What are my rights if I feel I am being overcharged for auto repairs?

Question

I found an engine shop that originally quoted me a price of $1688.00 to rebuild my engine on my 2001 Toyota RAV4. Once the vehicle had been taken into the shop and the engine reviewed, the price to repair my engine went to $4700.00 +-.

Answer 1

check with your local DVM

Answer 2

Did you get that original quote in writing ? If this mechanic found additional problems after he started working on your engine, he should have called you before making these repairs. Try calling the BBB in your area, or just go to a lawyer for advice.

If he hasn't worked on it yet and simply raised his estimate, take it somewhere else for a second opinion.

Answer 3

That is why it is called an "estimate".  If they tear down your motor and find more damage than what was originally suspected this is what will result.  It is not unusual to find new problems during disassembly that are not evident when everything is still assembled and in place.  The number didn't just magically nearly triple.  There is a reason.

You might explore the option of installing a used engine which should be much cheaper than rebuilding your current wreck.  A properly maintained Toyota motor should run almost forever so I am curious what sort of neglect led to it needing to be replaced/rebuilt.

Answer 4

Well they could have found some more problems with it..the only real way to find out if you're being overcharged is to get them to tell you everything the engine is going to need.

Answer 5

[e-mail], I had similar problems with my Nissan Quest and last month. Try getting a free auto warranty quote ans see if you can get the policy before you need to get your car repaired. http://www.autoadviceonline.com/Warranty...

Answer 6

yeah, they need to itemize the repair items and show you the labor chart.  but to be honest, i'd just buy a new car.  $4700 is too much to put into a 2001.

Answer 7

It seems to me, there are 2 separate questions here. First, does your engine actually need $4,700 worth of repairs. The best thing would be to ask someone who knows something about cars, and have them go with you while the shop explains what needs to be done, and show you the reason why.

The second question is why they gave you such a low estimate in the first place. Some places like to "low-ball" estimates on purpose, knowing that it easily could go higher, and somehow, it seems like it always does once the car is torn apart.

The shop should have never given you an estimate for repairs without knowing what was wrong. In a situation like this, they should have given you an estimate for a teardown and diagnosis first, and then an estimate for actual repairs that they are willing to stand by. In most localities, the actual cost of repairs cannot exceed 10% or 15% of the estimate.

If your original estimate was for repairing the engine, then you should contact your local agency that handles these matters for advice on your legal rights.

In California for example;

WARNING! If a tear-down is necessary to determine how much a repair will cost, your customer is entitled to a written estimate for the tear-down and rebuild costs (including a timeline for rebuilding), and a second written estimate for the cost of the actual repair.

http://www.bar.ca.gov/02_IndustryActivit...