I brought my 2002 Jeep Liberty into Tate Service Dept on 4/4/08 to replace a burned our headlamp bulb on the passenger side. This service had just been completed on the other headlight in 10/07 at Henry Gay Jeep in Laurel, MD for $34.31 (inc. Tax & fees). Thinking that 2 Jeep dealers within a 20 mile area could not possibly vary too much in cost, I brought my vehicle to Tate, which is closer to home. Much to my dismay, Tate performed the same service charging me more than 3 times the labor.
The total cost at Tate Jeep for a headlamp bulb replacement (inc. Tax & fees) was $71.22. I called to speak to the service manager about this extreme variance offering to bring both service invoices with me. The manager, John Erbe, was uncooperative and offered no explanation as to the difference in labor charges for the same repair: $15 vs $47.50. I was not treated with any respect and was not provided any compromise except to pay the bill or leave my vehicle.
I do NOT recommend using the service department at Tate Chrysler Jeep and find it is worth the effort to compare rates and get an estimate in writing before approving any work with auto dealerships.
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