What is the old saying? Buyer beware? How about Buyer/Owner GROW A BRAIN when it comes to knowledge of your vehicle? The Sprinter owner should have taken the time to become knowledgeable of Sprinter vans and then he would have known that it required a special alternator; but since he was STUPID (lack of knowledge), he didn't know to INSIST that the new shop install the correct part. This is where STUPIDITY (lack of knowledge) becomes very very expensive very quickly. Secondly, any vehicle requires ongoing maintenance and to ignore that fact is a virtual guarantee of break downs of the vehicle.

On the other hand, if the shop had been true professionals, they would have KNOWN that Sprinter Vans require a special alternator. The story here is one of an IDIOT taking his Sprinter Van to other IDIOTS for repair. As Aklim has stated in other threads, it was "A Marriage Made in Heaven".

Thirdly, I'm a believer in staying with only one mechanic. He/she then gets to know you and know your needs and the needs of your vehicle. "Shop Hopping" may result in substandard care procedures which in the end, COSTS you more $$$$$$$.

Seek out knowledge of your car/truck/van and it will come to you. You will be in a more powerful position when it comes to dealing with ANY mechanic.