Aidpage

Thanks storm747!  Good ideas.

Deborah

Ok Debbi, I will spell it out since my husband is a mechanic and I do all the pricing for his clients.

I got that fixed replaced a hose, replaced radiator cap, intensive labor (or so company said) to the tune of 1000 bucks. (this job should have cost no more then 100.00-150.00 depending on labor cost, its not intensive labor unless you have no hands and can't fig out where the cap goes.) Now, the car needs water pump, new timing chain, and more intensive labor required (so the company says) to the tune of 1200 bucks.( 400.00-500.00 depending on how hard it is to get to the timing chain, you take on my truck it would take a good hour or two just to get into the motor to get at the chain)

My question, when do you stop? First I would find a better mechanic that dosn't charge what this shop you went to did. Find a good and honest mechanic in these days with the economy you should be able to find one that is willing to deal on the labor which I would not pay more then 75.00 an hour. This shop you went to ripped you off I would let the BBB know.

I have an old Honda and eventually there aren't the parts for it or has to be ordered.

I had to have something fixed by a major chain that sales them and when I bought my car it was from Independent dealer. I would get the part number when I moved call down to where I bought my car. I would get their price and price for labor for every part then call the major place to tell them here is what I found it is lower so re do the bill and I saved $300. I did that every time my car had to be fixed but in the long run it is better to get a somewhat newer one if you can as cars age they break down the rubber, seals to the trunk and everything. I spent too much fixing my car when mom was sick.

Yes shop around for people who fix cars all cars. I had two good ones where I use to live and one manager out here that would have his men do somethings for nothing when mom was in the hospital. 

how labor intensive is it to replace a radiator cap and hose? I've done it myself and it took all of 10 minutes....for $1000????!!!! is he freaking crazy?

I would strongly suggest getting 2nd,3rd, 4th, 5th+ opinions... before giving this guy another dime... 

STOP giving him your business and find someone reliable and trustworthy... 

start with this site....