Sorry guys, just have to vent! Just had a regulator valve(caused hard braking) replaced and the shops owner told me the cost was around $110(installed). So I paid, he told me he got he part locally. The cars running great now. As soon as I got home, I checked in ecs.com and the part was only $ 23[:@]. I really got pissed off. That to me is highway robbery, I will try to find out who did the screwing tom. If it turn out to be the shop, guess no more giac chip for me he is also the only giac dealer here in the Philippines.

 

Part may be more expensive locally than on the net. Dealers often charge double + for parts (minus a 15% discount for other garages. If you were replacing one of the grey and white vacuum valves, that can be replaced by you in 5 minutes or less.

 

he probably paid 40 for the part and charged you 70 a hour labor for the install.

 

yes, I watched the mechanic install it, it took 10 mins tops. The reason why I did not bother to question to much about the part is that the tuner shop owner comes across as sort of a friend. Someone I can trust and depend on for my car aside from the dealer.

I have brought it to the dealer here many times, even if they have made a few honest mistakes in the past, I have found their pricing(parts and labor) very reasonable.

Now I don't know if I will still get the giac chip from him, because later on I might be held hostage for any future repairs. I just don't trust the guy anymore...........

 

Although I really really wanted the Giac chip.........[&o]

 

I tend to research before i get the work done. Sometimes you gotta take a hit cause when theres something you can't do, who will?

 

u can ship your ecu out to get flashed

 

One thing to remember is that most mechanics charge the labor book price. I.E. if a repair is called for 1 hour labor in the labor book (now computer), that is what they will quote you wether it took them 5 minutes or two hours it doesn't matter. That way the experienced mechanic gets rewarded for his experience and you don't get totally scre*wd if a novice is working on your car.

Most places charge a 1 hour minimum on their labor. The Audi dealer in my area charges I believe $125/hr with a 1 hour minimum.

Your best bet is to do it yourself, especially if it only took him 10 minutes.

 

That sucks.