MunchySP

A vent:

Ok, so a while back, I posted about my cooling system going. I got some feedback (Thanks silva (V+S shifters) & s4master1) that it might be my thermostat or waterpump impeller. Ok, so over two freezing rochester winter nights (nights are my only free time!), at 10 degrees F outside, I went ahead and pulled out my thermostat, got drenched in coolant, and put on a new one.

Was the problem fixed? Nope. So i guess it was the impeller. Great. 8 hour job, and no time. I took it down to Craig Autometrics (not my regular guys), because I heard good things about them, and more importantly, they were close by (my mech lives in Canandaigua - about 20-30 miles away... my car would not have made it with out overheating).

I got charged a "diagnostic fee", for them to "hypothesize" that my impeller might be out. A little peeved by that, because I mentioned that in the first place. ANYWAY! Repair bill: $422.30 + $71.00 for that.

IN ADDITION: my windshield wipers were broke. Transmission pivots were seized. Cost + diagnostic = $191.63 + $71.00

But wait.... my rear tires were going bald. Can I get an alignment check guys? Yeah, that would cost me another $120. Whatever. Oh wait, we cant go ahead, because the right lower rear control arm has excessive play. We can fix that for you for about another $400+

Thats the point I said no, thank you very much. I went to pick up my car today, and plan on taking it to my guy tomorrow, where I know I wont get charged alot for labor & parts (hey, I'm a College kid trying to support himself!).

BUT, was my bad luck over? Nope. Just as i was about the get in the car, the guy from Craig's notices that my check engine light is on. Vag check reveals a hardset throttle control error. They can fix that for...

Anybody got a handgun?


1999.0 A4 1.8TQMS
95 K Miles
Still no APR chip

[tri]liament

sorry to hear about your troubles man.. whoever told you good things about craig's was wrong then

CK:1.8T+Rabbitâ„¢

Try CDI in Victor. It's a haul, but they are good.

AZBBoy

and if you told them to fix the impeller they shouldn't have "diagnosed" anything, they should have done the work you requested. And on another point, if there is no CEL when you go in and then there is one when you leave then you shouldn't have to pay for any "fix". Unless it is something like an o2 sensor or other maintenance-type issue. you got screwed, never go back again and tell all your friends.

mAd1(gt3071r)

I know it's late and it's a bit far but I take my A4 and my girls 9-3 to a guy in Niagara Falls. His place is called Marco's European Automotive. After getting hosed by a near by stealer, I took it there. My 30k servicing came out to $180 and some change. Not to mention he works things out with college students. I don't know why but lately all I'm hearing is more ripoffs from these small places. It's starting to get disgusting.

MunchySP

tax refund is something worthwhile. Thanks for the responses guys!