A nice couple I know was in need of a radiator on their 2002 Audi quatro ,I was free that morning and rolled over to take a look at what I consider a pretty easy job on most cars . After pulling off more plastic under the hood than a new electronic toy I finally got a look at the leak , I decided after a closer inspection not to get involved in their repair .It looks as if the car manufacturers are presenting a wrapper thats pleasing to the eye other than whats the business end of the car .Just to approach this job would require some special tools and once I realized how much a/c components were in the radiators lo-cal and an issue for a possible opening up of the system ,thats when I told them to call a qualified german mechanic shop .Once they got their figures I got them up to speed on what the shop could realistically be closer too in their final bid after seeing the car on inspection .Filters ,oil ,a worn serpentine belt ,wipers, not to mention the cv axle replacement will put the radiator replacment over $1200 ,dbl the quote and well over their budget.I ended the inspection and told them the reason I was unable to go forward with the job. They were thankful and shook my hand in kind.I finished by telling them a good shop prepares you for the worst ,the quote is just that ,a quote .In their business they do prepare a list for you to consider ,this doesnt mean their riping you off ,just the opposite.The comments they dont want is " well it wasnt like that when I brought it too you " backlash after a repair has been successfully completed and your back the next week with an issue they recognized on that earlier service.This is why you can ask for quotes from a shop about a specific repair but the common response at the end is we will need to see the car for a final quote.

Summary ,buy a mid 80s diesel and roll your sleeves up once in a while ,youll be richer and happier for it.

A nice couple I know was in need of a radiator on their 2002 Audi quatro ,I was free that morning and rolled over to take a look at what I consider a pretty easy job on most cars . After pulling off more plastic under the hood than a new electronic toy I finally got a look at the leak , I decided after a closer inspection not to get involved in their repair .It looks as if the car manufacturers are presenting a wrapper thats pleasing to the eye other than whats the business end of the car .Just to approach this job would require some special tools and once I realized how much a/c components were in the radiators lo-cal and an issue for a possible opening up of the system ,thats when I told them to call a qualified german mechanic shop .Once they got their figures I got them up to speed on what the shop could realistically be closer too in their final bid after seeing the car on inspection .Filters ,oil ,a worn serpentine belt ,wipers, not to mention the cv axle replacement will put the radiator replacment over $1200 ,dbl the quote and well over their budget.I ended the inspection and told them the reason I was unable to go forward with the job. They were thankful and shook my hand in kind.I finished by telling them a good shop prepares you for the worst ,the quote is just that ,a quote .In their business they do prepare a list for you to consider ,this doesnt mean their riping you off ,just the opposite.The comments they dont want is " well it wasnt like that when I brought it too you " backlash after a repair has been successfully completed and your back the next week with an issue they recognized on that earlier service.This is why you can ask for quotes from a shop about a specific repair but the common response at the end is we will need to see the car for a final quote.

Summary ,buy a mid 80s diesel and roll your sleeves up once in a while ,youll be richer and happier for it.