Hi everyone, I’m seeking some advice regarding an invoice I received after a car inspection.
I recently went to a well-known auto repair chain because I suspected an issue with my parking brake cable. I arrived at my appointment, handed them the keys, and they inspected the car for about an hour.
Afterward, they told me there were three issues:
- Worn parking brake cable (needs replacement)
- Battery needs replacement
- EVAP solenoid needs replacement
They quoted me around €1200 to fix everything. I felt that was too expensive, so I decided not to proceed and got the same repairs (plus a service) done elsewhere for less than half the price.
A few days later, they sent me an invoice for €100, but it doesn’t clearly state what the charge is for. I also emailed them asking if this fee is just for the inspection, but I haven’t received a response.
For context, I had already told them about two of the three issues beforehand, and the battery was the only additional thing they pointed out.
Is €100 a normal charge for a basic inspection like this, or does this seem excessive?
https://i.redd.it/uos90i25l2mg1.jpeg
Posted by Nubzki
7 Comments
Seems a bit high. I’d expect around 60-80€ for a routine inspection.
Sounds normal.
It clearly states that 99€ is from inspection/work to fix your parking brake, they didn’t charge anything for parts and it states parking brake cable were frozen?
Isn’t it obvious that it’s for the inspection? They can’t do that for free if you don’t end up using their service for the repair.
Always worth shopping around to find a small, independent garage – much better service.
Once got quoted 1500eur for a replacement exhaust and catalytic converter at a well known chain of garages. An independent place in Herttoniemi (Suomen Patkoputki) did the repair for 90eur.
Depends on place, but in brand authorized service 99€ sounds normal
Smaller un-official garage would be cheaper tho
If the business can prove that the cost estimate is subject to a fee, and that you were informed about it in advance, the fee is justified. If this was not warned or clearly communicated, I would sue the business to cancel the invoice.
Kyllä suomessa pitää kertoa etukäteen jos palvelu maksaa. Toki töitähän ne on tehny. Tinkaa vaikka puoleen kulu?