Overwhelmed!

by Dee
(Brandon, Manitoba)

I am overwhelmed to say the least. I went to purchase new tires and check a problem with a clunking noise while driving. I paid almost $1200. This included tie rod ends, 4wheel alignment, wheel bearing, and 2 tires. I left telling myself the money spent was an investment. I drove not two blocks and the problem was still there. I call the mechanic and they took me in a couple days. The mechanic rode with me to hear the 'imaginary' clunking noise. When he heard it too he took it back in the garage. When they returned I was handed another list of work needed that totaled over $1000, gas strut cartridge replace, gas matic front - pair, and struts (which I was told were fine but they would not do the work without also replacing the perfectly good struts). A went for a second opinion before committing to the work and told the shop the story about the clunking noise. The estimate given was $295 to fix the problem-Bushings, plus power steering pressure hose, and a fluid top up. What is my rights with the $1200 already spent? I cannot afford to any work now and I was told nothing else needed to be done once the tie rod ends were replaced so how could so much have been overlooked when they did a whole front end check?
Frustrated and worried.

Steve Says,

Thanks for your story. Unfortunately this type of scenario is played out way to often in the car repair industry. It sounds like they didn't actually diagnose your front end clunking noise, but instead just replaced all of the car parts that might be causing the problem and left you with the bill.

The first thing I would do is go and talk with the manager at the repair shop that did the original work. Tell them about your original complaint and tell them that you were charged $1200 and the problem is still there. If they refuse then ask to speak with the owner or corporate headquarters (if it is a chain store). Make sure that they know that you will not just go away and they will need to deal with this situation.

If none of that does any good, then I would talk with the organization that is responsible for taking car of car repair fraud. I don't know who that would be in Canada, but here in the States it is the Attorney General. If you have a Better Business Bureau you might want to talk with them as well.

It sounds like the second shop you went to is a better shop and one that you should be taking your car to from here on out.