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Originally Posted by ctaylor738
[I]
First, you are quick to criticize a shop that the owner has some confidence in. So tell us in this situation what you would want to "know" that the ignition unit was the problem. These cars don't store codes, which makes intermittent problems hard to find.
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Wasn't criticizing the shop, just warning the owner to be careful spending $1200 on a part that the shop "suspected might be the problem".
I'd want to know what they would do if after spending $1200+ bucks the problem wasn't solved. Situation happens all the time, and the customer gets stuck with the bill for needless part purchases and labor charges.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ctaylor738
Second, few reputable shops are going to spend (uncompensated) time on the web looking for a used, non-returnable electronic part that may or may not be the correct one, and may or may not work when it arrives, and may not last more than a week. Then they have a PO'd customer on their hands. All this while the car sits on their premises while they wait for the part, in the way, subject to damage.
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Firstly, noone suggested a "used, non-returnable electronic part". I suggested a reconditioned part. The example given was from this site,
Fastlane $254 vs $1200. The customer should be given a choice if he so requests or desires.
Secondly, any shop that specializes in older MB's shouldn't have to spend needless time searching for parts. The shop should already have a source of online vendors who they can purchase parts from besides the "dealer", this is not 1972 anymore. And who say's uncompensated time? The shop surely is already profiting dearly on the part sale, if not also charging for the time to source it. Most if not all part suppliers can get parts to you as fast as the dealer can, if not sooner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ctaylor738
One thing I've learned is that the world looks a lot different when it's what you do for a living, rather than a hobby.
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If that's what they do for a living, then the "Professional" should be held responsible for correctly diagnosing the resolution of the fault. The customer shouldn't have to pay for parts and labor if the diagnosis was incorrect. Don't you agree?
And one thing I've learned is don't let the "professionals" take you the most expensive route when there are other part options available to them that are equally as effective and resolute.