Massive Holden Ripoff

**bxb** · 03-08-2010, 10:19 PM

Hi all, I drive a T5 dual cab yada yada, love it, yada yada, but had this little gem come past me yesterday that I just have to share.
Son in law has had a bit off a fluctuating temp gauge in his VZ commode. I suggested that it was probably a bit low on coolant and an airpocket was giving him the funny readings. For those that know commodes, this is fairly common as the radiator is lower than the engine which makes them a dog to bleed all the air out. Anywho, he took it to a known HOLDEN service centre to get it checked, one hour later they call him and tell him that his head gasket is blown, has water in the oil and that it would cost $3000 to fix. He says wrap it up, I need to think about it, they say that will be $200 please.
He rings me and I send him to an independent garage that has treated me well in the past. I tell him to look at getting a second hand from a wreck fitted.
These blokes look at the car for him and tell him "we can't find anything wrong with it other than a stuffed rad cap that has resulted in an airpocket in the cooling system, we see it all the time." There was no water in the oil, the head gasket passed a pressure test, these .. were out for a con.
You will notice that no names have been mentioned, the car is leaving tomorrow for a long trip and if it lasts the week with no water showing up in the oil then a total **** storm is going to rain down on this holden dealer.

The independent didn't even charge for the check because there was nothing wrong with the car. These saints are Cardwell motors, Cardwell street Adelaide city. Say hi to you mum for me.

**FJ Steve** · 04-08-2010, 08:15 AM

*subscribed*

Interesting,...can't wait for Episode 2

**simonn** · 04-08-2010, 08:38 AM

criminals...

**Rocket36** · 04-08-2010, 10:14 AM

Why would anyone be surprised by something like this?

**whitelion** · 04-08-2010, 11:08 AM

I take it your son-in-law didn't get anything in writing??
If so, pursue this to the extent of the law!!
Steve

**gareth_oau** · 04-08-2010, 11:35 AM

many years ago, I took my ford Escort tot he local Ford dealer with a noise coming from the rear. the service manager took it for a spin and advised that my diff was shot and would require the guts to be replaced, quoting me just over $1000 (on a car worth $5000 - in 1982).

i took it to the local backyard mechanic who replaced the wheel bearings for $35 including labour - problem solved.

I suspect the Ford dealer would have repaired the diff, and not having fixed the problem, then replaced the wheel bearings as well and when I go back to collect the car, asdvise me that another problem was identified which they fixed as well, costing me $1100 all up!

**JustCruisn** · 04-08-2010, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by whitelion

I take it your son-in-law didn't get anything in writing??
If so, pursue this to the extent of the law!!
Steve

The full extent of the law may get the $200 back but that is all.
You may consider the $200 to be the cost to determine these guys are pricks.

Best to just not ever go back and tell all your mates they are pricks. Move on.

**FJ Steve** · 04-08-2010, 11:50 AM

I've had a think about this one.

In actual fact...no crime has been committed.......yet.

They (allegedly) have provided what seems to be a false diagnosis. You have sought a 2nd opinion, which is in your favour by way of a considerable margin when compared to the first quote. However, you also say that you will wait for a week, to see if oil & water do actually mix. So, the pudding has yet to rise (so to speak) and therefore, we/you have no absolute proof.

So what have the Holden dealership done? Charged you $200 for labour, which is probably a fair amount given that they (may) have stripped the engine sufficiently to warrant the amount. Then again, that also may be the minimal workshop labour charge for providing a quote.

I'm keen to hear if the oil is present after a week. The we will know if the holden dealership are snake oil salesmen.

**bxb** · 04-08-2010, 03:13 PM

I do realise that we would be lucky to get part of the $200 back. I just feel that people should know about this going on in Adelaide.
If the car makes it through the next few weeks I will name the dealer on this site and any other one that takes my fancy. Hell it's even worth subscribing to the Aussie Commodore forums for this one. Don't know if he did get a written quote for the repairs but the car left this morning for a few days down the south east. He hasn't called me yet and I'll have a good look at it next week when he gets back.
The bit that really got up my nose is if they pull this on a 23 year old 6 foot, 100 kilo bloke, who else are they doing it to.

Watch this space