sounds like a ripoff!

[Mrk_Mickey]

After finding a leak in one of my coolant hoses, I took the VR to my stepdad's mechanic, because he said they would look after me.

They then proceeded to order the part which I didn't have the chance to think twice about. It came in late (as usual) and they fitted it yesterday. Okay, so I made the mistake of not going to a wrecker, because the part was $135. BUT..

The thing I don't get is that I have been billed for $266!! I haven't got a price list of what they've done yet but I'm picking it up now and hopefully having a talk to them about the price..Surely I should only be charged for installation, which they tell me was half an hour, and coolant. That sounds like it can't add up to $131..just sounds like a RIPOFF to me..

[Tim]

welcome to the world of VR6 ownership my friend. Its not a cheap experience.

Id wait till you see the bill b4 going crazy. Perhaps they spent more than 30 mins on your car. Surely theyd have to pressure test the cooling system afterwards and stuff.

[gpk_gti]

pay the money,learn from this experience and move on.

avoid in future the "go to this guy he will look after you" mechanic,,usually means he will help himself to your wallet.

[The_Hawk]

The coolant isn't cheap either, this is from a coolant thread:
Source: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ead.php?t=8929

Tooley @ hornsby imports sell G12 and G12+ coolant. $15 for 1.5L for G12 and $56 for 5L of G12+!!!!

Who knows where your guy got his stuff from or how much he payed.

So $135 + $56 + some labour and it's getting close to your figure. Wait and see the bill.

[Pullstarter]

In future go to Seb (Bug_Racer) or Matt (Golf Loon) for your work to be done, they are both gurus and good guys price wise. You never have to worry about being ripped off with them.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Back now..
prices:
New Hose: $135
Coolant: $25.60
Labour: $80 (he said 45 mins...thats my problem there)
GST the rest.

I've got too much of an active conscience. even though the price is rocket-high, he's done a good job..He gave me some good advice and I know that he's trustworthy. He didn't recognise my name til my mum came in today so I think next time he'll charge less cause he knows.

He told me my water pump is leaking ever so slightly. YAY. $500 bucks!

so. new hose+fitting: 260odd
advice on new water pump: 500odd
owning the bloody VR that takes this money, even though you love it: priceless

[Mrk_Mickey]

Oh btw if I lived near them I'd have no doubt about going to them! The fact that I have to drive at least 45 mins to get there makes it slightly hard to go to them with any problems

[gpk_gti]

$500 for a waterpump???? WTF??is it gold plated??? mate,go to LOON asap

[DubSteve]

BUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA sorry but I can't help myself with this first off he ripped you off with labour! Second a new waterpump installed with a metal impelar no more than $350!

[Tim]

time to find a new mechanic!
$500 is too much. Although its an annoying job on a vr6 from memory. Maybe he just doesnt want to do it. Thats when you usually get the expensive quotes.