Date:         Tue, 21 Sep 1999 20:41:42 EDT
Reply-To:     ThZouave@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Thompson <ThZouave@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: VW Australia v Busdepot (parts cost)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Truth is they may be getting it cheaper that you can get at the bus depot,
and still marking it up. I have a cousin who owns an auto parts store. I use
busdepot often, just for simplicity and to not over use the family. I
recently had a bad experience with a shop who put in a tie rod for me (I'm
lazy). In the process, they screwed up my rack and pinion--fluid ran from it
like a river. After some heated arguments they agreed to fix it for parts
cost only.

They charged me $280
Bus depot cost $250
My cousin quoted me $160

I am still mad about it. I am now facing having to buy a power staring pump
after being run dry.

The shop was off of the Vanagon shops list.

They were

Auto Centro Inc.
7406 Westmore Road,
Rockville, MD 20850

1.301.340.2444

I would like to see how I can add my review to the one on there. I actually
have a list of complaints about them. This has happened recently and I have
tried to cool down before I discussed it on the list. The point is that don't
necessarily think that they are getting the parts for the same price you are.
of course they will always quote you the dealer cost. I would prefer being
charged a higher hourly rate and avoid the hidden charges.

Todd T
84 Westy
Washington DC