Know Them Before You're Screwed - Top 10 Mechanic Scams

My evil BMW dealership, Princeton BMW in New Jersey, changed my plugs at 60,000 miles when my 2001 330Ci convertible needed plugs at 100,000 miles. I argued with the prick and told him They were 100k plugs but he insisted BMW only uses 60k plugs because they are "special" i bought the B/S then was furious when i had to pay 1500 dollars for a 60k service...i got hosed. Bought the service manual that verified 100k plugs fired my dealer and got a mechanic.

Ya I hate Stealerships... have a 2006 WRX which had a torn CV boot. One dealer said it was not covered under warranty and it would be $200 (peanuts compared to yours). Went to another and it they covered it, no questions asked.

I had a toyota dealer try and con me, I brought my 4 runner in for a recall that would require a free alignment and they told me that all the bolts were seized,they wanted $600! I told them I could get it done for $50. so IO left and got it done for 50, it was much worse than that...Rotor turning is also a scam, If they are scored just get new ones, the thinner turned ones will warp and you will have to do it again, rotors are cheap compared to labor.

My favorite is when an error code is tripped. They can leverage that for about anything. I had three codes trip in the last 6 years.

One was for a air conditioning vent that failed to deploy, I found a small obstruction blocking it. The dealer COULD have charged me for a new vent when all I did was unblock the toy solider stuffed up there.

Two was for a cylinder misfire, which ended up being bad gas, however it could be labeled by a ripoff shop as anything from injectors to ignition.

Three was for a airbag indicator light. This was simply a loose connection under the seat that was replugged in. But could also have been charged to me as a new airbag or seat sensor.

All three codes were decoded with free laptop software that gave me direct access to the ECU. I figured it out each in under 5 mins and cleared the codes never to return again. Arm yourself with tools and then use common sense.

Never fails....I go in for the Quick Oil Change...And some MORON tells me that I need a New Air Filter....And the conversation ALWAYS goes something like this...
Moron: You need to replace your air filter...it's badly clogged
Me:Really?....That's REAL strange....because that filter...IS LESS THAN ONE HOUR OLD!
Moron: They make me say that
Me: Let me talk to the store manager.

One manager told me "If you don't like the way we do business...DON'T COME BACK!

I hope that you reported the crooks.