Ripped off?

**zollaf** · 09-02-2010,04:57 PM

if it were as easy as that, then everyone would be able to fix there cars. all they have to do is buy a fully registered copy of vcds and go for it. but if it was that easy, why are there so many questions on here that start with 'wheres my diagnostic socket ?' or 'my £39.99 ebay code reader wont work', or 'what does this fault code mean?'. or they get a fault code, but then havnt got an oscilloscope to test the wave form of whatever component comes up as faulty, but replace it anyway, then moan because the fault still comes up. sure, obtaining the fault code is relatively easy, if you have the right kit, but its knowing what the code actually means and how to then correctly identify the fault that takes a lot of skill and knowledge, usually obtained at great expense from training courses. it amazes me when people make remarks like this, as they probably dont know the difference between OBD, OBD11 and manufacturers codes, and expect a cheapo code reader to do the trick, even when trying to identify a can fault, be it low or high.

**paulthefox** · 09-02-2010,05:18 PM

here here each to there own skill that what makes the world go around

paul

**SammoVWT** · 09-02-2010,06:17 PM

I tell you something though, im glad I studied electronic engineering - it really helps clear the doubt or helps solve mysteries with the dark art of electronics, especially with electrical faults

But i can understand their frustration, its like being a patient at a hospital. All the doctors talking, but youre left stood confused with their jargon.

Dont forget we live in a pretty negative society here, everyone mistrusts garages/mechanics because there are a few bad ones who have given the honest ones a bad name.

Still cant justify a slam on here though.

**martin1810** · 09-02-2010,06:45 PM

I think most of the complaining posters on here simply don't understand the economics of running a garage or any other business. Market forces generally dictate pricing. If a garage over charges, they loose customers and go bust. If a garage under charges they may gain customers and still go bust. If you don't like the quality of service,or the price, don't go back.

**Zedrider** · 09-02-2010,06:59 PM

Eshrules, I am not throwing insults around at all. As I said I have no doubt that some fault diagnosis in todays hitech cars can be a nightmare and require the skill and expertise that you rightly have to pay for.

However, lets not make out that every fault code requires a phd in electrical engineering to sort out. I have seen it first hand with a Sat Nav fault on a BMW. The technician came and said "no fault found" before the milk was in my coffee (literally). That was that sort then "the computer says no!"

They then said it would cost me £30 labour to get the lastest software upgrade inorder to use all the functions on the latest Nav DVD. This would involve putting in a disc and rebooting the system- 5mins tops. How could they justify £30 for 5mins sat in the car watching it reboot? It was a rip off.

No one minds paying for a serious fault finding investigation, but please lets not categorise plugging a machine in and getting a fault report as a skilled exercise.

**zollaf** · 09-02-2010,07:01 PM

plonker

**Zedrider** · 09-02-2010,07:53 PM

Oh dear, when people resort to name calling the debate is over.

**zollaf** · 09-02-2010,08:03 PM

mate, their is no debate. you just seem to think that the motor trade owes you a favour. we have tried to be polite and reasonable in our responses, but you seem to think that you shouldnt have to pay for your car to be fixed by a 'muppet' with a computer. there are some very knowledgable people on here who give their expertise away free of charge to others, thus saving them money. you have just managed to rattle every one of them. so i am not calling you names, i am merely stating a fact.

**Zedrider** · 09-02-2010,09:10 PM

Mate, you have been neither polite or reasonable in your responses. You fail to accept that some disreputable garages and mechanics can and do rip people off for "diagnostics".

I have repeatedly said that I would be happy to pay for genuine fault finding and the experience needed to do it, but how many times do you hear of faults miss diagnosed, a repair paid for only for it to reoccur again and for the story to be repeated again?

As for "rattling" anybody here on the forum they must be sensitive souls! To those that share their knowledge here I am grateful and hope they deal with my car the next time I need their expertise, and to those that resort to name calling you merely contribute to the image of the illiterate Eastender car mechanic stereotype!

I will refrain from commenting further and let the thread get back on track,

Regards.

PS. Can I have some "Thanks" votes Cheers!

**sooty** · 09-02-2010,10:08 PM

Let's get some facts here:

1. People who don't know much about cars (like me) will always moan about paying for someone to plug in a laptop a read a code... And that's because we don't understand what is involved.
2. People in the motor trade will always seem to be "touchy" on these issues as they are passionate about their work and let's face it anyone would be a bit p****d off if they justify themselves and we still keep going on about it.
3. People like me relay on experienced members of the forum to help us out... If we went out into the world and asked motor trade experts for help they would be more than happy to charge us over the odds for the privilege. The experienced members of the forum are EXPERTS in their field and they give up their spare time to help us out for FREE, some of them even donate or pay to be able to help us so lets give them a break.
I am not trying to suck up to kiss *** these are just facts.

So back to the original question: Indeed the price you paid seems to be correct.
We have all had our say about fault code reading costs... Let's all kiss and make up and move on!