2001 Toyota Corolla Do I have any recourse against shop?

TD300

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Hi,

I have a 2001 Corolla that I took to a shop. Guy said it was missing on 1 and 3 and said it was either a timing solenoid(?), Or possible the computer system issue. Then after trying a new oxygen sensor, he said it ran a lot better. Perhaps foolishly(I'm clueless with cars) I okayed the replacement. He still said that it is missing on 1 and 3/ and maybe needs a timing solenoid then and suggested I take it to the dealer.

Here's what he charged:

Oxygen Sensor from O'reilly Auto part# 13051: $121.99
shops charge for same part: $212.26!
2 hours labor = $188

After getting home from work and reviewing the above charges, I feel like I've been ripped off, overcharged, and that I paid for his guesswork. Nearly double the cost of the part? What?

Do I have any recourse?

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Not unless you can prove fraud. You signed a release when he started working on the car, that should have outlined the shop labor rate. Yes you can buy O2 sensors at any autoparts store for a lot less than he will charge you. This is true of all parts.

A miss on 1-3 is usually a spark plug or coil pack, and with 160K on the engine, I would suspect a plug if they have never been changed.

I am not defending the guy, he gives all mechanics a bad name.

Car repair is like any consumer issue, find an ASE certified mechanic (I prefer independant shops vs. Chains) and shop around for labor rates etc, check with your local BBB for any complaints against him or any shop you are considering using.

There are three indepandant shops within 4 miles from where I live that charge reasonable rates, do quality work and guarantee what they do, they would also tell you up front if the job should be done by a dealer.

If you were to sue him, you would probably spend more than the repairs are going to cost.