Version : Mechanics see a woman coming and BAM!!!



moosmom
08-24-2011, 08:36 AM
I found what I THOUGHT was a great auto repair place down the street who came recommended to me.

In the past year, I've put over $2,000 into my car to keep it running. I asked them for a repair history and noticed I got charged TWICE for a left front axle!!!:mad::mad::mad:

I called them on it and they said that yes, they made a mistake. When I picked up my car yesterday, I heard Curt, one of the owners, tell a customer over the phone that he overcharged HIM and to come back and they'll credit his account.

IMAGINE my surprize when I see the left front axle on my car history TWICE. Once last year, and again last week!!! I am SO pissed right now. I told them to take the overcharge and put my motor mount in. It's going in on Friday and that's the last time they'll see me!!

BUYER BEWARE!! Learn from MY mistake!!

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 08:43 AM
What does this have to do with you being female?

He's evidently got someone working for him who's double billing, he needs to find out who it is and fire them.

Thieves don't care what your gender is.

happylabs
08-24-2011, 09:17 AM
I agree with you. I think mechanics take advantage of people who do not understand cars, mostly women. If you Google it, you will find tons and tons of articles about it.

I would be irritated too and definitely take my car to someone else.

With my car, I always question everything they tell me I need. I have an all-wheel drive Subaru. I got a flat on one tire and they told me I had to replace all 4. I checked into it and found that it wasn't completely necessary because I didn't have that much wear and tear on the other 3 yet.

Also, they are always trying to sell me filters I do not need. I go in and say oil change and that is it. No extras.

I just read an article that said to read your manual for your vehicle to know what the usual repair/replacement items are.

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 09:24 AM
If all mechanics take advantage of women, then how is going to a different mechanic going to help?

Don't use quicklube places, they don't really check your vehicle, and they try to sell you everything. However, air filters, cabin air filters, fuel filters, etc. DO need to be changed occasionally.

Find a shop you can trust (and no, contrary to the articles, cleanliness has JACK to do with how good the shop is) and use them, even get oil changes there if you can't do them yourself (and they're ridiculously easy to do), build a relationship with them and you'll be fine.

Sheesh, ain't broads funny, they don't know anything about cars.

Freedom
08-24-2011, 09:37 AM
Read your owner's manual and only get what they suggest for regular maintenance.

Find an online forum your car - make, model AND YEAR - and read what folks say!

This was critical for me when I bought Carmine, the Prius, 3 years back. (Wow, 3 YEARS already!) Back then even Toyota dealers didn't know all the ins and outs, and would try to sell you stuff you just plain didn't need - the Prius didn't HAVE that part! :rolleyes:

Changing the cabin filter on the Prius is a 10 minute job, I do that myself. Haven't actually had to CHANGE it yet, I annually take it out, hold it under running water to clean it, and put it back. Learned this from the forum, they told us what signs indicate you need a new one vs. cleaning it.

Every time I have my oil changed, the place will put a sticker on my windshield. Each and every one suggests I go back in 6 months of 3000 miles. But the Prius owner's manual is every 6 months or 5000 miles!

You really do have to pay attention, just like reading labels for foods. UGH!

Thank goodness for Prius Chat, or I'd have been done for!

moosmom
08-24-2011, 09:58 AM
I have a high school chum that has a garage in Wethersfield that I was taking it to. The only reason I tried this other place down the street was because it was so convenient. I have a call into my friend now. My car is going into his shop tomorrow to get another estimate on all the work the other shop claims it needs.

Sorry Lady's Human, but I disagree with you on this one.

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 10:03 AM
Yeay stereotypes!

You blonds are just so sily.

Catty1
08-24-2011, 10:07 AM
I heard Curt, one of the owners, tell a customer over the phone that he overcharged HIM

Unless HIM is transgender? ;)


I hope your car gets all the right stuff at your friend's garage. :)

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 10:11 AM
So.....

What if the mechanic's a woman? Does that mean she automatically takes advantage of men?

Karen
08-24-2011, 10:44 AM
Caveat to those who might think LH is being serious - he knows better than to disparage anyone based on gender - or hair color, either, really. Ma'd zap him with a lightning bolt from heaven if he was serious.

Moosmom, and everyone - ignorance is always taken advantage of by the unscrupulous. As was stated before, READ your owner's manual. Technical writers put a lot of effort into making them understandable to average people.

Educate yourself, that is your only defense. And ask questions, and pay attention to the answers. Write things down if you have to.

happylabs
08-24-2011, 12:01 PM
If all mechanics take advantage of women, then how is going to a different mechanic going to help?

Don't use quicklube places, they don't really check your vehicle, and they try to sell you everything. However, air filters, cabin air filters, fuel filters, etc. DO need to be changed occasionally.

Find a shop you can trust (and no, contrary to the articles, cleanliness has JACK to do with how good the shop is) and use them, even get oil changes there if you can't do them yourself (and they're ridiculously easy to do), build a relationship with them and you'll be fine.

Sheesh, ain't broads funny, they don't know anything about cars.

I didn't see where anyone wrote that it was all mechanics. :rolleyes:

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 12:05 PM
The title of the thread?

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 12:18 PM
As to the tons of articles on the interwebz from googling something....

One of the articles that's been posted and reposted is someone from consumer protection group abc takes a plug wire off of their car and goes to x number of shops to get it fixed, and then compares prices for the repair, complaining about the inequity of the quotes.

2 problems with that:

1) many shops have signs right in the window clearly stating that if they pop open the hood they're going to charge you 1 hours for diagnosis, regardless of what's required. If they're telling you this up front, how can you complain after the fact? Those advanced code readers that they're using can cost north of $15,000, and they have to pay for having it.

2) Plug wires don't just come off on their own anymore. in 1980 that little trick might have been a valid test, but not anymore.

happylabs
08-24-2011, 12:58 PM
The title of the thread?

Okay, I still don't see the word "all". I just see "Mechanics see a woman..." I guess you could take it either way. I guess if you aren't a woman and haven't been through this you wouldn't understand.

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 01:04 PM
Not everything is related to gender, race, or other categories.

Opposed to the current President's policies? You must be a racist.

Someone screwing off on the job and gets caught but nothing happens? Must be because they're a Union worker.


There are unscrupulous people in every field, and they'll take advantage of anyone who doesn't know what's going on.

Seriously, people, this racist/misogynist/fill in your category here victim crap needs to end.

happylabs
08-24-2011, 01:25 PM
Not everything is related to gender, race, or other categories.

Opposed to the current President's policies? You must be a racist.

Someone screwing off on the job and gets caught but nothing happens? Must be because they're a Union worker.


There are unscrupulous people in every field, and they'll take advantage of anyone who doesn't know what's going on.

Seriously, people, this racist/misogynist/fill in your category here victim crap needs to end.

It probably will once we all live in a perfect world.

Karen
08-24-2011, 02:06 PM
It probably will once we all live in a perfect world.

It will end as soon as we each stop doing it! You can change the world, as long as you start with yourself!

(Not directed at happylabs personally, but at each and every person. It would be more correct to use "one" instead of "you, but then it sounds stilted.)

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 02:35 PM
There is SO much information out there now about car repair no one should be a "victim" of an unscrupulous mechanic.

I don't care whether you have a Geo Metro or a Corvette, there's a forum out there somewhere on the internet dealing with your particular car.


CEL (or service engine soon) light on? Limp it to autozone, get the codes pulled, and search. (DO NOT!!!! buy the part that autozone tries to sell you, it may or may not fix the issue, and your mechanic isn't going to appreciate not making the markup on the parts. Damned crooks need to put food on the table too)

Someone has had that problem before, and someone can help you diagnose it. Even if you don't turn wrenches yourself, you can at least get an idea of what the repair is going to be before driving to those thieving mechanics.

Odd noise? Go online, find a forum relating to your particular car, and search. Someone has had that problem before.

All it takes is a little research and you can avoid getting taken advantage of.

As with anything else, forewarned is forearmed.

Pembroke_Corgi
08-24-2011, 03:41 PM
There is SO much information out there now about car repair no one should be a "victim" of an unscrupulous mechanic.

I don't care whether you have a Geo Metro or a Corvette, there's a forum out there somewhere on the internet dealing with your particular car.

Very true!! I've fixed a lot of things on our cars before by googling the cars' issues. It's mainly been stuff that easy to access- I haven't done anything under the car, for example- but even that has probably saved several hundred dollars over the years.

There are plenty of repairs anyone can do, and even if you can't, it helps to diagnose the issue before it goes to a mechanic.

Freckles
08-24-2011, 05:24 PM
Thank goodness for Prius Chat, or I'd have been done for!
And thank you for the information Prius Chat. Me, and my eight year old Prius thank you. :)

mrspunkysmom
08-24-2011, 06:13 PM
Well, there are unscrupulous mechanics and many do treat women badly. I kept my Ford Escort running and in excellent condition for 12 years. I downloaded the maintenance requirements from Ford online and kept to it.

An incident comes to mind. I took my car in for its oil change. The mechanic insisted that it needed a fuel filter and a system flush. I said no, it had already been done. (I was new to this town.) The mistake I made was staying there. I should have retrieved my car. I said "oil change" only. He still did the other stuff and to get my car back I had to pay $400 or so. I complained at their main office but to no avail.

They didn't stay in business very long at this location.

I just won't go back and I refuse to buy Fords in this area since I would have to deal with this group.

Another mechanic shop I visited twice treated women who brought their "men" with them better and gave faster service than women who came alone. And he was a young guy.

Both of these happened in this big city. To tell the truth I've received better service in Southern small towns than in Southern big cities.

Good luck with your car.

Karen
08-24-2011, 07:16 PM
My point is they will also treat men badly if they come across as not car-knowledgeable. And I am sure the unscrupulous take advantage if anyone with an accent - anyone they think they can bamboozle, they will. We just need to arm ourselves with as much information as possible.

I would have taken that guy to small claims court when he did more than you wanted then tried to charge you for it.

Lady's Human
08-24-2011, 07:34 PM
I wouldn't have complained a the main office. I would have called the police and told them that the mechanic performed unwanted service on the car and was falsely detaining you. They're supposed to give you a form to sign authorizing the service. if you didn't authorize it, it's not supposed to be done.

Had to call the police once from a service center in........name redacted to protect the guilty........ It took me 9-1- and I never got to the second 1 before the manager was speaking with me.

If you're milquetoast, you're going to get burned.

mrspunkysmom
08-24-2011, 08:00 PM
If you're milquetoast, you're going to get burned.

Really? It's a shame. What's really a shame is that a nice person is called a milquetoast.

I normally don't get burned. I've developed a reputation as someone who speaks her mind.

At the place that discriminated against single women, I complained so loud my oil change and servicing were free. That's why I went back. Service was still bad, so I just didn't go back.

I did find a good mechanic that I used until I got the XB.

I never really thought about calling the police. Hope I never have to do that, but I'll consider it the next time. I do fell vindicated somewhat that they went out of business at that location. And I accept every opportunity to disparage their name.

It's is apparently a problem they have. I think they are the only car dealer in the area that runs TV ADs stating how honorable they are.

A mea culpa: I don't know why I didn't think about the agreement. I had to sign one every time at Firestone. Long day at school?

But none of that excuses theft.

wombat2u2004
08-25-2011, 06:15 AM
Sometimes there are additional costs that women's vehicles incur :p

http://img1.imagehousing.com/9/0913a588c871e4095b44f5eb073007cc.jpg (http://www.imagehousing.com/image/833029)

pomtzu
08-25-2011, 07:02 AM
Sometimes there are additional costs that women's vehicles incur :p

http://img1.imagehousing.com/9/0913a588c871e4095b44f5eb073007cc.jpg (http://www.imagehousing.com/image/833029)

Oh puh-leeze!!!!!!!!!! Men are by far, the worst drivers!!! My ex and both my sons have had more accidents than you can shake a stick at. :p One son totaled 2 different cars in the course of about 12 hours, tho only one was his fault. Me - one fender bender and not my fault! :D

moosmom
08-25-2011, 02:10 PM
Took it in for a second opinion.

Not only does my car not NEED a motor mount (which was scheduled to be put in tomorrow), it also doesn't need front hub bearings!!!

This place raked me over the coals. I got a refund for the double charge on the left front axle. They never even diagnosed a critical safety issue with my tie rods in the rear right.

When I called the "other guys" and told them what the second opinion showed, he argued with me saying my guy was lying. If he was lying, he would've said yes, it did need all the things the other place said and offered to fix it for cheaper. I will NEVER set foot in D'Addario's Auto Service in East Hartford, CT again!!!

I am definitely filing a complaint with the BBB. Word to the wise...get a second opinion.

Lady's Human,

I rest my case!!!! I didn't say ALL mechanics. THIS mechanic saw me coming!

happylabs
08-25-2011, 03:10 PM
Took it in for a second opinion.

Not only does my car not NEED a motor mount (which was scheduled to be put in tomorrow), it also doesn't need front hub bearings!!!

This place raked me over the coals. I got a refund for the double charge on the left front axle. They never even diagnosed a critical safety issue with my tie rods in the rear right.

When I called the "other guys" and told them what the second opinion showed, he argued with me saying my guy was lying. If he was lying, he would've said yes, it did need all the things the other place said and offered to fix it for cheaper. I will NEVER set foot in D'Addario's Auto Service in East Hartford, CT again!!!

I am definitely filing a complaint with the BBB. Word to the wise...get a second opinion.

Lady's Human,

I rest my case!!!! I didn't say ALL mechanics. THIS mechanic saw me coming!


Amen! Get 'em!

blue
08-25-2011, 04:27 PM
They never even diagnosed a critical safety issue with my tie rods in the rear right.

Learned something new. I didnt know cars had rear tie rods, I always thought tie rods where a steering component.

Karen
08-25-2011, 04:59 PM
Learned something new. I didnt know cars had rear tie rods, I always thought tie rods where a steering component.

She may have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

blue
08-25-2011, 05:20 PM
She may have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Tie rods are still a steering component, nothing to do with AWD or 4WD. Maybe if she has a rear steering axle.

caseysmom
08-25-2011, 08:53 PM
Took it in for a second opinion.

Not only does my car not NEED a motor mount (which was scheduled to be put in tomorrow), it also doesn't need front hub bearings!!!

This place raked me over the coals. I got a refund for the double charge on the left front axle. They never even diagnosed a critical safety issue with my tie rods in the rear right.

When I called the "other guys" and told them what the second opinion showed, he argued with me saying my guy was lying. If he was lying, he would've said yes, it did need all the things the other place said and offered to fix it for cheaper. I will NEVER set foot in D'Addario's Auto Service in East Hartford, CT again!!!

I am definitely filing a complaint with the BBB. Word to the wise...get a second opinion.

Lady's Human,

I rest my case!!!! I didn't say ALL mechanics. THIS mechanic saw me coming!

I think you may be better off complaining with the bureau of automotive repair.

Lady's Human
08-25-2011, 11:12 PM
Tie rods are a steering component. They connect the steering rack to the knuckle/hub assembly. (Or, in the case of a really old car, they connect the knuckle to the drag link assy, which connects to the steering box)

If someone told me I needed tie rod ends in the rear of the car, my next phone call would be another mechanic.

moosmom
08-25-2011, 11:50 PM
Okay, first off, I'm not SURE if it's the tie rods. It's two rods in the rear. Both are bent and both are hanging on by a nut and bolts.

The bottom line is, these guys are crooks. Plain and simple and I'm tired talking about it. They took advantage of me. PERIOD.

I've been taken before by crooked mechanics so excuse me if I'm hostile.

caseysmom
08-26-2011, 03:37 AM
Okay, first off, I'm not SURE if it's the tie rods. It's two rods in the rear. Both are bent and both are hanging on by a nut and bolts.

The bottom line is, these guys are crooks. Plain and simple and I'm tired talking about it. They took advantage of me. PERIOD.

I've been taken before by crooked mechanics so excuse me if I'm hostile.

You go ahead and vent you got my sympathy and ear...

happylabs
08-26-2011, 05:29 AM
Okay, first off, I'm not SURE if it's the tie rods. It's two rods in the rear. Both are bent and both are hanging on by a nut and bolts.

The bottom line is, these guys are crooks. Plain and simple and I'm tired talking about it. They took advantage of me. PERIOD.

I've been taken before by crooked mechanics so excuse me if I'm hostile.

You have every right to be hostile. Vent away girl! I'm with ya!!!

moosmom
08-26-2011, 09:19 AM
Caseysmom and Happylabs,

THANK YOU!!!!

Taz_Zoee
08-26-2011, 10:40 AM
I have to put my two cents in on this one. I agree with moosmom. When I take my car in I always have them call Bruce after they've looked at it for the problem I brought it in for. When I was living at home........they called my dad or my brother.
While I've never been taken advantage of......that I'm aware of.......I still feel like they see me coming and think $$$$$. And honestly I'd feel that way if it was a woman too.
I did have a wonderful mechanic in Galt when I lived at home. He is now still my dad's mechanic. I trusted him completely. I just wish I could find one like that here in the East Bay.

There are good trustworthy mechanics out there. It's just finding them that's the hard part.

pomtzu
08-26-2011, 12:03 PM
I must be one of those lucky women, since I have a great place to take my car. My son was skeptical and said since they were small and local, they would probably be more expensive than where he takes his vehicles. It started out just as a privately owned lube center, but now they do all sorts of work. I got an estimate for brakes all around, 4 new tires, the regular lube, alignment and a few other minor things and told my son what it was, and he was rather surprised to see it as low as it was. I had the work done and one of the mechanics actually came out to the house to pick me up and take me in to get the car. And then, the total bill was actually almost $100 LESS than had been quoted, since they made a mistake on the price of one of the parts - like I would have known???? They gave me a detailed printout and price of every nut, bolt, gasket, bushing, etc used, and even the details of the brake calibration!

I'm keeping these guys!!!!!!:D

moosmom
08-26-2011, 12:55 PM
Well, I'm sticking with my buddy Jim at Gunn's Automotive. He's never let me down yet.

As for D'Addarios Auto Service?? They can KMA!!!

sasvermont
08-26-2011, 01:10 PM
I, too, have had my share of problems with mechanics. One guy was always trying to save me money, by NOT doing work, only to have more problems down the road....and at one point, the moron screwed the belly pan under the car, into the turbo charger pipe and when I had a new mechanic put a new belly pan on the car, there was a hole that had to be welded to fix it!

I have changed mechanics three times with my current car. I think I found one nearby and have had him do some quality work the first time. I plan to have him put new hoses on my car as the car is 12 years old now.

Moosman, I don't blame you for being angry. I think some of these guys are just plain stupid!

Buyer beware!!!!

cassiesmom
08-26-2011, 03:26 PM
I dread going in for car service because I know so little about my car! That was one good thing about taking it to the Saturn dealership- they were always good about explaining the problem and what they had done. I'll have to ask more questions next time.