RANT / Dealer vs. Independent shop.

[David Ponder]

Took my ST to the dealer for an alignment on Monday.

(Bought new tires on Saturday, and wanted alignment for piece of mind)



Got a call about 3 hours after I dropped it off, stating it needs:

Lower right baljoint.

Both upper balljoints.

Both inner tierods.

$1500 & change for the work.



OK, I have the old tires, and the front ones were SLIGHTLY worn on the inner edges, passinger side a bit more than the other side. But these tires had 52,000 miles on them. (Tires and OEM rims are for sale in Swap & Sell) The ST was driving straight, no pulling to either side, etc... I told them no thanks, paid my $59 and picked up the truck.



Today, I took the truck to a local independent shop, didnt tell them what the dealer said, and asked them to check the front end out. 45 minuts later I get the news:



Lower Right balljoint IS bad.

BOTH upper balljoints are FINE

BOTH inner tie rods are FINE.

Estimate is $335 including the balljoint.





This really makes me mad... I have purchased FIVE vehicles from this dealer, and they have been fair with me in the past over warranty issues, etc... I just am floored that they would do this. Should I take the estimate to them and ask them to discuss with the mechanic? Or should I just look for somewhere else to purchase my vehicles? Advice appreciated.

 

[Garry Moss]

Well my advice is to replace the lower right balljoint :bwahaha:



seriously, ya never really know unless you get under and look, the dealer could be wrong, the indie may not have thouroghly inspected the front end, tough call

 

[Don Hay]

I can't stand taking my vehicles to a dealer for service. I would much rather take it to an independant mechanic. I beleive the dealers will sway most consumers into work that isn't needed & because we as the consumer ,may not understand all the nuts & bolts of a vehicle, they just right up a bill & charge away. I beleive its not just a few dealers, I think there all thiefs.:fire:

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Well, how about replacing both lower ball joints as the other can't be far behind. Just good preventative maintainence. Also, explain carefully to your mechanic what the dealer said was wrong and if he wouldn't mind seeing if those parts may be in need of replacing anytime in the near future. Then schedule accordingly, Bob

 

[Steve McKellop]

Best thing is having the knowledge, or resources, to know what your vehicle needs. There are many independent shops out there that will slip you the weenie just like the big boys!!:angry:

 

[scott degroot]

Not sticking up for anybody



Now you have 2 opinions that don't match yet you automatically assume that the dealers opinion is wrong, I bet if the delaers opinion came at a lower dollar amount than the independants you would be cursing the independant for trying to rip you off. If the dealer was being dishonest I wonder why they didn't try to get you on the other lower ball joint as well?? Like I said I'm not sticking up for anyone I just think it's funny that when people get estimates the more expensive one has to be wrong but what I would be more concerned with is which place has the dishonest or unqualified tech..

 

[David Ponder]

L1, The Independent shop I took my truck to has known me for years. The Manager is a personal friend of mine, the owner was also a friend. (He passed away and his son owns it now) The only reason I didnt take the truck there to begin with is because they dont have an alignment machine. I trust this guy very much. I also jacked up the truck and checked for play in both the upper joints myself, and found none.



I do all my own work for the most part, and I am not opposed to replacing the part myself, although after 25 years of working on my vehicles, (Everything from a 1961 Galaxie, thru several 70's MGB's, to our 2006 Linclon and almost everything you can think of in between) I am getting a bit selective on what I WANT to do, vs. what I CAN do. I have a garage, and my truck will barely fit in it, but it is winter, and it is cold, and I just dont want to mess with it right now) I am however working on my Son's KIA this weekend for a sensor replacement, because he cant afford to have someone else work on it. :sad:

 

[Julio R]

not that i have anything against them but i only go to the dealer for warranty work, i go to an independent for out of warranty stuff