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1991 Volvo 245, 143,00 miles, automatic transmission.
Need some advice. I've become fed up with the many symptoms that my car has been exhibiting over the last few months. Rather than deal with them piece meal, I decided to just take it to a shop and have them fix whatever they find wrong. Since I recently had received a modest sum following the death of my aunt, I decided to put that money towards fixing the car. I had noticed a new shop nearby and decided I would try it out. The mechanic there assured me that they specialize in all makes and models, foreign and domestic, and trucks. This gave me confidence that his shop would be able to handle whatever needs to be done. I left the car there in the morning and about 11 am he called to say that the throttle body needs to be cleaned, so I authorized that. About an hour later he called again to recommend that the plugs, wires, rotor, and cap be changed . I was OK with that and authorized it. About 1:30 he called to say the gronificator should be replaced. Now I wasn't sure what that was, but I didn't want him to think I was naive or unfamiliar with cars, lest he take advantage of me, so I just said I had been thinking myself that that was probably due for a change. I know that some unscrupulous shops will try to charge for phony things like blinker fluid, but I'm a pretty smart guy and don't fall for things like that. Anyway, I told him he did not have to call me for each item, just go ahead and do what is needed. When I picked up the car the next morning, the bill was higher than I was expecting, and I'm wondering if I might have been overcharged. I didn't say anything and decided to ask the BB what the customary rate is for some of the services. Here is the list with the prices. He did not separate parts from labor. Do these seem reasonable?
Clean throttle body and replace gasket $140
Plugs, wires, cap, and rotor $155
Oil change and filter $55
Replace gronificator $86
Spray for wheel ants with automotive grade insecticide $45
Treat for exhaust pipe worms $35
Clean tin worms from engine compartment $65
Top off bottle jack with synthetic fluid $15
Change out turn signal coolant $18
Rotate tires, drain winter air, and fill with summer air $60
Lubricate muffler bearings. $30
Grease canooter valve $30
Frankly, I've never heard of some of these services. Do the prices seem in line with the prevailing rates?
I must admit the engine runs a lot smoother now.
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