dont bring ur car to the shop!
11-29-2009, 02:28 PM
#41
a honest mechanic will spend time on the phone with you explaining why a trans flush is not called for on our 3g, but the shops that will perform a trans drain/refill will only do the 1x3 method unless u want to pay the x3
11-29-2009, 02:28 PM
#42
One on the right for me
and about theabove:
"No one shop is automatically better than the other - all will try to take your money without doing anything."
you gotta give every shop a fair chance, but there is a few shops that actually want to earn your money from doing the correct thing, but yeah most shops would like your money for doing nothing
"No one shop is automatically better than the other - all will try to take your money without doing anything."
you gotta give every shop a fair chance, but there is a few shops that actually want to earn your money from doing the correct thing, but yeah most shops would like your money for doing nothing
I was a mechanic for a number of years. I've worked in several shops and from my experience it is best to assume that, unless you hear a good rec, the shop isn't one worth your time. Obviously that isn't always true, but it is better to approach a place with that mentality than the other way around. Goodwill is pretty much the only thing that keeps a shop in business.
Also, while it is smart to ask a tow company about shops, just include their rec in the many that you get - some drivers don't care to learn anything and others just tow to the closest place that is open.
11-29-2009, 02:44 PM
#43
I was a mechanic for a number of years. I've worked in several shops and from my experience it is best to assume that, unless you hear a good rec, the shop isn't one worth your time. Obviously that isn't always true, but it is better to approach a place with that mentality than the other way around. Goodwill is pretty much the only thing that keeps a shop in business.
Also, while it is smart to ask a tow company about shops, just include their rec in the many that you get - some drivers don't care to learn anything and others just tow to the closest place that is open.
Also, while it is smart to ask a tow company about shops, just include their rec in the many that you get - some drivers don't care to learn anything and others just tow to the closest place that is open.
like the other day we had to have a tow truck tow us a car that was at the body shop across the road the other day (collasped/hit front right wheel, so could not turn) and the driver wanted to/was about to, to hook onto the rear independent rear suspension to pull it up onto the truck (awd subaru, so flat bed) and i was like there should be a tow hook or something (don't have to tow too many cars in
), so he looked and was like "that is much easier"; may pull the car up off centered , but much better then a bent rear suspension which is in perfect working order (maybe the shocks are a little weak, but you get the point) and unbent
11-29-2009, 04:31 PM
#45
Registered Member
Ok... I see where you two are coming from. However, the way I read the OP's post, the only thing that I can conclude here was that he didn't think it was necessary to double-check the work before he left the facility where the service was done. For one, it was cold and raining. I would not expect, nor would I feel that it would be necessary, that one would need to get on their knees and personally inspect the work at the time of monetary transaction. The muffler shop where he had the mid-muffler delete done is a local chain with 13 shops through the SLC region. What he encountered there was a technican with a lack of knowledge of his job. Perhaps the manager of the store should be questioned on his HR responsibilities.
The OP knew enough about his car to know where the mid-muffler and resonator was on his exhaust. He also commented that he had his oil changed at a shop since it was "too cold to do during winter". I'm going to suspect that by that comment, he would have probably changed his oil on his own if the weather was more favorable. If I was to ask my wife, who knows very little about cars, where the mid-muffler was at, or if she could do me a favor and change the oil and filter for me, I would be in shock if she would be able to perform either without the aid of detailed instructions and pictures. My point? The guy knew enough about his car to point out the errors made by each establishment.
Even though I generally agree with your statements, I just don't believe that they apply in this situation. The only thing the OP is guilty of is perhaps not doing the work himself, taking in account his knowledge of welding and the possession of the appropriate tools to do so.
My , anyway...
The OP knew enough about his car to know where the mid-muffler and resonator was on his exhaust. He also commented that he had his oil changed at a shop since it was "too cold to do during winter". I'm going to suspect that by that comment, he would have probably changed his oil on his own if the weather was more favorable. If I was to ask my wife, who knows very little about cars, where the mid-muffler was at, or if she could do me a favor and change the oil and filter for me, I would be in shock if she would be able to perform either without the aid of detailed instructions and pictures. My point? The guy knew enough about his car to point out the errors made by each establishment.
Even though I generally agree with your statements, I just don't believe that they apply in this situation. The only thing the OP is guilty of is perhaps not doing the work himself, taking in account his knowledge of welding and the possession of the appropriate tools to do so.
My
, anyway...
11-29-2009, 04:34 PM
#46
Registered Member
try this:
"also i would call up your local tow companys (especially multi-truck fleets for the volume) cause they will know who they tow alot of breakdowns and repeat cars to.
and tool truck dealers (like snap-on, matco, mac, cornwell, etc.) cause they are in and out of each shop geneally at least once week or so and they get to know the employees"
i posted that in this thread https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-cl-transmission-recall-q-55/tranny-nightmare-please-read-1st-744964/
having customers walk around the shop is a huge liability for if they get injured, or swipe some tools (not cheap tools), which is part of the reason almost all shops won't allow it, but at my work (i'm an auto tech, no bashing, i don't cheat customers, i actually do the work listed) you are more then welcome to watch me through the window in the waiting room, or if the garage door is open through that door, but not in the actual shop without a superviser/employee escorting you
look below \/, but yeah they proably would not even have it in stock,
and yeah cheap shops (and almost all dealers) cost you more, and more headaches in the long run, having misdiagnosis's; radommly swaping parts out to try and figure out the problem,
where a quality shop will diagose the problem first time (mistakes do happen sometimes though, but at max it should be the second time) and only have to swap out that part to fix the problem, which is going to be cheaper in the long run
and cheap shops just take your money in smaller chunks from having to go to them multiple times, where a quality shop/more expensive you geneally only have to go into them once and pay once
actually your filter are changeable on your trannies, (part #7) ( http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal ) but it is kinda a pain in the ass to change out (like pulling out the intake tube and such), and if they knew how to do that, they would have known what a oil filter is, it is not exactly hidden very well and is kinda out there, so they are not the brightest
also how much did you pay for the oil change OP, was it a $19.99 special, cause you DO get what you pay for, Cheap rates=Cheap Labour and Cheap parts
"also i would call up your local tow companys (especially multi-truck fleets for the volume) cause they will know who they tow alot of breakdowns and repeat cars to.
and tool truck dealers (like snap-on, matco, mac, cornwell, etc.) cause they are in and out of each shop geneally at least once week or so and they get to know the employees
"i posted that in this thread https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-cl-transmission-recall-q-55/tranny-nightmare-please-read-1st-744964/
having customers walk around the shop is a huge liability for if they get injured, or swipe some tools (not cheap tools), which is part of the reason almost all shops won't allow it, but at my work (i'm an auto tech, no bashing, i don't cheat customers, i actually do the work listed) you are more then welcome to watch me through the window in the waiting room, or if the garage door is open through that door, but not in the actual shop without a superviser/employee escorting you
look below \/, but yeah they proably would not even have it in stock,
and yeah cheap shops (and almost all dealers) cost you more, and more headaches in the long run, having misdiagnosis's; radommly swaping parts out to try and figure out the problem,
where a quality shop will diagose the problem first time (mistakes do happen sometimes though, but at max it should be the second time) and only have to swap out that part to fix the problem, which is going to be cheaper in the long run
and cheap shops just take your money in smaller chunks from having to go to them multiple times, where a quality shop/more expensive you geneally only have to go into them once and pay once
actually your filter are changeable on your trannies, (part #7) ( http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal ) but it is kinda a pain in the ass to change out (like pulling out the intake tube and such), and if they knew how to do that, they would have known what a oil filter is, it is not exactly hidden very well and is kinda out there, so they are not the brightest
also how much did you pay for the oil change OP, was it a $19.99 special, cause you DO get what you pay for, Cheap rates=Cheap Labour and Cheap parts
11-29-2009, 04:42 PM
#47
Registered Member
I live in western Prince William County. The two named areas/towns in this part of the county are Gainesville and Haymarket. Both have experience rapid growth over the past ten years and two years ago, Prince William County had the highest job growth in the nation. There is a Goodyear Tire and Auto Center in Gainesville that services the most business of any Goodyear Tire and Auto Center in the world - not just the U.S. They have consistently been rated very high but more recently, their quality of work has fallen off due to the volume the enjoy. They are still quite good, however.
But there are two other shops which are rated quite high and are also here in our area. So we are fortunate to have these three locals to handle things we don't wish or want to do ourselves.
But there are two other shops which are rated quite high and are also here in our area. So we are fortunate to have these three locals to handle things we don't wish or want to do ourselves.
11-29-2009, 06:35 PM
#48
Area on my XM
Please be aware that I was not taking the gentleman to task at all. I was only saying that to be forewarned (as in some basic knowledge) is to be forearmed. They do apply from the standpoint that they can offer a measure of intimidation simply because so many shops are just not accustomed to getting customers who know anything about cars. That's really all I was suggesting.
11-29-2009, 06:43 PM
#49
AZ Community Team
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actually your filter are changeable on your trannies, (part #7) ( http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal ) but it is kinda a pain in the ass to change out (like pulling out the intake tube and such), and if they knew how to do that, they would have known what a oil filter is, it is not exactly hidden very well and is kinda out there, so they are not the brightest
actually your filter are changeable on your trannies, (part #7) ( http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal ) but it is kinda a pain in the ass to change out (like pulling out the intake tube and such), and if they knew how to do that, they would have known what a oil filter is, it is not exactly hidden very well and is kinda out there, so they are not the brightest
Technically you are correct. However the is NO maintenance change interval the change procedure is NOT in the Service Manual. It is meant to be there, as is. Not changed. No 'average" oil change shop in thier right mind would have one in stock.
Just did not want to go through all that with regard to the OP's post. My point being, the did not "accidentally" change his transmission filter instead. Complete and utter
by the shop when he caught them red-handed.Given they had a ready stroy, I am guessing they pull this scam pretty often.
11-29-2009, 07:06 PM
#51
Phmbm12
Thread Starter
11-30-2009, 01:04 AM
#52
i am the most annoying person when it comes to a service recall or autoshop that has to do something with my car that I cant do. They always say just wait in the lobby, but nah I waist outside the doors where they are doing the work and watch them. I also ask alot of questions like can u show me what you did and such, and well as speak like I know whats going on and cannot do it because if you sound like you know your shit they will not try and pull a fast one on you by telling you lies...all lies.
11-30-2009, 11:19 AM
#53
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
except the AT Filter is changeable on the 04-06's as mentioned..
.. but if they didn't change the oil filter, there's no way in hell they changed the AT Filter.. I doubt they'd be able to find it.
11-30-2009, 11:58 AM
#54
One on the right for me
i am the most annoying person when it comes to a service recall or autoshop that has to do something with my car that I cant do. They always say just wait in the lobby, but nah I waist outside the doors where they are doing the work and watch them. I also ask alot of questions like can u show me what you did and such, and well as speak like I know whats going on and cannot do it because if you sound like you know your shit they will not try and pull a fast one on you by telling you lies...all lies.
11-30-2009, 06:57 PM
#55
go to google, search for that mechanic or simply auto mechanics around a specific area, look for the link to reviews below the listing.
I've used it to find a doctor, but reviews are there for mechanics and most types of places in general.
I've used it to find a doctor, but reviews are there for mechanics and most types of places in general.
11-30-2009, 10:48 PM
#58
Team Owner
Just had something similar happen to me. I had a free carwash and oil change thing and my friend was down from LA in his '99 Camry that gets the oil changed every 30,000 miles or so. I told him I would get it done for free if he would just take it down there. So he did, I went with him. I requested Mobil One 10w-30 and caught them trying to put the bulk dino oil in. Made them drain that out and put the correct stuff in. Then I asked the guy if he carried a 16" windshield wiper blade because my girlfriend's Murano needed a rear windshield wiper. As I went to pay I noticed two Rain-X windshield wipers on the receipt. They had replaced the wipers on my friend's POS Camry because I asked about the girlfriend's Murano. I lost it completely, actually physically threatening them if the wipers weren't taken off. It's not because it's an honest mistake, they're crooks and they deserve to be treated as such. I had every intention on making good on what I said would happen if I didn't get a refund. I look at it as if someone stole that $18 out of my pocket I would beat them down, tacking on some windshield wipers that I didn't ask for is the exact same thing. I am sooooo tired of this type of "service".
12-01-2009, 12:29 AM
#60
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Just had something similar happen to me. I had a free carwash and oil change thing and my friend was down from LA in his '99 Camry that gets the oil changed every 30,000 miles or so. I told him I would get it done for free if he would just take it down there. So he did, I went with him. I requested Mobil One 10w-30 and caught them trying to put the bulk dino oil in. Made them drain that out and put the correct stuff in. Then I asked the guy if he carried a 16" windshield wiper blade because my girlfriend's Murano needed a rear windshield wiper. As I went to pay I noticed two Rain-X windshield wipers on the receipt. They had replaced the wipers on my friend's POS Camry because I asked about the girlfriend's Murano. I lost it completely, actually physically threatening them if the wipers weren't taken off. It's not because it's an honest mistake, they're crooks and they deserve to be treated as such. I had every intention on making good on what I said would happen if I didn't get a refund. I look at it as if someone stole that $18 out of my pocket I would beat them down, tacking on some windshield wipers that I didn't ask for is the exact same thing. I am sooooo tired of this type of "service".
Reminds me of the nickel & dime stuff places like Autozone do.. like sticking those little packets of anti-squeak with brake pads & charging a dollar a piece.. or tacking on terminal grease & terminal cotton absorbers on batteries & charging $5. It's the equivalent of mcdonalds charging you for packets of ketchup @ $1 a piece.. ridiculous shenanigans. I must say that those rain-x blades are pretty good.
12-01-2009, 01:48 AM
#62
Phmbm12
Thread Starter
12-01-2009, 08:17 AM
#63
Team Owner
Unfortunately yes. I have two gallons of Redline I was going to put in there but I was afraid it was going to clean up too much stuff and potentially plug up the pickup tube. A look in the valvecover looks more like grease than oil lol.
12-01-2009, 08:29 AM
#64
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
^ It's a DOHC 16 Valve cast iron Toyota engine.. it'll be fine..
12-01-2009, 09:54 AM
#65
What does that have to do anything? The dude paid money and expected the job to be done correctly. How was he to know he was going to get fuked? Your assumption of the OP and the knowledge of his own car is unfounded. Sounds like he was pretty much on top of things to me.
12-01-2009, 09:57 AM
#66
Actually phee's right. The more you know about your car, the more knowledge you can display in discussion with a tech at a shop, the greater the chance you're going to come out Ok. It's not a guarantee, but it does help. Unless they are a specialty shop, they're not accustomed to having customers who know things. Who know how stuff works and what stuff is.
So a fundamental basis of knowledge does help.
So a fundamental basis of knowledge does help.
12-01-2009, 04:52 PM
#67
Phmbm12
Thread Starter
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