Was I over-charged?

ethical

I recently bought a second hand car.I was told by the seller that it had two timing belts and that it was advisable to have the 'wet' one changed at around 160,000 km.For peace of mind I took the car to a garage that I knew had experience in doing this sort of thing (as the wet belt I'm told takes a lot of work as well as being a specialist piece of work.) When the mechanic called me he said that he had to provide a box for the exhaust as well as it would have to be done in the near future.He also did a general service.To cut a long story short the cost was €1100:00+
After a bit of driving the following day I notice my temperature gauge rising rapidly.My coolant fluid was very low.I topped it up and took it back to the garage and had to pay another €80:00 for new coolant and a piece of piping that had a small leak.(note that this did not have a leak when I initially left the car in for servicing of belts). I WAS SOMEWHAT TAKEN ABACK by having to spend nearly €1200 on a car that passed its NCT for a two year perion 3 weeks previously.The labour part of the work was well over €500;00 ,as I saw from the print out I received.The garage is not a main dealer but is charging main dealer prices.The only reason I went to them is because I knew their mechanics were experienced in the job I required doing.I cannot believe that I had to part with so much money to get the job done.Was I over charged?

Bigus

What make and model and year ?

rex-x

The nct has nothing to do with any of the work that was done, they wouldn't have even glanced in those areas. Its really just a basic check of the cars safety systems, not a comprehensive, your car is ok test.

Rackstar

How much did they tell you they were charging before you got them to do the job? How much was the exhaust?

If it's less than what you paid + €80 then you were overcharged.

CJhaughey

Wise move. Those Ford 1.8 wet belts can fail at anytime around 100k.
It was costly but I think worth it in the long run. It will be good for another 100k now and at least you have peace of mind.

Buffman

ethical wrote: »

that it was advisable to have the 'wet' one changed at around 160,000 km........ When the mechanic called me he said that he had to provide a box for the exhaust as well as it would have to be done in the near future.He also did a general service.To cut a long story short the cost was €1100:00+.............. Was I over charged?

That depends on what he did. Did he do the 'dry' belt and water pump as well? When you say the exhaust 'box', what do you mean?

Pity you didn't post here first, I would have suggested you consider replacing the 'Wet' belt with the chain Ford originally had in that engine, then you'd never have to touch it again and only do the ordinary 'dry' belt. (Basically Ford originally had a chain in that engine, but in 2008 they changed to the cheaper and less reliable wet belt arrangement for 'noise' reasons)

ethical wrote: »

After a bit of driving the following day I notice my temperature gauge rising rapidly.My coolant fluid was very low.I topped it up and took it back to the garage and had to pay another €80:00 for new coolant and a piece of piping that had a small leak.(note that this did not have a leak when I initially left the car in for servicing of belts).

That would annoy me, letting the car out of the workshop with an issue like that which should have shown up during a test drive. I would have been asking for a discount on the coolant repair due to the inconvenience.

ethical

Many thanks for your comments.I will be wiser next time I deal with a garage!

zwind

you're over charged clearly.