Dealer didn't fix the problem

[Kevin 1975]

After bringing my avensis to 2 independents, who could not find the problem. I decided to take my car to the main dealer. I paid 40 euro for a diagnostic check. The mechanic said I needed 2 new shocks and top mounts. I had the work done in the dealership. When I went to collect my car I was told that the work they done had not fixed the problem and I was then hit with a bill for 275 euro for the work. I was informed I was only being charged 90 euro for labour as they hadn't fixed the problem. I feel ripped off and disgusted by this. What can I do this was at the main dealers in Waterford. I was giving the wrong diagnosis. I am now 315 euro out of pocket and the creaking is still there

[gazza1286]

The dealer appears to have gone for the most expensive solution first! 

Worn dampers would probably be leaking if they were the culprit. Were they? If not there would have been an obvious weakness when doing a bump test. Was that apparent? 

Worn top mounts would also show obvious wear. If this wasn't present when they dismantled the strut why did they change it? 

Creaks and knocks are sometimes linked to worn bushes on the anti-roll bar or worn drop-links. These are significantly cheaper too replace. Even then they can be checked for wear before being dismantled. 

Did the garage take the car out or put it on a hoist prior to deciding on the work? Exactly what was their rationale in changing those parts? 

Presumably the two other garages considered and dismissed changing the suspension components? 

[Kevin 1975]

The Toyota mechanic went out with myself, to determine the exact cause of the noise. He then put it up on the ramp. After an hour he came back and said himself and the cheif mechanic have looked at everything and they "know" it's the shock absorbers. He added The top mount mounts might be shot as well, so it would be advisable to change them. after this he opened the bonnet and told me to look in at the top mounts, he the turned the steering wheel "I could hear the cracking as the wheel turned" and I could see the top mounts moving. I paid €40 for the diagnostic check and booked the car in for the work. I thought be one of the main dealers in Ireland that I was safe. I went to pick up the car after the work was done only to be told the cracking noise was still there "The car is 100%" I was told, but they can't find the problem. This was after paying €40 for a diagnostic test. I ws stunned. I was then hit with the €275 bill. I was told they had been working on the car for 5 hrs, but the couldn't find the cause of the cracking, so they are only going to charge mr €90 labour costs. I paid under duress, as I needed my car back. When I got home I was seething. I phoned the dealer and said this was not on. I said " I paid for a diagnosis and had work carried out based on this diagnosis, but the problem is still there" He has asked me to call him Monday and he said he'll sort me out for the mis-diagnosis. I can only presume from this that he is going to give me back the €40 for the mis-diagnosis. He also said that I might need a new ball joint, a new hub and a driveshaft. I am livid.

[gazza1286]

Well if they keep changing parts they'll eventually sort it . . . .