How much do I owe?

sammyjo312002

Hello Everyone...First post...please be gentle!

Last week, I was unable to gain access to my car (key fob would not open the door). The car was immobolised even when I entered with the key and attempted to start it. I naturally assumed that the fob needed reprogramming as a new battery in the fob, did jot work.

Long story short, I had it recovered and took it to the dealer (assuming the key fob needed re-programming).

The dealership informed me of the price for a reprogramming etc (£69), but if that was not the problem, it would be £138 for further diagnostic tests. I agreed. The next day i was called and told that a whole host of things were wrong and that if I agreed to all their suggestuons, the price would be in the region of £1000. I had my brother call them (I'm female and assumed they were trying it on), and we instructed them to purchase only two parts necessary to get the car started for a total of (£269).

A day passed, I heard nothing, so called the next day for a progress check. Eventually, when they called back, they left a message stating that the parts had been ordered and they would start work tomorrow (which is today).

This afternoon, I receive another call stating that nothing is working and that the bill would be £1200 to get the car started.

I intend to pick my car up (in the same state in which it was delivered), and sort it out somehow, but am worried about how much they will charge for what they weren't able to do!

What should i agree to pay for? - diagnostic testing (which they misdiagnosed), and labour? (not sure how long they worked on the car - I had to call them for progress).

LandyAndy

Can you tell us the make model and year of the car?

Someone here might know something specific about that car.

Also get the garage to put in writing exactly what is wrong and what parts they say are needed so we can understand the problem as much as possible.

sammyjo312002

The vehicle is a Landrover freelander (2001).
When they first diagnosed the problem i was told that in order to start the vehicle, it needed:

engine harness cables and main battery cable - £138
Alternator cable £63 + £60 labour
Grand total £261.

When I spoke th the dealer today,the car needs:

Harness £391
Belt £13
Alternator parts (£145 & £70)
Grand total £619 parts and £420 labour


I dont have £1000+ to spend on a car which is probably worth £3k at a push

Volcano

Think you might be stuck with paying for the labour for the time they spent on this (electrics are a bit hit and miss, sounds like they're still not sure so are replacing a load of stuff in one go, hoping to replace the right part). I can't see how the alternator is in any way connected to the vehicle not starting however.

When you've got it back home, try and get a specialist auto electrician to come out and take a look. They'll definitely know if it's a common problem with your car and at least should have the expertise to diagnose it properly.

finished

sammyjo312002 wrote: »

The vehicle is a Landrover freelander (2001).
When they first diagnosed the problem i was told that in order to start the vehicle, it needed:

engine harness cables and main battery cable - £138
Alternator cable £63 + £60 labour
Grand total £261.

When I spoke th the dealer today,the car needs:

Harness £391
Belt £13
Alternator parts (£145 & £70)
Grand total £619 parts and £420 labour


I dont have £1000+ to spend on a car which is probably worth £3k at a push

battery cable possibly,engine harness doubt it labour seems ok.

mcjordi

you would be best off joining the owners clubs.. as they will of had a problem like this and sorted cheap aswell

sammyjo312002

Thanks for all replies so far.
I called today and informed them that i will collect the car on Monday (in the same condition in which they recieved it - immobolised).

Sincerely hope they dont try it on - as I only intend to pay for diagnostic testing £138, and labour for trying to fit the first two parts - £131.

I will look into the members club option for next car if affordable.

mikey72

It is a common problem. Google freelander immobiliser

LandyAndy

Where are you in the UK?

I will try and give you some details of local Landy specialists. LR dealers don't have a reputation of being either cheap or particularly helpful.

sammyjo312002

I'm located east/ London/Essex border

cyclonebri1

Volcano wrote: »

Think you might be stuck with paying for the labour for the time they spent on this (electrics are a bit hit and miss, sounds like they're still not sure so are replacing a load of stuff in one go, hoping to replace the right part). I can't see how the alternator is in any way connected to the vehicle not starting however.

When you've got it back home, try and get a specialist auto electrician to come out and take a look. They'll definitely know if it's a common problem with your car and at least should have the expertise to diagnose it properly.

Sound advice, :T, way to go.