I brought my '99 VW Passat Wagon for a timing belt repair. I was told from the manager Steve that he knows all in and outs of this job and all components that need to be replaced as per the manufacturer, VW, specs.
This is a 1.8 turbo charged engine and I did my home work: I had quotes on parts and labor for the specific job from two VW shops plus from two other mechanic shops. The parts from VW are $445 after tax, after market repair kit for this job is $173.
I specifically mentioned to the manager Steve that as per VW repair recommendations water pump, timing belt, tensioner, roller, and a few more details needed to be replaced so the job could be guaranteed.
He boosted that he's done many of these and he knows it all.
Steve gave me a quote for the job with all parts and labor for $600.
I asked to sign the estimate for $600. Steve refused to give me the estimate.
The mechanic dismantles my car, the whole front; bumper, head lights etc needs to come off.
Steve calls me after the fact and tells me that he recommends the roller to be replaced as well and that the roller costs $153. I argued with him that the job includes the roller and it has been quoted. Plus the roller is included into the job and the whole repair kit including the roller is $173.
Steve did not even see if the roller needs replacement but said that if the car breaks later since he recommended a roller replacement Sun Devil auto cannot guarantee the job.
So, I am given a quote for the entire job, I ask to sign the estimate, I am refused to sign the estimate and told there is no problem, my car gets dismantled, I am called and asked for additional $153.
I argue this as well. My day is wasted and my car is been messed with.
I am given after the fact a bill for parts on the timing belt part only for $500.
VW original VW parts are $445. Aftermarket parts are $173.
Two days later my left turn signal assembly falls off on the high way since the mechanic broke the clips on it when taking it off to work on the car. The mechanic had a clear knowledge of this. Bolts were missing from the bumper after the job. The sun devil refuses to replace the turn signal assembly.
Their corporate office that called me is a telling jokes and thinks you do not know parts and prices.
I am a machine building mechanic with a diploma as well.
Extreamly poorely done job and extreamly poor management that comes from the corporate office.
My total loss to this shop is: $153 extra rip off for a roller, extra day lost due to the fact that mechanic could not finish the job in one day, turn signal assembly $ 60.
Go get your job done with the dealer is my advice. If the dealer breaks something during repair they will notify you or fix it so you do not come back later and have this argument like I do now.
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