On 10/7/07, Pat Horne <roadsters@hornesystemstx.com> wrote:
> I had a similar experience with a Firestone owned/operated but not
> badged store in Texas. I went in for a 4 wheel alignment and was handed
> a list of things that were highlighted that needed immediate attention,
> along with an estimate of about $700. Some things were not checked, but
> assumed to need replacing because "nobody replaces the xxxx these days,
> and it really should be replaced". They flagged the cabin air filter and
> also said the oil was dirty. It had a new filter about 1 week earlier
> and oil gets dirty with use (about 1000 miles in this case). In all
> fairness, they did say it needed a tie rod end, which it did, but wanted
> over $100 for the part, plus 2 hours to replace it. I bought a new Moog
> tie rod end from the same place they would have gotten it for $42, and
> replaced it myself in less than half an hour. They had no answer for why
> they were using scare tactics like that, but most folks in town
> (population 12,000) now know to not pay much attention to their lists.
> They are the only passenger car tire shop within 25 miles. If you want
> tractor tires, they are available right down the street! I generally go
> to Discount Tire, about 25 miles away, but they sell me what I want and
> don't try to pile on other things that I don't want or need.
>
On the other hand, the discount tire around here will put tires on a
car, as long as it's not on fire. More than once I had a car come in,
with a suspension or steering problem bad enough to make it unsafe to
drive, with brand new front tires on it.
--
David Scheidt
dmscheidt@gmail.com
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