Re: [DML] 2 SUBJECTS: TRANSMISSION & CAR INSURANCE

[Soma576@xxxx]

In a message dated 1/17/04 9:30:32 AM Central Standard Time, 
docrth@xxxx writes:
THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER ($225.00) AND
THE SLAVE CYLINDER (139.15) PLUS $440 IN LABOR. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I
NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS RUNNING MORE POORLY THAN WHEN THEY STARTED. I
IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE CAR. ALMOST 4 WEEKS LATER I GET CALLED AND TOLD
THAT THE REPAIRS ARE FINISHED AND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH. THE
ADDITIONAL COST IS NOW AN ADDITIONAL $1500.

DOES THIS COMPUTE?
>>>>>>>>>

I don't know much about the insurance issue, but i do know the transmission.

The parts they ordered would have been about $125 cheaper from PJ Grady, and 
they would be the correct and highest quality part. But they probably didn't 
know they could get parts for them there, and i'm sure they would have been 
more than happy to use your source if you would have told them you only want 
parts from a DeLorean vendor, of which you would supply contact information. 

I had no idea what i was doing when i first replaced my clutch master and 
slave, and i would say that it probably took me about 4 hours including learning 
how to bleed it. i would hope they know better than I, so do they charge 
$110/hr for labor? what IS their hourly labor rate?

I had the transmission dropped, cracked open, cleaned up, replaced the roll 
pins, and had a centerforce clutch installed for about $1000, parts and labor. 
again, what is their hourly rate? remember that when you brought it back, 
they had to do a diagnosis so that will take more time to figure out what the 
problem is.

Since this is a 'high end' shop, by which i suppose you mean they specialize 
in Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls, Maserati, etc, i'm sure they have a high labor 
rate but they probably also know enough not to make things worse (such as when 
dealing with the fuel system). For the clutch and transmission, i'm sure there 
other other places better than a Texaco but not as specialized as a high end 
shop. Try to find a place that has been around a long time, has a very clean 
shop and waiting area, knowledgable staff, clean exterior and curb appeal, and 
they probably are booked solid because the best shops get around through word 
of mouth. make sure you negotiate warranty and satisfaction standards before 
they start or do any work at all.

Anyway, back to your problem. Does the transmission feel like brand new 
again? the only part they didn't replace was the clutchline with a stainless 
braided variety. You should probably get this done too, if you haven't had it 
done yet, especially in the heat of Florida. For that price (which is probably 
fair because i'm sure their labor rate is high but posted, and you probably 
told them to 'fix my car', which implies you want them to do whatever is prudent 
and necessary. remember, the typical Ferrari owner has deep pockets and is 
used to a high bill for repairs. YOU came to THEM, so should they believe you 
to be any different?), i'm sure the transmission is buttery smooth now. You 
got what you told them to do, and you probably could have gotten it done 
cheaper, but legally, you have no basis for non-payment, unless you already agreed to 
a cap on the repair bill, which they could have exceeded. The real test is, 
are there still transmission problems? If not, you had better give them what 
you owe them.

In the future, i would take a few days to talk to other owners on the list in 
your area and find another safe but cost-effective repair shop. Surely they 
are out there! But I really dont think the place you went to did anything 
wrong or charged you astronomical prices. Sounds about right for the Miami area.

Good Luck,
Andy


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