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How Does A $20 Oil Change Become An $800 Nightmare?

By
Real Estate Agent

How Does A $20 Oil Change Become An $800 Nightmare?

I know nothing about cars! There I said it, I have no clue how they work, I can drive them, I can put gas in them, I can clean them and vacuum them but that's it!

I tried to learn what goes on under the hood but it was too daunting, the first car I owned had an engine no bigger than today's lawn mowers, so I could at least find the spark plugs, all four of them! It did not have AC, no need for that in Ireland, it was a stick shift, it only went so fast,and it had Go Faster stripes!

So my biggest stress filled moment is when I have to bring my car to the mechanic, I HATE IT! I just know they see a sucker pull up. I have "I don't have a clue about cars written all over me"!! There is nothing worse for me than to go to the mechanic/ car dealer for something wrong with my car and they send you off to the crummy lounge only to return with the obligatory can I talk to you for a minute Mr O'dotteryee!!!

So the other day I went to get an oil change, just got my new HTC Inspire so I was going to spend the hour or so playing with my new phone updating, searching for my listings, seeing if I could write a blog post on AR........

When the unthinkable happened! He, that service adviser fella that treats you like you're his best friend while all the time is trying to get your credit card number pops his head around the corner and says "mr O'dottorye, could I show you something real quick?"

NO!!!!! There must be a mistake! Not me! Don't take me, take the other guy! Please! Please! I only came in for an oil change, why me why me? OH The Humanity!!

 

New oil pan, $400, new gasket $60, labor $250, oil $20, taxes, etc For everything else there's ..............

Back to bed we go!!!

Well they didn't have one, and they figured out a way to stop the oil from leaking so I shall hold onto my $800 for now.

HATE HATE HATE Going to the mechanic!!!

Posted by

Call (919) 601-2268 or email irishdavid2011@gmail .com    

 

 

Comments(6)

Sarah Rummage
Benchmark Realty LLC, Nashville TN 615.516.5233 - Nashville, TN
Love Being Realtor® in the Nashville TN Area!

I hear you. We have two cars that need to go. Both are giving off funny signs and lights. I am sending John. They treat me like 'the little woman.'

Sarah

May 11, 2011 03:17 AM
James Loftis
RealEstate911.com - West Palm Beach, FL
RealEstate911.com

Hello David,

 

  Interesting article. I am petty much the same way with cars these day. Used to work with them when I was younger, now just want to drive them without any hassles.

May 11, 2011 03:24 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

David, we moved about twenty miles north in 2002, but I still go to my old mechanic.  Once you find someone you can trust, it is hard to leave them...

May 11, 2011 04:20 AM
David O'Doherty
Clayton, NC
Clayton NC Homes, Raleigh, NC

Sarah, I know the feeling

James, they have become so high tech now you can't work on them yourself...or so I'm told, they were high tech 20 years ago for me!!

Chris, keep them, shower them with gifts!

May 11, 2011 11:00 PM
Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

I feel your pain.  You can't even pretend you are knowledgeable when you go. 

May 12, 2011 08:11 AM
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

The mechanic and the dentist .. they take big chunks of cash but no joy in return.  Do you drive away later all proud of your shiny new oil pan?  Do your friends envy that spiffy gasket you've got?   Ha!

May 13, 2011 02:32 AM