Auto repair shop...no printed estimate?!?!

Demon_Hunter · #1 10-31-2009, 10:03 AM

So, I'm having brake problems with my truck and take it to Meineke(big mistake) to see what its going to cost. They call me and tell me and it's way more than I can afford to do it all so I ask them to do just the front and they said No. Which I found odd but said, ok and then went to pick it up. I asked for the printout of all that was wrong with it and the only thing on the printout said, "Needs brake work and lots of it".
If I had a scanner I would scan it to show you.

The guy working said when I come back to have the work done(which I won't) he can pull it up off his computer but he still wouldn't give me a printout of the estimate.

Isn't there some law that about this or is it just really bad customer service? I will never go back there again anyways.

Chunk-O-Funk · #2 10-31-2009, 10:21 AM

I work in a parts department of a new car dealership.
To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe there is a law that a written estimate has to be done. Although, an itemized list of parts, plus labor cost is always done and written on the back of the repair order, so there really is no reason they couldn't have given you more information.

The only thing I can tell you is get another estimate from somebody else. You may not need everything they are trying to sell you. The fact that they didn't inform you on what needs to be done sounds suspicious.

What year and model truck do you have?
Did they verbally let you know what needed to be done?

Demon_Hunter · #3 10-31-2009, 10:24 AM

1996 Dodge Ram 1500
Yeah, the did give me a verbal estimate, but I wanted it printed out and he wouldn't do it.

Chunk-O-Funk · #4 10-31-2009, 10:56 AM

There could be a number of reasons why they didn't do a written estimate in your case, but I'm just going to say they simply don't want you to bring a written estimate to a competitor. The same thing happen to me when I purchased a TV a short while ago.

To get back to your original question. Do they have to, is there a law? No, I really don't think so, but different states have different laws, so It's probably not the same across the states.

Perhaps if you asked for a written estimate beforehand they would have been in a position to be more accommodating, or at least would have given you a reason why they don't do written estimates. All the information should be there on the repair order, but putting it in a written form can be time consuming. I don't work in the service department where estimates are handled, so that's bit of an assumption on my part.

Most cases, people receive an estimate similar to "parts $0.00 and labor $0.00" and then the total cost. I know that how it's done where I work. Say in an instance if someone comes in for service and we suggest something else needs to be done, but that's written on their copy of their receipt. When or if they come back for the work the service adviser can look it up in the computer.

MadMan118 · #5 10-31-2009, 10:56 AM

Really bad service. Basically he was trying ti pull the wool over your eyes and get you to pay major money to a minor fix problem.

TrooperFarva · #6 10-31-2009, 11:09 AM

What kind of brake problems are you having? Most brake service is pretty straightforward, you could probably do it yourself.

iamlowsound · #7 10-31-2009, 12:56 PM

Find a small shop with an honest mechanic. I trust my mechanic so much that I just drop off the car and tell him to fix it. No need for an estimate and he only fixes what needs to be fixed.

lowsound

SLaPiNFuNK · #8 10-31-2009, 03:42 PM

id run away...

I used to write service at a dealer...

there isnt much that can be wrong with a brake system, but many other things can be found that you may be liable for...

also, they might just not know your vehicle...

if its drum brakes, are they going to need to get a rebuild kit, replace seals, etc etc... they might not know...

you can always tackle the repair on your own with a friend who knows cars and a 6 pack or two...

Mike N · #9 10-31-2009, 06:22 PM

We give every customer a printed estimate, period. Any other way is either laziness, a potential screw job, or both.

Indiana Mike · #10 11-01-2009, 09:07 AM

My brother went to Midas , as bad or worse than meineke, and they gave him an estimate of $600 +.

They fix your brakes by replacing almost EVERY component.

He took it to a local mechanic who i trust , has been in business since the '50's,and my father used before he started buying brand new every two years.

They fixed his car for $54 and some change .
Ask around and find a local mech your friends USE and trust , not just a buddy , someone they use .