January 20, 2005

Ouch

Well....I didn't blow an engine. But somehow I think that might have been cheaper.

You know what really pisses me off? I know nothing about the mechanical parts of a car. Not. One. Thing. Hell - for years I didn't know you needed to add/change oil. No one told me. Well, until it was evident I didn't know. SO......I depend on my mechanics to help me. When I take the car in for an oil change, I always ask....did you check all the filters? Are they ok? How's it looking in there? Anything I need to keep an eye on?

Now, you're probably wondering why I took Maggie May to PEP Boys after my experience back in April/May. It's because I have no choice. I was broken down, during rush hour, on one of the most dangerous highways in this country, and no idea who to call, where to go. I do know the number for 1-800-PEP-BOYS. They will send a tow truck, they will fix my car.

I did find out they have a file on me. I guess after my "sweet talk" during the problems last spring, I'm labeled a difficult customer. I know that because I told the guy on the phone today, if there is one thing on that car, after all they are going to be doing, one single issue, I will make his life miserable, and it will no longer be PEP Boys, it will be Tammi's Boys. He told me he had no doubt, he read the file!

So, they tell me what happened to my car is all about maintanance. Tune-up (which I had scheduled for next week) Alt. shot, ignition modular (what ever the hell that is) done, fried. PCV valve so clogged that it's amazing that Maggie has not been put on oxygen. Air Filter/Fuel Filters - both shot.

$900.00

Son.
Of A.
Bitch.

The good news? I'll have my car back tonite. Oh, and I can now walk down to the smoke shop. But at least I know. At least it'll be fixed. At least I'll have peace of mind.

Posted by Tammi at January 20, 2005 11:46 AM
Comments

Ouch Indeed! But am glad Maggie May is coming home tonight in fine form. Having heard a bit of what was said this spring, can imagine they do have a "treat nice at all costs" file on you, or is that "run away!" :)

Posted by: Laughing Wolf at January 20, 2005 01:01 PM

Talked with hubby and he said that sounded about right and the price is about what it should be.

You might want to consider going to a shorter maintance schedule since you drive so many miles.

Posted by: Machelle at January 20, 2005 01:06 PM

Did you check the gas cap?

Posted by: Ogre at January 20, 2005 01:48 PM

I'm just glad it wasn't a $1500 transmission job. I was scared to death it was something big and bad, not that $900 is anything to sneeze at.

If you go to your car manual, it will give you a different maintenance service for hard driving, which I believe you qualify for... like Machelle said.

Posted by: Bou at January 20, 2005 09:25 PM

I have found that 10 minute oil change places are very pushy on their products and services. They remember to check and offer to change everything. Because that is their life-blood.

So the next time you are up for an oil change, find one nearby. They will put you in their database and keep track of things for you. The one by my house even checks the brake light bulbs.

Posted by: _Jon at January 21, 2005 10:02 AM