Difference of $8,500 in estimates doesn't add up

Eric Lai

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: I received a $9,000 repair estimate from one dealership, but at a second, the actual repair cost was only $500. What gives?

A: Mohamed Bouchama of Car Help Canada, a non-profit consumer advocacy group, replies:

It depends on what the consumer requested from the two facilities.

If both were asked for an estimate to fix the identical problem, then obviously there is something wrong.

But if, for example, the shops were just asked to check the whole car and give an estimate, and the widely different estimates resulted, then it depends on what they checked. But I still have a hard time believing the huge difference.

For free tips on auto repairs, visit www.carhelpcanada.com.

Eric Lai adds:

It's possible the first garage was acting in an unscrupulous manner but an alternative explanation, however unlikely in your case, also exists.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, garages must offer you a detailed estimate, unless you decline it. If you proceed with repairs, they cannot charge more than 10 per cent over this estimated amount.

One garage owner I spoke with advises that he now lists everything that might possibly be needed on the estimate – rather than only what's likely needed – to guard against running afoul of the law.

But, this doesn't necessarily mean you'd be charged for everything listed, since they could discover much of it isn't required during the course of the repair.

For example, erratic vehicle operation could be due to anything from a loose wire all the way up to a malfunctioning on-board computer.

How far up this repair ladder sequence your technician needs to go will determine how much you'll actually pay, though they may have written a maximum estimate just to cover all bases.

Unfortunately, there's often no way of knowing in advance what is and isn't required without actual testing or, sometimes, trial-and-error replacement of parts.

But, if you're wary of any shop's estimate, by all means get a second estimate from another garage. That is your right as a consumer.

For additional consumer info, visit www.gov.on.ca/mgs and click on "consumer protection" then "motor vehicles" in the main menu on the left side of the screen.

BRIGHT IDEA: Reader Michele Sweeney says she's in full support of my recent rant against drivers who don't activate their full lighting system in fog, as required by law under section 62 (1) of the Highway Traffic Act. (Daytime running lights alone aren't sufficient in darkness or less than 150 metres clear visibility. Besides, they don't always activate the taillights.)

She writes: "I am so with you on this one. I always turn my lights on before I head out and it drives me crazy that so many others do not.

"Why don't auto manufacturers make vehicles where all the lights, front and back, come on as soon as you turn the ignition key?

"Many drivers don't understand the light law quoted in your article. We need drivers to be more aware."

For the record, motorcycles must have their headlight(s) and taillight on – at all times – when on public roads, under section 62(2,3,4,5) HTA. Additional lighting is required, at all times, if a sidecar is attached.

Motorcycles made before 1970 are only required to have their lights on in darkness or fog, just like cars. However, most classic bike riders realize that being seen can save lives and will still use lights at all times (where mechanically feasible), even though the law doesn't demand it.

Email your non-mechanical questions

to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca.

Please include year, make, model and

kilometres of autos cited, plus your name, address and telephone number.

Letters may be edited.

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