When I replaced the car battery, I was told that the alternator should also be checked. I went to the Cedar Park NTB because I like to patronize local businesses (even though I recently paid them an outrageous $135.00 for one tire for my 2006 Toyota Camry).
Mike showed me an alledged test result that said the alternator was low. It was late, I was tired, and so I said OK. They installed an after market alternator. Its price was $250.00; the total bill was $395.00 including a "shop charge" of $30.00.
The car has only 38,000 miles (practically new for a Toyota), so the next day after thinking things over, I called Champion Toyota. I was told that alternators almost never go out on Toyotas.
I called NTB to ask for my removed alternator so that it could be checked. They claimed to no longer have it; it was being refurbished. When I asked if that entitled me to a rebate or anything, I was told I got a new alternator! My conclusion: they took advantage of me because I am a senior citizen and a woman who was alone, tired, and uninformed.
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