Help With Auto Repair Bill?

Question

I recently took my car in for service and I am wondering if I was charged too much for the repairs. I had 4 complaints when I went in: The first interval of my windshield wiper doesn't work, the AC doesn't blow cool, the passenger-side window doesn't work, and I need the CV boot replaced (was advised of this previously). I drive a 1991 Acura Integra. The following is what they charged me: $43.98 for .50 hours spent repairing the window, $131.93 for 1.50 hours spent repairing the left front drive axle and $80.00 for the parts, and (this is where I have the issue): $114.34 for 1.30 hours spent evacuating and recharging the AC, $4.00 for "hazardous materials", and $8.00 for dye. This did not resolve the AC issue and I was told it would cost approximately $192 more to repair the compressor or expansion valve, which would resolve it. I declined that repair, and they removed all the Freon they had added. I was also charged $25.00 for "shop supplies" at the end of the bill. As for the wiper interval, I was told it would cost $600-700 to diagnose/repair that, so naturally I declined (I don't show any charge for the wiper interval). The total was $407.25 (ouch!) Did I get taken for a ride? I am in Portland, OR if that makes any difference and this is a AAA-certified shop. Any (informed) help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

good fair price

Answer 2

When my AC wasn't cold I got the AC recharged and they said a valve was sticking and Freon is about $75 and you need a special license to work with it so like 114 is about right but they didn't even fix the valve for you. And if they removed the Freon then they shouldn't of charged for it. Dye? What? And they have to pay for hazardous material removal and shop supplies, not you. Window sometimes can be something expensive like the motor if it's electrical is like $100 but if it's crank then it's easy. CV boot I've done that too costs about $24 for the boot. Windshield wiper is probably electrical problem which well could be anywhere from $5 to $150 but they didn't fix that either. You definitely got ripped off because it should be at least half that. Report them to the better business bureau or the BAR or both because they are obviously poor mechanics.  

Answer 3

Everything does seem inline to me. I do not know what regulations for freon are in Oregon. If your system is leaking it is a violation by the EPA (Enviromental Protection Agency) to relaese freon into the atmosphere. They pulled all freon out, refilled it with freon and dye to determine the exact spot of the leak. Once that was determined and you opted out of the repair it is their obligation to reclaim the freon. I know that is what we are required in New York to do. It is a huge fine if they were to get caught dumping that into the ozone. Good Luck

Answer 4

I don't know the prices up there ,but for as the a/c goes it sounds dam good to me . I have a 89 Acura Integra and they wanted 346. bucks just for the a/c compressor , that's not no labor or any other parts that they may need to fix the a/c . So if they can fix yours for another 192. bucks you might should let them do it.

Answer 5

that's not really too bad,they did this one by the book hours so according to what you had done they charged you fairly,they spent the time working on it,so really it wasn't to bad,it would have been a lot worse though had you let them do all the repairs,some of their prices are a little high,places like that have high labor rates,next time you might want to find an independent shop their prices are a lot more reasonable,good luck.

Answer 6

Doesn't seem too high for the work done. I would have expected more my self. AC work is not cheap. Neither are electrical repairs. I would count my blessings. Good Luck1