2004 Chevy Trailblazer rEPAIR cOSTS

2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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AUNTIDEED
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I just had to have the Exhaust Manifold replaced on my Trailblazer. I received an estimate of $490.00. While there I told them to do an Inspection. She called and told me that I needed brakes and rotors on all 4 wheels. I asked for an estimate and I was told $537.00. So that is like $1027.00. When I got a call today that my car was done I was told that the bill was $1,577.13. I was SHOCKED. I asked for some info ono what happened. And told them I would be there for an explaination. I was very very upset that I was not notified when more work was needed. When I got there I said "How can I have to pay $500.00 more than the 2 estimates?" I was told they were just estimates.. I understand that it could always be more however that is a bit excessive. I was told I needed a ball joint and extra labor there so they just did it. Which added about $200.00 onto the brake job and the rest added onto the Exhaust job because of needing all new pins (or whatever). My question, Don't estimates mean anything? Is there something to be done here?
May 26, 2010 at 7:08 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
HI there,
Thank you for the donation,

An Estimate is normally a very close approximation of the actual cost, a quote should be the exact amount, often you can allow around 10% variation on an estimate and this is normally quite acceptable, but they had no right to do extra expensive repairs with out your approval, you are quite with in your rights to refuse to pay any more than 10% of their estimated cost.

mark (mhpautos)
May 26, 2010 at 11:14 PM
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