Hey All,

Really enjoy reading the forums but just had to vent for a moment about a recent repair on my girl's 2000 s80.

Now, I understand that caveat emptor is pretty much law in this country, so I know there's not much recourse in this matter, but for them to charge her $135 for a serpentine belt? Just seems like highway robbery.

Unfortunately, I've got a full time job and with quarter end and month end coming up there's no way I could even get out of the office to help her out. The thing went out on her on the way to work so there wasn't much time to waste as she's recently hired and on that 90 day probation period.

I guess they know when they have you by the short and curlies but with the economy the way it is, it's nice to see people aren't afraid to kick you while you're down.

 

How about $100 to clean my TB and another $100 to read the codes.

That was my story last month.

 

The belt is usually about $60.00 and it is about 1 hour labor to replace it. The belt is not as easy to replace as the S60,S70,850 ETC.

 

I avoid ALL shops as the plague! One of the reasons I have old Volvos--simple DIY in most cases. And having been in the car business I know first hand the BS that goes on... Ripoffs galore and incompetence to boot. But, hey, they are in the business to make money, not to take care of your problems. Allright, I am sure not all mechanics are bad but the vast majority, including the "dealers", are full of it.

 

I have not heard of those belts breaking often. Usually they are replaced with the timing belt or at least checked. Try to keep an eye on time replacement parts so you can shop around when they need replaced.

Also keep an eye on engine temp for thermostats, leaks, etc. I have to watch 4 cars now that my daughter has one.

 

I would of GLADLY paid your bill as opposed to what my bill was just a couple days ago. $900 for a mass air flow and O2 Sensor.

 

Koster, as long as it does not require hazardous procedures (getting under the car, work on the engine whilst it's running), try working on it by yourself or let your hubby do it.

I believe 2001 C70 uses Mass Air Meter rather than MAF sensor:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...category_id/10

Their quote: $124.69

O2 Sensor:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/category-ex...143/by_year/51

Front: $189.00
Rear: $154.61

Parts total: $468.3

It's not too late to start learning about your cars. Incidentally, you have THIS FORUM to help you out. Just keep in mind


JPN