I had my 1991 Suzuki Sidekick towed to Fletcher's at Union Hills and 35th Ave on Monday the 10th of January 2011. It had a bad starter. I asked them to give me a quote to fix the Freeze Plugs as well, while they had the truck.
They called me at work and told me all the Freeze Plugs were leaking and to get at them they had to pull the engine out. They said they would change the timing belt, and the water pump plus put a new battery in for the price of $2,200.00.
I told them to just put the battery and the starter in. I used to be a mechanic so I have a fairly good grasp on what auto repair should cost.
Fletcher'snever called me back with what the charge was going to be.
The next timeFletcher'scalled, at about 3pm that afternoon, theytold methe truckwas ready. I was very busy and I didn't bother asking the price,Icouldn't't get away from work, so I asked my wife the pick the truck up.
My Wifecalled a while later and told me the price was $650.00 but they were giving me a discount so it would be $597 and some change. I was amazed??? What could possibly cost that much? Cody, the mechanic told me the Starter was $300.00 and the Labor was $140.00I thought that was pretty steep for under an hour's work.
Replacing a starter and battery with a Car Lift is under a half hour, but I don't begrudge a company their labor. I think a minimum charge of an hour is fair. I don't know about $140 and hour unless you are the Suzuki Dealer. I paid them and got my truck back.
I started looking around for a price for the same job from another Fletcher's Auto shop. Sean at the other Fletcher's in Paradise Valleyquoted the same job for just under $400.00.
To add insult to injury, I had another mechanic look at the freeze plugs. They told me all I needed was a water pump. I had that put in and that took care of the leak. Cost $200 not $2,200.00.
That Fletcher's Auto Ripped me off. I tried to get hold of their corporate office and they never returned my calls. I am very upset and want everyone to know that Fletcher's did it to me and they will do it to you!
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