alternator...OUT!

Tell the mechanic that he still owes you an hour of labor and see what you can work out.

 

First, IJAG, be nice. I've gotten you a song. That's something, I think.

Secondly ... you ought to have told them that, as they see fit to rip you off, you think it's probably something that all your car-lovin readers will want to know about. Even NASCAR folks will get that 45 minutes isn't equal to two hours, no matter how much book lernin those mechanics have. I think you've got good column fodder.

Third ... I think Fuckabuncha is also a good song title. Not my kind of song, no ... but I can see this as the new Black Eyed Peas single. Call em up!

 

Maybe a lube job?

 

Apparently this "that's what the book says" is how labor is determined. Not by actual labor. and apparently at most places, or so says a friend.

I wish my dad still owned his service station. Of course, it was in Michigan, so it wouldn't help me THAT much.

 

Those "book" time allotments for specific jobs can occasionally be a lifesend if there are complications . . . but far, far more often, they're simply a license to steal.

 

Protest in front of the shop! The man is rippin you off!

 

Best part: I'm arguing with the guy and he says "Well if it had taken four hours, we still would have only charged two." and I said "What kind of book estimates two hours for something that takes 45 freaking minutes?"

He says "Well, that's the average. Obviously, he's trying to get it done faster." I said "So you can take my money?" and he kind of nodded.

 

It's good to know you got a second opinion.

 

I actually got two opinions, thank you. But as your battery's draining, there's only so much driving around town you can do.

 

I'm surprised they didn't charge you for a new Johnson rod as well.

 

I think I plunked down $330 for an alternator for an 89 Aerostar last summer. Then the starter died. Then it got wrecked. But that probably won't happen again.

 

Maybe some personal electronic devices need some tinkering.