Beware the local rip-off artist

[aussiebushman]

After owning 8 Range Rovers (2 currently), I did not come down with the last shower of rain when when getting "advice" from a local mechanic to whom I would only go for the simplest possible issue - in this case a rego inspection. For the first time in my experience with any mechanic at any time, he insisted on putting the vehicle up on the hoist, then proceeded to prod at every steering and suspension bush with a very large bar. Of course, with the amount of pressure applied, it was inevitable that he found something to justify failing the vehicle - the front and rear sway bar bushes. He suggested I obtain the replacements parts and return for him to do "a big job that would take around 6 hours" and of course, would give me a great price - only $500 cash!

Fortunately. I had done these jobs myself on previous occasions and knew very well it would take maybe 2 hours at the most. Thanking him politely, I confiscated the rego papers and left.

Today, I went to a different mechanic who I know well and trust:

The vehicle passed inspection and I was charged only the standard $42 that included him replacing a missing exhaust strap and tightening a couple of loose prop-shaft bolts. He acknowledged the sway bar issues existed but stated they were NOT listed causes to fail the inspection. I have now ordered the new bushes and he will install them for less than $100

The moral of this story is to beware the glib local. Go to someone you trust and/or do the job yourself!

Moderator - please note I have NOT identified the culprit

[101RRS]

I was charged only the standard $42

Hmmm I got charged $70 for a NSW Rego check 2 weeks ago and the car passed [bigsad]

I guess I got ripped off too.

[DoubleChevron]

sway bar bushes? the front ones are cheap as dirt and take about 10minutes to change.

[drover81]

Yeah, I had a similar issue with a mechanic close to work - I turned up when they were finishing on the hoist and they failed the car on about 20 things. Even when I showed them what they were claiming were problems they then proceeded to justify it saying - if I don't list everything I think could be wrong then you're going to come back later if you have a crash and blame me - I just need to do it to cover my XXX!

What bollocks - you cover your xxx by doing your job in a diligent and professional manner!

My local picked up a few things and showed them to me and was rewarded with more business from me.

[rangieman]

Im sorry your upset but[bigwhistle]

Is a Rego inspection not a safety check or a road worthy check for others ?

I think putting on a hoist and levering any bush , ball joint ect is expected for a safety check for the concern of all road users [wink11]

[drover81]

Im sorry your upset but[bigwhistle]

Is a Rego inspection not a safety check or a road worthy check for others ?

I think putting on a hoist and levering any bush , ball joint ect is expected for a safety check for the concern of all road users [wink11]I didn't mention that they wrote the final three items in front of me and they all related to road Tests (braking pulls to the side, park brake not effective etc) before they took it off the hoist...