Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > Club and Speciality Forums > Forum Community Car Clubs > AU Falcon.com.au

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 24-11-2010, 01:48 PM   #31
GreenMachine
Mopar/No Car
 
GreenMachine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Down the Obi..
Posts: 4,648
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Sensational write up about drum brakes. 
Default

Very surprised by some of the comments here... All those prices are fair for a mechanic to do the work. He confirmed everything with the customer before doing it. Sure, old son spent more than he could afford, but that's not the mechanic's fault.
__________________
ColumnShift Media

'72 Plymouth Scamp
'80 Courier
'13 Kawasaki ZX14-R
'13 Berlina
'92 Suzuki DR650

If you don't fight - You lose
GreenMachine is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 05:37 PM   #32
Day-mow
rexnet
 
Day-mow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3,562
Default

the biggest thing that kinda fustrated me is i never got told how much the service would be. when i got contacted about the wheel bearing i asked how much the service would be and he had no idea really. i had about 430 in my bank and honestly thought thatd b suffice.
__________________
MY06 WRX Build Not Bought
Collingrove Hill Climb- 38.79

Remember it is the internet,So beware of trolls, If you argue with trolls the kids will laugh at you

Follow me on twitter @ Day_mow
Day-mow is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 05:52 PM   #33
Day-mow
rexnet
 
Day-mow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3,562
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peuty
Maybe put aside the $600 odd dollars next time and buy some tools etc to learn to do it all yourself.
i can do everything the mechanic done my self. i just took it to the shop for a stamp in the log book. (which he didn't do).
__________________
MY06 WRX Build Not Bought
Collingrove Hill Climb- 38.79

Remember it is the internet,So beware of trolls, If you argue with trolls the kids will laugh at you

Follow me on twitter @ Day_mow
Day-mow is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 06:03 PM   #34
Day-mow
rexnet
 
Day-mow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3,562
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MNM96
Mine in blue



Your service costs what it costs. If you got what was listed, the pricing was fair for the most.

I do have some tips for you however.

Get a sticker made up for your Airbox lid saying DO NOT SERVICE! and to save a few bob, take your own oil. The oil used probably didn't cost more than $3.00 ( and as little as $1.00) so take your own bottle. You get it cheaper and can choose your own brand and quality, both things are great positives for your engine.

Find a Mechanic you can trust stick with them. They have a bad rap, but a good one is gold.

Anyone been to the dentists lately!


appreciate you input. its all pretty valid i guess i just dont know heaps and thought it would be less and kinda hoped to get a end total out.
__________________
MY06 WRX Build Not Bought
Collingrove Hill Climb- 38.79

Remember it is the internet,So beware of trolls, If you argue with trolls the kids will laugh at you

Follow me on twitter @ Day_mow
Day-mow is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 06:04 PM   #35
blueoval
Critical Thinker
 
blueoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 20,405
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Well thought out and constructive posts.  A real credit to this forum. 
Default

I can't speak for anyone here, but I have never paid that much for a service along with sort of work to be done on my ford. I would not consider that a 'fair' price. But a mechanic will charge what he wants to charge and if the customer accepts, then its good new for the mechanic isnt it? Looking at the situation again, I think there is a portion of responsibility required from the owner of any car.

In heinz sight Day-mow should have:
- asked for prices/quote prior to accepting what the mechanic had suggested.
- insisted to get ONLY the work he wanted done at the time.
- got a list from the mechanic of the work that needs urgent attention at the end of the service, so either a further booking could have been made on the spot if he was happy with the initial work, or he could have sought a second opinion on the work required to be done.
- questioned any work taken place without his approval.

The mechanic although I would consider his charges very high, has done the right thing by asking the customer prior to doing the work. He has charged the customer according to what HE thinks his work is worth and that's that. I don't think there is any recourse to go back to the mechanic to argue the funds if you as the customer failed to question the work or price of parts/labor at the time work was underway. Plus he should have stamped your logbook if you asked him to do that.

Yes the price was high and it was a shock to the OP, but the responsibility lies with the owner of the car to ask the questions and not assume the mechanic has your best interests. Sadly I just think this is a sore lesson to learn Day-mow.
__________________
"the greatest trick the devil pulled, is convincing the world he doesn't exist"

2022 Mazda CX5 GTSP Turbo

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander


1967 XR FALCON 500


Cars previously owned:
2021 Subaru Outback Sport
2018 Subaru XV-S
2012 Subaru Forester X
2007 Subaru Liberty GT
2001 AU2 75th Anniversary Futura
2001 Subaru GX wagon
1991 EB XR8
1977 XC Fairmont
1990 EA S Pak
1984 XE S Pak
1982 ZJ Fairlane
1983 XE Fairmont
1989 EA Falcon
1984 Datsun Bluebird Wagon
1975 Honda Civic
blueoval is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 06:31 PM   #36
ratter
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
ratter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Pit Lane
Posts: 11,867
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Shares his in-depth tuning knowledge with the forum, very helpful. Contributor: For members who make a contribution worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: For his indepth tutorial on adding borders to photographs 
Default

Without trying to be rude, you do not know what the mechanic charges as his hourly rate, he may have only charged 2 or possibly 3 hours for that labour charge, and again with out being rude, I take it by your signature that you do building design, what do you charge to do a set of working drawings for possibly a house extension? Do you charge an hourly rate or just a set figure based on job size?

No matter what job you do for a living, some will consider what you charge too dear for just some drawing on paper, it's easy for other to sit back and think how easy soembody elses job is
__________________
Pit Lane Performance
20 Rosella St Frankston 03 9783 8122

Authorised Streetfighter, Pcmtec , SCT & HP Tuners Tuning Agent,
ratter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 07:58 PM   #37
JaguarDave
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Country NSW
Posts: 152
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Day-mow
i thought i'd get a logbook service done for peace of mind to the next person who has the car.

altho that being said he didn't even look @ the service book and didn't stamp it. i was pretty unhappy when i checked it and it was blank
Just leave a copy of the paid invoice in the logbook, that should amply satisfy the next owner that the service was done. Alternatively, if it really worries you, you could simply return and nicely ask the mechanic to place his stamp in your book, surely that's an option here?

A six hundred dollar bill for work to a car that needed more than the ordinary oil change and checkover is nothing and from what I see you weren't screwed, you sent the car in to be fully serviced and that's what they did ie. they replaced the things they thought needed replacing which is what you were employing them to do.

$220 is how many hour's labour, two to three? Sounds fair to me, as do the parts prices.

As for cleaning your air cleaner, well they won't know when it was last cleaned and since you likely won't be wanting it replaced with the proper paper filter that they would normally fit as part of a service what choice do they have other than to clean it to ensure it lasts the next service interval?

If you are really worried about the cost of things, don't ask for a car to be "serviced", work out what specific jobs you want done, ask for a quote on them and book it in only for those specific jobs.
JaguarDave is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 08:20 PM   #38
Bobman
Regulator
 
Bobman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,168
Default

Hey, didn't you do a full head gasket replacement on this car?

Would have saved money if you had done this service work yourself and keep learning.

It's not unusual to have bills like this. I've seen much worse in my time as a mechanic and it really sucks sometimes to see people come in with simple things only to get ripped off for such trivial things like 'rag fee', etc.
__________________
Regards
Bobby

Current Cars:
2000 AU2 Fairmont (2019-current)
2003 BA1 Falcon Divvy Van (2017-current)
2009 VW Mk6 Golf 118TSi (2020-current)
Previous Cars:
2003 MCX10R Avalon VXi (2017-2020)
1995 EF1 Falcon GLi (2016-2019)
1997 XH2 Falcon Van OPT20 (2016-2019)
2006 BF Fairlane Ghia (2013-2018)
2001 AU3 Futura (2010-2013)
1996 EL Fairmont (2008-2010)
2004 BA XR6 (2005-2008)
2001 AU2 Forte (2005-2006)
1988 EA Fairmont Ghia (2003-2005)
1984 AR Telstar TX5 Ghia (2001-2005)
Bobman is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 09:41 PM   #39
JC
Miami Pilot
Donating Member2
 
JC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ACT
Posts: 21,704
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Writing tech articles 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MNM96
Rep points for

Blueoval for offering an insightful reply. Only thing is you mentioned the importance of a face to face to judge someone, yet some of your posts are judgmental of workshop without having given them the chance!

JC because he is rarely wrong, level headed and giving to this community for a million miles! Nice one Mate
Cheers - not too many say that after meeting me face to face!
__________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Hammer: FG GTE | 376rwkw | 1/4 mile 11.793 @ 119.75mph 1.733 60' (4408lb)
1 of 60 FG MK1 335 GTEs (1 of 118 FG Mk 1 & 2 335 GTEs).
Mods: Tune, HSD/ShockWorks, black GT335 19” staggered replicas with 245 & 275/35/19 Michelin Pilot sport 5s

Daily: BF2 Fairmont Ghia I6 ZF, machine face GT335 19” staggered Replicas with 245s and 275s, Bilsteins & Kings

FPV 335 build stats: <click here>

Ford Performance Club ACT
JC is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 09:50 PM   #40
MNM96
LIFELONG DJR SUPPORTER
 
MNM96's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Posts: 5,324
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JC
Cheers - not too many say that after meeting me face to face!

I don't believe you! Its not like I said you were a good looking specimen, just that you help where able, well and truly above and beyond!
MNM96 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 10:52 PM   #41
SSD-85
Donating Member
Donating Member1
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,142
Default

Did the replacing of the wheel bearing fix your ABS issue? Im just curious also were your brakes grinding at "parking" speeds? Im just trying to pinpoint an ABS issue of my own.
SSD-85 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 11:42 PM   #42
Day-mow
rexnet
 
Day-mow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3,562
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty85
Did the replacing of the wheel bearing fix your ABS issue? Im just curious also were your brakes grinding at "parking" speeds? Im just trying to pinpoint an ABS issue of my own.
seems to have
__________________
MY06 WRX Build Not Bought
Collingrove Hill Climb- 38.79

Remember it is the internet,So beware of trolls, If you argue with trolls the kids will laugh at you

Follow me on twitter @ Day_mow
Day-mow is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 11:52 PM   #43
Day-mow
rexnet
 
Day-mow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3,562
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobman
Hey, didn't you do a full head gasket replacement on this car?

Would have saved money if you had done this service work yourself and keep learning.
.
what?

and i can do a service my self. for the 5th time i took it to a shop for a stamp in the log book.
__________________
MY06 WRX Build Not Bought
Collingrove Hill Climb- 38.79

Remember it is the internet,So beware of trolls, If you argue with trolls the kids will laugh at you

Follow me on twitter @ Day_mow
Day-mow is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 12:41 AM   #44
nt0351
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
nt0351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: sydney
Posts: 641
Default

mate stop and have a good think about it,..you are seriously whinging about nothing ......the price you paid was more than fair ,..regardless of what some Eddie the experts on here would like you to believe you didnt get ripped off ,..

you say you could have done it all yourself ? ,....why didnt you ?? you didnt even know you had a noisy wheel bearing !! ,.... by your own admission the problems that existed are now all fixed ,..the recomended mechanic addressed all items of concern on your car and rang to ask for authorisation to proceed ,..what else do you want ?

you also mention your boss recomended him and has been using him for years ,..are you saying your boss is a dope or an easy mark perhaps ? .

if you were working for me and posted unfounded dribble about a business i use and recomended to you on a public forum you would be looking for another job !

not trying to offend you buddy,...your expectations and subsequent actions need a rethink .
nt0351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 12:46 AM   #45
nt0351
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
nt0351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: sydney
Posts: 641
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by blueoval
You see, that would just P*** me right off knowing that. This guy could not give 2 stuffs about you regardless of what recommendation your boss gave. A serious lack of respect.

I think the lack of respect is from the OP on this occassion
nt0351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 05:52 AM   #46
MNM96
LIFELONG DJR SUPPORTER
 
MNM96's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Posts: 5,324
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nt0351
I think the lack of respect is from the OP on this occassion

In life we can go through life assisting those who need help. Sometimes that means physical help, sometimes emotional, sometimes advice. Now and again it also means bringing them to see the error of their ways. This is what some people choose to do.

Some people go about it all high an mighty and do nothing but get someones back up!

While others seem to coast through life only thinking about themselves.


Which one are you?


I am member of the 1st group.
In a "lets see if I can help you see the error of their ways" moment, I will show you how I do it.

nt0351, Firstly, he had advice from his Dad suggesting this repairer was acceptable, not his boss. So perhaps you weren't reading the posts with an open mind, or at the least, certainly could have missed some 'stuff'.

The OP has come to the realization that perhaps it wasn't too expensive and that perhaps there was some shock in the initial post, having copped a $600 bill he wasn't prepared for.

Any how, onto you.

Any sort of a boss wouldn't have one iota of care to know what a 21yo boy had to say on a forum, they are more concerned with what is happening with their business. So your threats to sack people like this are worthless, because a business owner who focuses on such inane drivel is headed for unemployment himself!

My advice to any perspective staff you may or may not have.
It's time to be moving on!
MNM96 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 09:00 AM   #47
JaguarDave
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Country NSW
Posts: 152
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MNM96
Some people go about it all high an mighty and do nothing but get someones back up!

nt0351, Firstly, he had advice from his Dad suggesting this repairer was acceptable, not his boss. So perhaps you weren't reading the posts with an open mind, or at the least, certainly could have missed some 'stuff'.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Day-mow
my boss has used him for years and only speaks good things of westy but im not keen. appreciate your opinion.
You might be trying to help as you said but trying just a little too hard to find fault with other people's quite reasonable points might indicate there is more than one mind that has closed.

We all have opinions one way or the other regarding the original poster's reaction to his bill and just because some of us do not sugar coat them does not make them less valid.
JaguarDave is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 10:52 AM   #48
blueoval
Critical Thinker
 
blueoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 20,405
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Well thought out and constructive posts.  A real credit to this forum. 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ratter
Without trying to be rude, you do not know what the mechanic charges as his hourly rate, he may have only charged 2 or possibly 3 hours for that labour charge, and again with out being rude, I take it by your signature that you do building design, what do you charge to do a set of working drawings for possibly a house extension? Do you charge an hourly rate or just a set figure based on job size?

No matter what job you do for a living, some will consider what you charge too dear for just some drawing on paper, it's easy for other to sit back and think how easy soembody elses job is
I appreciate what your trying to say mate. There are a lot of unknowns. perhaps there is some justification in what the mechanic charged. I don't know the full story, I was not there. Other than the fact the OP needed to get this information clear before accepting.

As far as what I charge, it's based on the expected time frame it will take to do the work or a sq.m rate and always a fixed quote up front before any work is done. Any changes to the design during or after the design process is underway is always charged at an hourly rate to cover my time. The client is made aware of this prior to commencing.

I find that it's my duty of care to let the client know what they are up for and if they think my services are too high, they are welcome to shop around. It's rare, but if the job takes me longer than I had quoted for, I cop it on the chin and accept it and not look for alternate ways to swindle the owner out of more cash for my mistake. That is not the way I conduct my work.

I have been thru my far share of mechanics and know basically what they should charge in a round about way. But some of these little added charges the OP has described smell a bit like a underhanded tactic to take advantage of the inexperienced. I hope I'm wrong and I will be happy to accept correction.
__________________
"the greatest trick the devil pulled, is convincing the world he doesn't exist"

2022 Mazda CX5 GTSP Turbo

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander


1967 XR FALCON 500


Cars previously owned:
2021 Subaru Outback Sport
2018 Subaru XV-S
2012 Subaru Forester X
2007 Subaru Liberty GT
2001 AU2 75th Anniversary Futura
2001 Subaru GX wagon
1991 EB XR8
1977 XC Fairmont
1990 EA S Pak
1984 XE S Pak
1982 ZJ Fairlane
1983 XE Fairmont
1989 EA Falcon
1984 Datsun Bluebird Wagon
1975 Honda Civic

Last edited by blueoval; 25-11-2010 at 11:02 AM.
blueoval is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 11:45 AM   #49
Dave_Obsession
Resident AFF detailer
 
Dave_Obsession's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 3,730
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Helpful and detailed posts on car care. 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nt0351
if you were working for me and posted unfounded dribble about a business i use and recomended to you on a public forum you would be looking for another job!
Massive dislike.

So if somebody who works for you doesn't like the coffee at the local café you recommended to them, would they get the flick too? Ouch.

As you said, it's a public forum. The OP is just offering his take on the situation, which he is perfectly entitled to do in a PUBLIC arena.
Just like any other form of communication, emotions can play their part in what is said - thus the initial post may have been partly due to the emotion of being shocked/frustrated/disappointed with the price he paid.
Upon perhaps realising it may not have been as bad as initially thought (with a little help and analysis from fellow forumites), it seems he has softened his stance. Hardly something to potentially lose one's job over...

It's called life experience, and the OP has just got some more from all of this, which will no doubt serve him well in the future.
__________________
No longer an 'active' detailer.
Dave_Obsession is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 12:37 PM   #50
AUIIPURSUIT
pursuit ute baby
 
AUIIPURSUIT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 864
Default

swords down, i think the thread has served its purpose
__________________
my ride : AU xr8 pursuit ute
AUIIPURSUIT is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 11:21 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL