new repair shop labor rate

[cookiedough]

was trying to give the local young kid age 20 who is trying to open up his own repair shop graduated diesel tech school some business, guess not going back anytime soon.    I bought new Moog front struts for my car one going bad since before winter was affecting steering over bumps wiggling steering wheel was that bad and leaked oil out of front strut. 

Well,  since sway bar links looked good,   never got them figured could take off without breaking or stripping threads.  Thought wrong, he stripped threads which is possible to do since OEM and 127K miles on them OEM but guessing more possible to use hand tools vs. power tool to get it off might not have happened as possible, but still could have stripped threads.  Then, he ordered locally sway bar links and were 27 bucks he charged me each (1/4th cost of entire strut assembly) and talked on phone said it was the upgraded one with zerk fitting with lifetime warranty since we compared pics over phone and was blue not black rubber ball joint and zerk fitting so figured not too bad since only few more bucks vs. rockauto.com pricing.  Well,  am finding out is NO warranty and wrong one we discussed he put on cheap 10 dollar one that rockauto has being cheapest for 10 bucks each.  Going to Weaver auto parts today to verify wrong sway bar links and if so going back tomorrow to tell him to replace with good sway bar link for free since he was wrong over phone should have called me first or verified wrong sway bar link given to him from Weaver auto parts.

Next thing is we discussed last week in person 2 hour labor rate which was fine since got 2 other estimates and both repair shops said 2 hours for quick struts 1 hour each and since his labor rate was cheaper, went with him.  He said 100-120 tops should be vs. other places 2 hours is 170-185 bucks for 2 hours labor.  Well, he came back at 3 hours and 150 bucks so not saved much going to him for repair.  He blamed it on taking more time to take torch to heat up main bolts to loosen since air wrench was unable to loosen 2 main lower bolts.  1 hour extra to do that?????  come on??

The other local shop bigger chain said they honor their quotes of labor within reason say quote 170 bucks 2 hours labor and takes a little longer, they still only charge 2 hours since that is what is expected of a simple 7 bolt replacement if all goes well even with replacing sway bar links. 

Guess not going back anytime soon and if this young kid wants to stay in business, he needs to honor labor of 120 bucks tops as he said,  not strip sway bar link threads (which is possible I guess since on for 13 years OEM) having to get new sway bar links that seemed fine, just hard to get off apparently, and get customer right parts as discussed over the phone today when he stripped the threads on links. 

I was not too upset he stripped sway bar link bolt threads and got new ones, but once I inspected tonight he got cheapo NO warranty 10 dollar ones from Weaver which rockauto pricing only 10 bucks each vs. the lifetime warranty ones like I could have got from rockauto MOOG ones for 27 bucks (same price) better quality, etc., and not honroing labor rate as we discussed since 2 other shops said 2 hours as well for quick struts,  think he is padding his bill some will see?
guess did not save any money as well since he also does not have the money for eqmt. for new alignment machine so going to have to go to the other repair shop to get that done another 80 bucks.

Question:  I drove it home and the steering wheel was off 30 degrees now to the right vs. was straight on.  Can a simple quick strut/sway bar link replacement cause that much difference in straight vs. near 30 degree angle to the right steering wheel needing an alignment to straighten the wheel again as it was??  Did he mess up the install somehow to cause the steering wheel to be off center that much vs. was straight on??  Will an alignment fix that, doubt it??  will drive car more so today but does not appear to be pulling left to right needing an alignment or so I think so why would steering wheel be that much off center after quick front struts??

[Pete]

Last time i had a steering wheel that far off, the mechanic had removed the wheel and reinstalled it wrong. Seems he lost the keys and had to get new ones made.

[f6john]

No steering components would need to be disturbed alignment wise to cause the wheel to be off so he would have had to be removing “stuff” that wasn’t necessary to be responsible for the wheel condition. I’d give him the benefit of the doubt after expressing my concerns. He certainly doesn’t have the years of work and customer relationship experience that some other shops have. How he reacts to your concerns will speak volumes as to his future in the business.

[Robert]

A little different perspective

First NO shop will ever compete price wise with an online retailer. Most times its less than what the wholesale price is that the shop is charged.

Customer service is something most young ones need help to understand, the customer is right. Sometimes its not make money today to keep or get a customer tomorrow, Most don't know this.

If you really want to help him make sure he understands the reasons you went with him and trust that it may have taken him more to do. 

Yes sometimes on some cars strut replacement does require an alignment. In fact its always safe to say that when struts are replaced you need an alignment.

One repair does not a shop make, give him more than one try but be careful on the second.

[Chrisj CMA]

I have been using the same shop for my vehicles for over 30 years. I know they are honest and I know they know what they are doing. I don’t think I could be as brave as you to let some young kid mess with my truck. I just got four wide Firestone Destination tires two brand new front rotors and all new brakes for a grand. They did the work while I waited, let me watch anytime I wanted and the price came in under the estimate. When I asked why it was less they said they received some unexpected discount on tires or something like that. They didn’t have to pass that on to me but they did and I thanked them.

[MarkT]

Good posts Robert & Chris.  I see youth working in business who haven't learned the value of a customer - many seem to think they MUST make a profit on ea transaction no matter what.  Even to the decision to break their word or otherwise abuse / offend the customer.  Shocking, they do that even with a local customer.  Seems ethics and honor take a back seat to profit.  Just kills me to see them - even in the dining business - value the transaction more than the customer.  I'll often make an appropriate comment to them to help them understand and correct their behavior going forward. Even more shocking is an older / middle aged "associate" with such behavior.  Obviously not management / owner personnel as they can't rise to that position and stay in business for long with that attitude.  I'll make a teaching comment to them too, with a reference to my decades of experience.

Along these lines, the shop between Kiowa & Elizabeth that I hired to powder coat my wheels was long on promises but short on delivery, and violated our agreement and understanding.  I had even mentioned, with a good job I'll refer my friends.  I was looking to help the young business be successful.  As it turned out, I had to stop payment on his check to force him to keep his word.  He almost wrecked my schedule to go to Inzane and I had started with him a month extra time.  Among other FUBARs he got powder in all the bearing seats and screw holes - not only he should have known that but I had specifically admonished him, "no powder in the bearing seats or thread holes" - it's easy to prevent that.  Made a lot of unnecessary extra work for me and now the bearing seats aren't tight after I had to Dremel them out . He did NOT keep me apprised of the status as he promised - never called me ONCE - but he took three times longer than he promised.  He screwed up the color, made it uneven.  Sanded the perimeters/rims which were getting clearcoat and left it very rough so it looks uneven.  Not only did he NOT get my referrals, I told my friends to stay away.  That building now has another business in his space.  I had said when we were done, they won't last long with their ethics and poor quality.

OTOH, the Elizabeth Auto Repair is one of the best experiences I've had with local businesses.  And it shows if you read the referrals on Next Door.  Thanks for the referral Dave.  Same great experience with Franktown Firearms.  And Bernie's Kitchen in Elizabeth.

[old2soon]

            The mechanic I go to here-bought 2 cars on his recommendation-and I have a good deal of TRUST in his opinion and his estimates are always within a few bucks of actual price. Also another Plus so far everything on the repair side has been one and done. I'm also one of the very Few that has-if not busy-access to his drill press. And should Randy find any issue while doing a service he calls me and lets me know what the issue is whether or not it can wait a bit and about what the repair should cost. Had an issue with the 94 Olds A/C on heat one side cold on the other and then it would swap sides by itself. I stopped at his shop on a ride and he had most of the dash out. Called me the next day and said my car was ready. Walked to his shop and asked-how much? Nothing he told me! Why I ask? Because my other mechanic and I figured out How to fix the issue quicker without dash removal and do you have any idea How Many of these similar G M cars I service? He used my Olds for the learning curve and I benefitted from his experience. Win win all the way round. When he does do repairs I also tell him work on it like your Beautiful Wife will be driving it.  Yup-he Still loves her. RIDE SAFE.

[Tx Bohemian]

Maybe I missed it but what kind of car?

Are you saying the Macpherson struts were replaced? The "quick struts" the ones that come assembled with the springs already on?
If so, was it aligned after the struts were replaced?

[Jess from VA]

So for awhile now, I've been having my oil changed by either a local neighborhood shop or local gas station.  It's not that I can't do it, but for $20 (with my oil and filter), I'd just rather have them do it.  I've been going to these two shops for two decades, mostly for little stuff (or state inspections), and they've been good, reliable and fair.

I've wanted to get the oil changed in my new 2500 Ram Promaster for awhile, and both said they were too busy, try later.  I tried later and one said it won't go on his lift (it won't) (it won't even go through the door), and the other is still too busy (and it won't go on his lift either).  I realize they just don't want the work on that big truck (8.5 feet tall, and almost 20 feet long).  I wish they would just have told me instead of shining me on.  

I thought I could just slide under it in the driveway, but under the engine, I was wrong.  And my (car) jack uses up 3/4 of it's travel before it actually begins lifting the fat bastard.  At max lift, the corner tire just came off the ground.  Well crap.  I'm not a fan of factory jacks (if you have to get UNDER the vehicle), and you have to remove the spare under the back to get to it (in a 15 step procedure).  The heck with that; I'll jump off that bridge when I get to it.  

So I broke my own rule against ever going to dealers for anything.  And guess what?  It was $14.95 (with my oil and filter).  Who knew?   And only 6 miles away (new place, and a truck service center).  

Yeah, they stuck me with shop supplies (6$) and a document retention fee ($2).  I thought about telling them where they could retain my documents, but everyone was so nice and professional, I kept that to myself.  

I told my next door neighbor this story, and he showed me his new monster truck jack and said I could come and get it anytime I wanted.  

[cookiedough]

Maybe I missed it but what kind of car?

Are you saying the Macpherson struts were replaced? The "quick struts" the ones that come assembled with the springs already on?
If so, was it aligned after the struts were replaced?

04 pontiac vibe in good shape 127K miles hoping over 200K life expectancy or 4-6 more years. 

gets worse:  went to Weaver auto parts after work and I specfically told this young kid on the phone NO cheapo barely any warranty sway bar links want either lifetime or at least 5/60K miles warranty as we discussed what mevotech ones he was getting.  WRONG:  They are made in China garbage 90 day warranty and 1/2 the thickness as the MOOG lifetime warranty ones I can get from RockAuto for same 27 bucks each which is what he charged me for these were 23 at Weaver so he upcharged me on them 4 bucks each as well.  For what?  a 90 day replacement warranty when same cheapo economy ones thru Rock Auto are 10 bucks each - NO JOKE!  He said over phone mevotech and should have the zerts and blue in color which according to his internet and my internet talking to him over phone were the good ones - SO WRONG.

Going back tomorrow ASAP and either 1 of 3 things will be done:  Keep the junk ones in hopes they last 2-3 years before rusting or breaking off and refund me 55 bucks cost of them.  OR,  take them off after 1 day and try to return to Weaver as new and I order the MOOGS same 27 price and he installs for free since he already overcharged me 1 hour too much in labor we agreed upon.  OR,  if he disagrees with first 2 if he has not cashed my check today being 1 day later,  I will put a stop payment on it 8 a.m. tomorrow when bank opens up and he gets paid NOTHING!

I told him to find out warrant with Weaver and ask since it took 5 seconds for me to do tonight at Weaver and said only 90 days is all and he said most buy these cheaper sway bar links 'just to get by' is all.  I told that young repair kid NO JUNK want decent quality to last 4-6 years and hoping another 100K as these will not.   He should have called me ASAP telilng me these are not the ones he told me he was getting over the phone not same blue color and not even Mevotech brand but knock off name with NO zert/grease fitting. 

Easiest thing to do even if not right is to refund me 55 bucks cost of the shitty sway bar links worth 10 bucks each is all that he upcharged 4 bucks each in the first place  and call it a day and me footing the bill 1-2 years later when they rust or break getting better quality ones, especially since he took 1 hour too long stating 100-120 labor and was 150 in labor which is 1 hour too long.   

and NO, he cannot do an alignment after strut install since he does not have the expensive equipment since just opened up a mom/pop shop across the street from where I live. 

I will be calm tomorrow but if he refuses,  going to bank ASAP to see if check has been cashed and if not, he is out 150 labor + 55 for parts that he broke/stripped the threads in the first place on the OEM sway bar links which can happen I guess if not careful removing them as am sure he was not.

What should be done is remove the 2 bolts ASAP on the sway bar links return to Weaver since under 30 days replacement/return just say NOT put on is all as long as he has OEM box still in garbage,  me order from rock auto Moogs best quality near twice the thickness as made in China ones on vehicle now, and install the 4 bolts for free on new MOOGS.  should only take him 30 minutes shop time which is about the amount he overcharged me in labor to begin with on a set of quick struts.

I once made the mistake of getting steel rims MADE IN CHINA on our SUV for snow tires.  They rusted out horrible after ONLY 1 winter and now 3 years winters later looks like crap mostly rust.  The other set was NOT made in china but I think norway or switzerland (or somewhere else besides china) and no rust hardly at all over 2 years now on other vehicle basically same price. 

[matt]

Well I say dont go In angry, on his computer screen from supplier probably showed different than he recieved. Happens every day pic just similar. We go thru that every day. If part he ordered fits description it said on screen then so be it. Did he say it does not have a warranty now?

As far as replacing quick struts, they have new springs not 100,000 mile ones so yes changes happen to alignment geometry. Any time any suspension or steering work done alignment check Is required. Most vehicles and by the way you said torch lower bolts that is a camber adjustment on most two bolt to steering knuckle so ya lots of things that could affect steering wheel.

Sway bar links yup he will learn quote those every strut job that they connect to strut. Most links have a nylon bushing so ya cannot use heat. Second majority have lock nuts so ya by the time ya mess with those all profits out the window. On top of that 100,000 of crap being  kicked of tires rain sand all sorts of temps and if ya life were there is snow add salt and rust to that.

[cookiedough]

what gets me is his word means NOTHING talking to him in person and over phone very not trusting and I know the kid in our town.  If someone says 100-120 in labor he should honor it since repair manual says 2 hours labor to install quick struts verified by 3 other shops that had higher labor rates of course than him just doing it by himself opening up his own shop.

  Plus, he did not listen to me over the phone when he stripped the sway bar link threads telling him I do not want cheapest set with no or hardly any warranty ones and ask Weaver which he must either never did or think I would not find out.  Plus, he upcharged them 4 bucks as well for what,  a 90 day warranty he would have to honor like that would happen in 90 days even with made in china parts?  I specifically said over phone the mevotech ones we both saw on internet mid to upper range for 27 bucks is fine but these are NOT them but cheapest ones can get at 10 bucks each on rock auto.com.  

they may last 5 years, but odds are against it with the road and salt conditions in WI at near 1/2 the metal thickness as Moog ones.  

[matt]

As stated when ya go to a garage do not compare price to rock auto. Never happen unless ya want to leave your car In peices waiting on parts delivery from rock!!!!!  Then when they are wrong dam now you are without car longer or good luck with lifetime. Remove part send to rock auto wait for an answer and replacement part what a deal.  

I tell people the market is have a sale on steak tips, you go to a restaurant and have steak tips think your paying g sale price market is having?  

[cookiedough]

Well I say dont go In angry, on his computer screen from supplier probably showed different than he recieved. Happens every day pic just similar. We go thru that every day. If part he ordered fits description it said on screen then so be it. Did he say it does not have a warranty now?

As far as replacing quick struts, they have new springs not 100,000 mile ones so yes changes happen to alignment geometry. Any time any suspension or steering work done alignment check Is required. Most vehicles and by the way you said torch lower bolts that is a camber adjustment on most two bolt to steering knuckle so ya lots of things that could affect steering wheel.

Sway bar links yup he will learn quote those every strut job that they connect to strut. Most links have a nylon bushing so ya cannot use heat. Second majority have lock nuts so ya by the time ya mess with those all profits out the window. On top of that 100,000 of poop being  kicked of tires rain sand all sorts of temps and if ya life were there is snow add salt and rust to that.

he never said anything on a warranty on new sway bar links even though I asked him over phone thru Weaver auto parts to verify either the cheaper mevotechs at 60K miles or lifetime ones were fine told him but did NOT want cheapo ones which I got NOT mevotech but offbrand junk name which were NOT mevotech as he said they were. 

he could have just easily called me,  put old stripped sway bar links on for 3 days or so light driving in town local few miles is all on car and re-did it all next week once I ordered decent Moog sway bar links for same 27 bucks each.  He said they will hold just not tight since bolts stripped is all for a short while will work like 3 days is fine with me just not drive it on hwy. this weekend is all.

I think most would say get rid of made in china junk ones that will last guessing 2 years tops and make him return to Weaver (doubt will happen since installed unless lie to them, but should look new since on only 3-4 days) and then install my Moogs ones next week NO labor charge since he screwed up the job and rates in the first place.  Even if he does not want to install Moogs taking 10 minutes each since only 2 bolts brand new now,  he should but if not, still want my 55 bucks back I paid for inferior parts IMO I specifically said do not want if want car to last hoping another 100K miles or so.

[The emperor has no clothes]

As stated when ya go to a garage do not compare price to rock auto. Never happen unless ya want to leave your car In peices waiting on parts delivery from rock!!!!!  Then when they are wrong dam now you are without car longer or good luck with lifetime. Remove part send to rock auto wait for an answer and replacement part what a deal.  

I tell people the market is have a sale on steak tips, you go to a restaurant and have steak tips think your paying g sale price market is having?  

[matt]

Yup would be awesome to get rid of China crap, but that's were online parts thrive.  Well sounds like that young buck needs to learn,  13 years had my own repair facility till health issue changed that. But there and service I currently run. I have three major suppliers and have deal with them part I buy atleast 80% percent parts they will cover when Installed by my shop or current they warranty for life

[cookiedough]

Yup would be awesome to get rid of China poop, but that's were online parts thrive.  Well sounds like that young buck needs to learn,  13 years had my own repair facility till health issue changed that. But there and service I currently run. I have three major suppliers and have deal with them part I buy atleast 80% percent parts they will cover when Installed by my shop or current they warranty for life

I have no problems with warranty being lifetime even if buying thru Rock Auto, I will cross that bridge when it gets here but can tell you a 10 dollar part will not last as well as a 27 dollar part there has to be a reason why 90 days vs. lifetime on the sway bar links and after seeing both at Weaver today being twice as thick of metal,  made in china is more than likely not going to last more than 2-3 years especially with WI road salt and bad roads/potholes.

I probably if lifetime warranty goes bad, just contact MOOG directly and go that route telling them I installed myself since I know the local repair shop will not do anything and should not stand behind it since they did not order parts, just installed and labor not covered as well which is fine with me.  I just want quality parts at decent prices and reasonable AS STATED in person labor rate.

Should have just gone to local Pomps tire and auto since they told me even if tad bit over 2 hours labor if something goes wrong, they go by what the shop manual states it should take which is 2 hours.  For 20 bucks more is all, since was suppose to be 50-70 bucks cheaper as young kid stated, and less hastle and better service meaning 2-way communications of parts going on my vehicle plus if need alignment, they have the eqmt to do it as well right there and all done in 1 trip.

I once had to email Rock Auto and the lady was prompt in replying to customer service and very helpful and did what I wanted no hastle and shipping time is 3-4 days is all to get parts sent to me via UPS base rate.

[cookiedough]

if he is in at 7 a.m. this morning,  going over and asking him nicely not part we discussed he was getting over phone so want them off, return to Weaver if has the box still, and I will order Moogs put on next week free of charge since he messed up.  If not,  he will refund me 55 bucks for shitty parts will not last 5-6+ years and take my chances.  If not,  putting stop payment on check if not cashed yesterday and he will get nothing.  His call on how he does business since just opened up this year.

[Jack B]

Should have just gone to local Pomps tire and auto since they told me even if tad bit over 2 hours labor if something goes wrong, they go by what the shop manual states it should take which is 2 hours.  For 20 bucks more is all, since was suppose to be 50-70 bucks cheaper as young kid stated, and less hastle and better service meaning 2-way communications of parts going on my vehicle plus if need alignment, they have the eqmt to do it as well right there and all done in 1 trip.
[/quote]
Pomps has always treated me well.

[MarkT]

I just installed custom pipes for a customer now friend, normally R&R takes approx an hour so I charge very reasonable flat rate of $35 which is considerably less than the normal shop rate but it's a loss leader and convenience as he bought the pipe build.  His bike had lots of compatibility issues and it took in reality all day.  N/C for the extra work as it comes out in the wash and goodwill.  Not to mention we broke for lunch and he grabbed the tab and wouldn't let me pay as I had expected.  He left super happy and is posting kudos on the boards.  One must look at the big picture - and then there's feeling good about yourself.  His kudos are worth a lot.  I never let anyone finish unhappy and so I have a great rep.  Your kid should learn that lesson eventually but it might take time. And meanwhile his customers may suffer. And he might fail before he learns.  IOW he better wake up and change fast before he kills his business.  And in the mix is, do you want someone doing work for you, to be pissed at you.  I also learned years ago, don't piss off the folks you want to serve you.  eg. I'm not a fan of loogey sandwiches.  My powder coater guy - I handled him carefully as he could make things worse while he had my wheels.

[cookiedough]

good points MarkT.  I chatted with him since being a young kid, I did not TEXT him but left him a voice message on his cell phone and of course if NOT texting, no idea how to answer the voice mail probably.  He tossed/burned the Weaver boxes away they came in so doubt can take them back but he said he has a good rep with local Weaver shop and will try to find out warranty.

He admitted the website was NOT the same sway bar links he got but figured apparently were good enough thinking I would not notice they are 10 dollar 90 day cheapo parts and reminded him we talked over phone and was fine with either Mevotech ones lifetime or 5 year/60K miles one either one but NO less being cheapos which these are.  He sort of agreed but told him if he cannot return them,  he is eating the 55 bucks I paid refunding that to me or if he can return them getting MY money back crediting me 55 bucks,  I will get the better parts myself for only 8 bucks more than what I paid him being 55 for 20 dollar parts that will not last 2+ years am sure of it and he will install for free as he should have NOT installed since he KNEW he told me they were not same parts and NEVER questioned the name brand since NOT Mevotechs as we discussed he was getting.

So, at least he admits he knew they were different but did not investigate why or STOP and call me and let me decide before installing since knew were different parts he should have got. 

do not think he liked it, but too bad,  he should make it right one way or the other for I know a lot of people in our small town and one bad word spread can hurt his business some am sure. If he makes it right as he might do (will see next week since he said will call Weaver up?) I will probably never go back to him but keep my mouth shut, unless someone asks me about him which probably never will happen.   he thought they had 1 year warranty but Weaver told me 90 days so will see, even 1 year is useless any part for struts should last 1 year, it is 5-6 years that they should last especially sway bar links.

[Robert]

If you are trying to help the a kid that admitted his mistake and would still be on the hook to repair them in one year if they went bad, I would not commit to making life a bit more difficult. It makes you look bad rather than the shop and I have seen to many bad shops stay in business for a long time. It always made me wonder how someone can rip off the customers in almost every way and they are still in business. Heck most dealers are not as forthright as they should be either yet they are still around. Shop repairs usually come with a year warranty, its not sometimes the parts mfg that stands behind the part sometimes its the shop. Thats where the rubber meets the road, when the part fails and the shop has to stand behind it.

[cookiedough]

If you are trying to help the a kid that admitted his mistake and would still be on the hook to repair them in one year if they went bad, I would not commit to making life a bit more difficult. It makes you look bad rather than the shop and I have seen to many bad shops stay in business for a long time. It always made me wonder how someone can rip off the customers in almost every way and they are still in business. Heck most dealers are not as forthright as they should be either yet they are still around. Shop repairs usually come with a year warranty, its not sometimes the parts mfg that stands behind the part sometimes its the shop. Thats where the rubber meets the road, when the part fails and the shop has to stand behind it.

He only stands behind his work for 90 days, which is what the warranty is 90 days made in china sway bar links he put on and should not have BEFORE calling me first since I would have said NO wait do NOT do it.  If I order my parts (better parts), he is off the hook on labor and parts regardless unless for some oddball reason he does not tighten the bolts/nuts which would be very hard to not see myself after inspecting when done.  I am just glad I checked AFTER he done them same night since knew they were NOT the ones we discussed over the phone.  Specifically told him 1 of the 2 were fine, but NOT the cheapo ones which these are the cheapest out there for sure.  My guess is they will break or rust out in 1-2 years and back at it again on my dime then all over again.

I will be texting him first thing tomorrow, MOnday, to call Weaver to refund parts and if can take them back, I will order Moog sway bar links same price at 27 each as the overpriced marked up made in china ones, then he refunds me the 54 bucks as he should and NO re-labor to install other sway bar links since his fault to begin with.   

[cookiedough]

well,  20 year old kid said Weaver Auto Parts said they were Mevotech and since Mevotech installed sway bar links already, no refund out of luck.  I have his text saved on my phone stating ARE MEVOTECH sway bar links.  They are NOT!  Mevotech website has 2 kinds as I knew with nice pics and the ones installed are NOT them.  Did the research called corporate Weaver and are made by MAS/Dorman and pic verified it exact same ones as installed pic is exactly what I have cheapos as well 90 day warranty is all vs. Mevotech as we discussed either lifetime or 5 year/60K as I said over phone would be fine, but NOT these are NOT Mevotech as his text said.

Going over tomorrow to show him pics/internet and prove him wrong.  Weaver even said they were Mevotech local parts store but they cannot prove it and box says Pronto PK80203 sway bar links and all mfgs. have 80203 part but pics and website prove him and Weaver store wrong who told him wrong information.    Weaver guy said called another store said no idea really who mfg. is but Pronto means they slap their name on them Pronto for Weaver and NO information in box or anything on who REAL mfg. is.  Internet search says Dorman/MAS with their own part number being different as well.

Wonder what he will do?  I see check is not cashed yet for some odd reason, might put a stop payment on it tomorrow if still out there not cashed if he still says tomorrow NO refund of 54 bucks in parts since NOT correct parts as we discussed and agreed upon.  Or, I might settle for 40 bucks refund which is basically paying the cost of these cheapo 10 dollar sway bar links and hope they last 5 years although 1-2 years more like it am sure and never going back there again.  What also irks me is he overcharged me 3 hours labor vs. 2 hours as we discussed in person taking 2 hours as is normal for 2 quick struts/links according to manual/book replace time as 3 other repair shops also said.

Research is key and he did NOT do his job and should learn a lesson from this.  Yah, I know, only 54 bucks but if I have to spend another 63 bucks to get Moogs or Mevotechs as we discussed then out over 110 bucks near double that in less than 5 years costing more than one whole quick strut did.

One thing is for sure,  he will not be in business for years to come if he cannot do the right there for what should have been a simple quick strut replacement.  Last time I throw a young kid a bone to help him out get started thinking I will be saving 50+ bucks or more mostly in labor when it will end up costing me over 100 bucks more in the long run with cheapo wrong parts installed.

[cookiedough]

Had to escalate to Weaver Auto Parts store manager since the kid was useless to talk to going by what Weaver store told him were Mevotechs and are not.  Store mgr. agreed and really had NO clue himself but believed me could be made by Dorman/MAS since pic matched parts unlike Mevotech pics and since they slap their PRONTO name on the parts in parts plant in Texas coming in from China, they have NO clue on who the mfg. is.  He said the store counter person should have never told the kid they were Mevotech since no clue.  He agreed to return the cheapo sway bar links no charge for the upgraded lifetime Moog ones NO charge and I guess have the kid install them as well no charge.

It PAYS to have internet and do your own research on parts for vehicles since even the auto parts stores have no clue on who the mfg. really is nowadays.  Still think the kid should have went to Weaver himself since he was pretty sure not the same parts judging by pics vs. mevotech's ones shown on internet searches or at least called me FIRST since he had doubts himself, especially since I said point blank to him as long as NOT cheapo parts 1 year or less warranty by 5 years or lifetime is fine which he knew BEFORE install those cheaper sway bar links were NOT!

Live and learn and never going by word of mouth anymore will get all repairs done on anything with a WRITTEN estimate FIRST before doing since labor for 3 hours labor is NOT 2 hours on a basic quick strut mount.  Should not have to pay for his slowness or goofing off in between working.  I could show the kid estimates and repairs done by other repair shops being 2 hours NOT 3 going by the book, but I told him in person and on phone that as well, hope he learns from it and does not do it again if he wants repeat business from anyone. 

At least I stayed somewhat civilized to him even though he was in the wrong for an extra 50 bucks in labor will not break the bank and saved me a day of cussing and swearing myself to remove them jacking up the car one tire at a time.  This is why I prefer to change my OWN OIL and do basic maintenance on vehicles for I have not found one really honest repair shop (especially dealerships) who are super great doing business with.