Early October our 1999 Camaro RS developed an idle and running engine vibration. Pretty sudden onset, as if something had broken down. Checked for AAA registered repair facilities in the area, contacted Burke Centre Automotive.
Left the car with them October 3rd, requesting estimate before proceeding on any repair, but authorized them to replace oil and filter and lube the chassis at their advertised rate. October 4th they called the house and told my grown son that the secondary ignition was breaking down and needed to be replaced, and quoted a figure. He in turn called me at work, and gave me a quote of $76. Apparently he got it wrong, the quote to perform the engine diagnostics and replace six ignition wires and six plugs was in fact over $700!
Informed the shop manager I was livid about this bill, since from the time the estimate was given to my son to the time we were called that the car was ready for pickup was less than 90 minutes, yet we have been charged $486.47 for labor, of which only $7.45 is for the oil change and lube service.
I questioned them about the $21.95 per plug charge and was told they put in platinum plugs. I checked with Patterson Chevrolet, and this model uses regular $3.95 plugs, not the high compression Z-28 platinum ones.
I talked with Chris, the shop manager, who never returned any calls and was absent every time I was about to drive over to their shop. I talked with Monte Carter, who was too busy to continue our conversation and unavailable the following Monday when he said he would be there.
I am also filing with AAA since its their recommendation that got me into this in the first place.
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