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johnsgirl
New User
Apr 8, 2009, 5:52 PM
Post #1 of 8
(1827 views)
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I just had my 2005 Kia Optima repaired because all of a sudden it wouldn't start. First the mechanic said it was the crank sensor. Then he said I also needed a timing belt. Then he came back and said I also needed a water pump. I had all of the items fixed and was charged 1 hour labor for the diagnostic, 4 hours labor to replace the timing belts and water pump, and 1 hour to test and replace the crank sensor. However, there are no individual notations of charges for each of the parts or labor, just a total. Shouldn't each item be listed with it's price?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 8, 2009, 6:05 PM
Post #2 of 8
(1821 views)
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Re: Car Repair Bill
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johnsgirl; The charges sound within reason, but most shops nowadays, have computer software that automatically itemizes all charges. You should be able to request, at least, a hand-written invoice showing same. My invoices have been 'computerized' since 1991. Maybe, this guy is OLD school?
As far as the replacement of the crank sensor, timing belt, and water pump; The crank sensor could definitely cause a no start condition. The timing belt could have been advised due to mileage (maintenance item). If maintenance, it's a good idea to replace the water pump 'while you are in there' as it's alot cheaper to do it then, than waiting until it goes out. I'm only guessing as to his recommendations, though.
How many miles are on the engine?
Loren
SW Washington
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johnsgirl
New User
Apr 9, 2009, 5:50 AM
Post #3 of 8
(1810 views)
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Re: Car Repair Bill
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Thanks for the response. There are 80,000 miles on the car, so I realize that there are things that need to be done and wouldn't have a problem except for the fact that they did provide me with a computer generated receipt, but the columns that would note the prices are all shaded. So to me it looks like they deliberately don't want to show me the prices. I want to bring this issue to their attention but my brother also uses this mechanic and I don't want to cause a problem with him using them in the future. I can say that I will not go to them again because I just don't feel comfortable with the way they handle business. Thanks again!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 9, 2009, 8:18 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: Car Repair Bill
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johnsgirl:
To add - I think the reciept you are looking at is hiding the dealer price of parts and somehow the actual retail price to you is missing.
You should have itemized costs for the parts used. They are selling the parts to you not the source they get the parts - same basic idea with any retail biz - they don't just post on your reciept what the store paid for an item.
No matter - it should all be in view for what you purchased and for how much.
Ask - they should be able to tell you exactly what you paid for what and possibly including part #s so any warranteed parts are known where they came from and what brand.
Yes - Some transactions may just hand you the total due but somewhere there's an accounting of what was used and you have the right to that info,
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 9, 2009, 3:16 PM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: Car Repair Bill
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johnsgirl; I don't think that it would cause any 'ripples' if you asked for an itemized receipt. If it will make you feel easier about it, just tell them that you want to keep good records of what you've done to maintain the vehicle, for resale value. I wouldn't 'just drop it'. As Tom said, you have a right to that information.
If it will ease your mind any, I checked the manufacturer's recommendations; They recommend, under 'Normal' service, to replace the timing belt at 60,000 mile intervals. Under 'Severe' service, 40,000 mile intervals. This should be the same as in your owner's manual. From what I've read, I don't think that you "got taken" by any means, but I do question their customer service. When a customer leaves my shop, first, I want them to be happy of course, but also want them to thouroughly understand what was done. You don't go into a place, give them money for something, without knowing what you just spent the money for. That is their responsibility. If you don't want to know, or don't care, that's your decision...but they should at least offer and let the customer make that decision. When my cardiologist began the description of what he was going to do, I told him I didn't want to know, just do it. (I'm a weanie) But, that was MY choice, not his.
Loren
SW Washington
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johnsgirl
New User
Apr 9, 2009, 6:31 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: Car Repair Bill
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I just wanted to say thank you to both of you who answered my post. I appreciate you taking the time and I will call them tomorrow and ask for the itemized bill. I hadn't even thought about what you last pointed out, which was keeping accurate records. I didn't think I was out of line for feeling this way, and everyone I've talked to about today agrees. Thanks again!
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 9, 2009, 6:37 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Car Repair Bill
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>> I didn't think I was out of line for feeling this way<<
Absolutely, not. You go, girl!
Loren
SW Washington
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 10, 2009, 6:33 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Totally agree on keeping records! That can be very helpful in diagnosing something else perhaps later on.
Ditto - "YOU GO GIRL!"
T
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