Dealer misquoted service price, what should I do? I already agreed to the job
 

I brought my TL to the dealer to have its CEL diagnosed. My service adviser told me that I needed my heads worked on at a price of ~$2100. I asked him if that price was for both heads, and he said yes, so I agreed to the job.

I spoke with the technician, and he told me that the price was for just one head. The thread I started on the issue is here.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/suggestions-stiffer-valve-springs-random-misfire-overrev-855462/

At first, I told them that it was no problem because I thought I'd just let it go because fixing one head would solve the problem. The tech thought that only cylinder 6 needed work but when the machine shop checked the head, they told him that all the exhaust valves were bent, which means that potentially (or probably) all the exhaust valves in the other head are also bent (but not as badly as the ones in cylinder 6).

Anyway, I was thrilled when they told me they could do both heads for ~$2100, but now that I've found out it was a mistake, I'm not sure what to do. Should I contact Acura Client Relations to see if they can help me? What would you do?

Thanks in advance.

For that kind of money, I'd consider an engine swap.

They gave me that as an option (another engine with like 15k less miles) but I don't want someone else's used engine. Plus, I wanted stiffer valve springs installed so that this wouldn't happen again. Also, they're already done with one head, so I can't really change my decision =)

If you agreed and it's in writing, then you are under contract to pay that price. Anything over $500 must be in written contact, assuring genuineness of assent. Anything below $500 is okay for verbal agreement. If you signed already, get ready to dish out.

What caused you to bend your rods anyways? Did you get water in the intake? I would feel 100% more comfortable swapping for a used engine with <15k miles rather than getting head work done from a dealership. How long do they warrant their labor?

Did you sign anything approving $2100 for both heads? If so ,, then they should stick with it ..

+1. Unless it was just a tech that quoted the price to you and not the service manager.

Uh oh, another internet lawyer... what are you basing this on?

Bottom line, iirc, he mis-shifted. Pretty sure that is correct, but read the thread just in case I'm mistaken.

My business law courses that I took. Vague memories. Look up contract law. $500 is the cut off for verbal agreements.

Oops, missed that.

I didn't sign anything other than the envelope for the night drop-off.

I accidentally shifted from 2nd into 1st instead of 3rd causing the engine to rev to 8300 rpm causing the pistons to hit the valves.

No, I didn't sign anything approving this job. It was over the phone.

My service adviser gave me the price. He later apologized saying that he thought the price was for both heads.

If he admits to this statement, then it gets fixed with their dime.

Agreed. You had agreed to get the work done for 2100. If they told you it would have costed 4200, you would have choosen other options.

This is it. He admitted to his mess up and you should take full advantage of the situation!!!!!

^^^^I agree. You're getting two heads for the price of one.

For the purchase of goods over $500, yes. But that doesn't apply here. The OP is not purchasing goods. Service is an intangible commodity and does not fall under contract law.

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OP, I agree that since the SM admitted he did indeed tell you it was for both heads, they should honor that quote. However, you also admit that once you were informed of their mistake, you said "At first, I told them that it was no problem". That may cause you some problems.

I would continue to press them to honor the SM's quote and politely and professionally take your case "up the chain" at the dealer and also start a case with ACS. Good luck to you.

Have you asked them to do both heads as agreed? Have they pushed back on doing both heads? I dont see what the problem is unless you've had some resistance. Escalate to client services only if needed.

wow, u must have shifted really really hard cuz i have never been able to do that with all my MT cars unless the speed is really low.........oh well maybe i am a weak shifter!!!

OP isnt purchasing any goods. Just getting service done.

so this doesnt apply

OP how fast were you driving to spin the rpms up that high when you mis-shifted?:scratch: