Date:         Fri, 3 May 2002 22:19:26 -0400
Reply-To:     80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
Subject:      I just saved $300 on my alignment - Toronto owners stay away from
              Don Valley Volkswagen
Comments: To: type2@type2.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I just bought six (yes two spares) brand new 215/65-15
Michelin Agilis 51's. To protect my investment I thought an
aligment job would be a good idea, particulalrly because of
the excessive wear on the inside tread of of one of my old
tires.

Since I figured a Vanagon is a funny beast I thought just
this once I would go to the dealer (Don Valley Volkswagen at
Eglinton and the DVP). They would not quote me a price for
alignment... here is the jist of the conversation:

DVV: We can't quote you a price but it will be between two
and four hours at $90 an hour (ie: $180 to $360)

Me: Well how long does the shop manual say the job should be

DVV: One hour

Me: Then charge me an hour

DVV: But it probably will take longer

Me: If something like an alignment, or whatever takes 45
minutes and the shop manual says an hour and a half how much
d you charge?

DVV: 1 1/2 hours

Me: So you do charge by the shop manual

DVV: That's our policy

Me: But not in this case

DVV: Not in this case

Me: Thank you goodbye

Now I wouldn't go there for everything but I decided to try
Canadian Tire near my house (Church and Bloor). I was out the
door for the standard $80. Great guys there too... Baksh
(Pronounced "Bosch") did my tires and alignment and is an all
around nice guy. His collegue Bill even tightened a clamp up
on my exhaust... no charge.

Thanks,
Chris