Safety Check - $2k + quote for what?

[cro142]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

I'm not surprised, but on the other hand I am. I'll explain.

I'm not surprised as many franchises of many kinds have a policy to over sell anything and everything, why do we think there are the small cheap things within reaching distance of kids at supermarket checkouts etc? You kind of just expect it.

My experience with this particular franchise (admittedly a few years ago now and very rarely even then) has been one of appreciation. I've spoken to a few franchises that I wouldn't even bother driving to for an opinion of the weather let alone my car. But the ones I've actually gone to have been very good.

One such experience was a trip from Newcastle to Adelaide. Got my local mechanic to fit Nolothane bushes in the rear of a BA V8 Ghia just before the trip. Everything felt fine for the few days before the big trip... Till I whacked on a trailer fully laiden with audio visual equipment. And drove off (rookie mistake).

Only took 45mins of very weird driving for me to stop at the nearest privately owned local suspension specialist. They went over it with a fine tooth comb for 2 hours (another team of guys on the trailer to check that too), and found... Nothing. Their best professional guess was tyre pressures. Do you know how many times one can stop and change pressures at every petrol station from Sydney to Adelaide?! By the Hay plains I was sick to death of getting no where. So with the specialists reassurance ringing in my ears (there's no mechanical issue with car or trailer), I coped with an unpredictable rear end the rest of the way. Nerves frayed, the initial onset of a severe case of gastro I went to the first local Pedders franchise I could find in a city I knew nothing about. In 15 mins they had me under the car showing me that the rear cradle hadn't been tightened properly and from what they could tell, a few bolts were missing (no sign of deformation so likely not even put in). They fixed it gave me some vouchers and charged me for the $21 safety check. That's it. The drive back to Newcastle, while having the worst trip home ever thanks to my then friend Gastro, was perfect on the mechanical front. The rear of the car felt great... I should know, my rear was sensitive to any movement that trip ;)

Point is, yes I generally don't trust big companies as a rule, you have to go in expecting the worst and yet don't assume the independent local guy isn't the same now days. WHEN you find the realy good guys, stick with em through thick and thin. Even if they are big franchises.

Take it to multiple places for quotes, advice, chin wagging, whatever, for nothing more than to find the right guys you feel are down to earth and reliable enough to touch your car. You'll peeve off some places cause they'll feel you're a tyre kicker. No worries, they don't want tge work enough to show some humanity and customer service.

Yep, the most important thing is to shop around and find someone you can trust, then stick with him.

[uniacidz]

Seeing as we are really talking about Peddlers here

I have had the same experience like many and have also had stuff changed there

Car was in mechanics and has to get lower control arm bushes done.

I couldnt at the time do myself and Pedders was one of the cheaper been quoted which also included a wheel alignment

Anyway, got done

Progressively over the next year had another wheel alignment BUT also heard clunking noises on turning and figured strut top bearings or sway bar D bush

Sway bar bush changed as was strut top bearings bit noise present

Eventually got under and had a look around and the control arms were lost, round 20nm and they are supposed to be round 110nm torque

Can't prove that they didn't do it right since had a wheel alignment but left a real sour taste in my mouth








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[Ross 1]

With any franchise it comes down to the manager of that one. I used the Pedders at Brookvale when I first got the Territory, manager was great, took me into the workshop put the car up on the hoist and showed me each bit that needed doing. It came to about $800 but with the parts I'd have to do in a years time that I could see wear on it worked out cheaper to get them done when everything was already apart and only have one labour charge. I ended up spending $1500, I haven't had so much as a squeak out of all the suspension in over 2 years now. I prefer preventative measures, money permitting, when I don't know the full history of a second hand car. I couldn't tell from the log books when all the diff oil, brake fluid, transmission oil etc had been done so I got every fluid in the car changed in one hit so I could keep a regular schedule.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by OzriderXR8

Wow, what can I say...

Sorry part of my message was never posted (omitted), don't know what happened there, but my last bit should have said "why be surprised when dealing with Suspension, Brake or Tyre businesses who advertise mechanical work" most will rip you off if given the chance.

[janddbone]

Have worked at a couple of pedders some longer than others! Like most places it is all about what the manager lets you do....

[Sabantien]

My brother warned me not to go to them. They'll do their safety check, claim your car is unroadworthy and needs thousands of dollars of repairs, and won't let you drive out until you pay them because it's not safe.

Their quotes for my rear bushing was certainly a lot better than Ford's, but I still ended up going to my usual mechanic who was cheaper again.

[SYZ]

Another old trap for young players is the "yep, this is your old slave cylinders, front pads, idler pulley, and rear seal we replaced" whilst showing you a box of dirty greasy bits and pieces... all straight out of the old 44 they keep out the back full of these things just to show the customers.

And of course none of these punters ever take these away with them, so they just... go back into the 44 ready for the next customer.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Sabantien

My brother warned me not to go to them. They'll do their safety check, claim your car is unroadworthy and needs thousands of dollars of repairs, and won't let you drive out until you pay them because it's not safe.

Their quotes for my rear bushing was certainly a lot better than Ford's, but I still ended up going to my usual mechanic who was cheaper again.

No business can stop you taking your own car, they cannot demand money from you unless you signed an authorisation to perform work, this can be rescinded by you before works commences.

Only person who can stop you will be a policeman for unroadworthy but they will only stipulate the car must be towed/transported if deemed dangerous to drive.

[Sabantien]

Originally Posted by trublu

No business can stop you taking your own car, they cannot demand money from you unless you signed an authorisation to perform work.

Only person who can stop you will be a policeman for unroadworthy but they will only stipulate the car must be towed/transported if deemed dangerous to drive.

I figured they wouldn't actually be able to stop you, but wouldn't be surprised if it's something that's been tried on.

[Rodp]

I had a performance shop strongly encourage me to not drive my car after I dropped it there for a service because they heard a knocking noise at idle. They wanted $4000 initially to strip it down, find the source of the knock and then quote further for repair. This was a few days after I bought the car. When I told them half a dozen times that if the motor explodes the moment I leave the dealership, I won't hold them responsible, they finally gave me back my keys.

Took it to Mitsubishi - yeah, they all do that. It's the sound of the clutch plates at idle. Don't worry about it. I had also confirmed the noise when I had picked the car up as there's plenty of examples on youtube. Performance shop who apparently specialises in this model denied this was normal and it was a fault that required oodles of money to investigate.

I wonder what would have happened when I was many thou in with no fix?

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Rodp

I had a performance shop strongly encourage me to not drive my car after I dropped it there for a service because they heard a knocking noise at idle. They wanted $4000 initially to strip it down, find the source of the knock and then quote further for repair. This was a few days after I bought the car. When I told them half a dozen times that if the motor explodes the moment I leave the dealership, I won't hold them responsible, they finally gave me back my keys.

Took it to Mitsubishi - yeah, they all do that. It's the sound of the clutch plates at idle. Don't worry about it. I had also confirmed the noise when I had picked the car up as there's plenty of examples on youtube. Performance shop who apparently specialises in this model denied this was normal and it was a fault that required oodles of money to investigate.

I wonder what would have happened when I was many thou in with no fix?

I only ever got caught once when I was 18, very green with no experience & got sucked in having my brakes overhauled when there was nothing wrong with them, good old Goodyear Tyre service did this trick on me when buying new tyres, ever since I learned to repair cars & have great mistrust of these businesses, Feel sorry for the non mechanical minded people who must get ripped time after time.

[Mr Brooksy]

If you call the police because the store refuses to give you the keys to your own car simply because you said you would get another opinion... What would happen?

I can't believe for a second that any intelligent police person would take any of that kind of rubbish from a business. In fact I'm pretty sure that if you called the local police on the spot in front of the idiot shop employee that your keys would suddenly be surrendered quick smart!

[M&Ms]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

If you call the police because the store refuses to give you the keys to your own car simply because you said you would get another opinion... What would happen?

I can't believe for a second that any intelligent police person would take any of that kind of rubbish from a business. In fact I'm pretty sure that if you called the local police on the spot in front of the idiot shop employee that your keys would suddenly be surrendered quick smart!

Call the police, tell them your car's being held for ransom, and watch the shop owner sh#t bricks

[Bossxr8]

Good old Pedders. I reckon if they see a bit of dust on a suspension part they think it will need to be replaced.

[cro142]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Good old Pedders. I reckon if they see a bit of dust on a suspension part they think it will need to be replaced.

How have they gotten away with this for so long?

Don't we have laws about fraud in this country??

[janddbone]

They are absolutely not all like this. Sadly the downside of a franchise model...

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by cro142

How have they gotten away with this for so long?

Don't we have laws about fraud in this country??

First you got to prove it!

[STINKY NINJA]

Ive used that franchise a couple of times and left there with a bad taste in my mouth both times,last time they left my right rear hub nut loose on my g6et,wondered why it felt wobbly lol,also the wheel alignment was out by a mile once I got it redone...
I also paid for a safety check,it came back perfect,not 1 fault,only to find flogged out front control arm bushes once I got it home and totally destroyed diff bushes when they pulled the cradle lol
The safety check involves a torch and a finger up the nose for 15 mins,thats all.
I thought id give them a second chance,after my last experience id rather use anyone else but them!

[SYZ]

Originally Posted by STINKY NINJA

Ive used that franchise a couple of times and left there with a bad taste in my mouth both times [...]

I had some front end linkage work done by Pedders in Wren Rd Moorabbin, and their parts charges, labour costs, and turn-around time were all A1.

I agree that a lot depends on the overall attitude, competency, and honesty of the franchise owner/operator. Same for Ultratune, Midas, Natra, Goodyear etc. I bought some unbalanced, brand new tyres at a Goodyear franchise, and the bloke skimmed them for no additional charge—when I didn't even know at the time this was possible. Problem fixed.

[snowcone]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but has anyone had experience with the quality of Pedders shock absorbers, specifically the GSR range. I am sourcing a pair of rears for my 64 T Bird. Peddars have them in their GSR range for $140 ea. In the USA the Gabriel gas model sells for US $29 ea. In Australia on eBay there are a new pair of Gabriels for $220. Most of the reviews in the USA on the Gabriels are that they are fairly average so are the Peddars a superior design seeing as they will be $60 more.

[janddbone]

Originally Posted by snowcone

Not trying to hijack the thread, but has anyone had experience with the quality of Pedders shock absorbers, specifically the GSR range. I am sourcing a pair of rears for my 64 T Bird. Peddars have them in their GSR range for $140 ea. In the USA the Gabriel gas model sells for US $29 ea. In Australia on eBay there are a new pair of Gabriels for $220. Most of the reviews in the USA on the Gabriels are that they are fairly average so are the Peddars a superior design seeing as they will be $60 more.

I use Monroe normally as they are Aussie made, to me that is important. Gabriel are made in Mexico and when silly vale like that I use them also! They are often half price at Supercheap... Gabriel are valved pretty firm, I assume you refer to the Ultima? They are probably one step up from Monroe GT Gas, but would be one step down from GSR's.

All would have a fairly similar lifespan in my opinion...

(I would happily run Gabriel's at that value. However depending on your spring choice you may want to consider stepping down from gas shocks all together. I will leave that up to you...)

[tut0r]

My quote from pedders was for around 2.6k. Took it in there out of curiosity and asked them to check as to WHY my ute rear sagged to the right.....Well comes back with "ute right side sagged?"

Great work guys, really told me the problem. Took the car to my mechanic and 50% was fine, took it to jax who I recommend in preston melbourne at least and not a problem.....Apparently my ball joints had 20mm play...hah bull****

[sprintman1]

How they are still in business is a mystery.

[cro142]

I bet they would not like the Office of Fair Trading to see their franchisee training courses on how to set up fraudulent quotes!

No doubt there are some honest franchisees, but from all I have experienced and heard, there are not many.

Most seem to be trained with the "maximise the quote regardless of the truth" approach. Its their business plan.

[AGH]

Originally Posted by sprintman1

How they are still in business is a mystery.

This is why mate......95% of their customers are not members of a motoring forum and their customers see this on TV...yes it's old but he is still doing their adds...the latest one looks as though it might be under a Ford looking at the exhaust route under the car. I'm happy to be correct on this.


http://www.pedders.com.au/news/neil-...e-ve-commodore

[el andrew]

This thread made me laugh - when I bought my first car about 15 years ago (XF with 360km) I found in the paperwork a few days after a suspension check from a large reputable suspension chain. Quoted a few grand of work, which was a worry because I'd just spent all of my cash on the car! Took it to a mechanic who said everything was fine!

By contrast, on an interstate trip recently my BA XR6T developed a steering vibration. Took it into kmart tyre and auto in Mount Gambier, who quoted $15 to balance the front wheels. Afterwards they said they adjusted something else and found a rear caliper bolt had worked loose, so sorted that. All quick stuff, but shows they gave it a look over while it was in the air, sorted the easy stuff and didn't try to hit me up for anything that wasn't there. And was still $15.
I then tried them back home in Canberra for a clunk in the rear end. One place had quoted $900 for new upper control arm bushes, another place wanted to rebuild the diff. Kmart had a look, found the centre diff bush (new nolathane one installed a few months earlier at a different place) was installed upside down. (the new nolathane ones have to be inserted a particular way, but don't require the cradle to be dropped). Bush flipped over, clunk gone.
I know where I'll be taking the car now!

[snowcone]

Originally Posted by janddbone

I use Monroe normally as they are Aussie made, to me that is important. Gabriel are made in Mexico and when silly vale like that I use them also! They are often half price at Supercheap... Gabriel are valved pretty firm, I assume you refer to the Ultima? They are probably one step up from Monroe GT Gas, but would be one step down from GSR's.

All would have a fairly similar lifespan in my opinion...

(I would happily run Gabriel's at that value. However depending on your spring choice you may want to consider stepping down from gas shocks all together. I will leave that up to you...)

Can't use Monroe as the Australian Monroe site doesn't list the USA Monroe 5761 for Thunderbirds. Gabriel and Pedders are the only listings wordwide that I have found for these cars. The fact that the Gabriels are only worth $29 in the USA leads me to believe they are only an average quality shock. These cars need the strongest shock available as the rear leaf springs are rediculously long and prone to sag as the there is a lot of rear body overhang. The car weights 2,200kg so they wallow in the @rse unbelievably.
The standard shocks on it at present are in good condition, but only single acting.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by snowcone

Can't use Monroe as the Australian Monroe site doesn't list the USA Monroe 5761 for Thunderbirds. Gabriel and Pedders are the only listings wordwide that I have found for these cars. The fact that the Gabriels are only worth $29 in the USA leads me to believe they are only an average quality shock. These cars need the strongest shock available as the rear leaf springs are rediculously long and prone to sag as the there is a lot of rear body overhang. The car weights 2,200kg so they wallow in the @rse unbelievably.
The standard shocks on it at present are in good condition, but only single acting.

I take it that you've looked at this site ?
http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_th...absorbers.html

[STINKY NINJA]

Forgot to ad,i booked my g6 in 3 weeks prior with a pre arranged price,when I dropped it off they didn't even have a record of it being booked in so it sat for 2 days while other jobs got finished,when it came time to paying the pre arranged price was long forgotten,i was almost ready to jump the counter and choke nathan I was that angry with their incompetence,dont ever use pedders Booragoon/alfred cove,tbh its one of the worst experiences ive had in my life
Stupidest part was that the main mechanic went on and on about working on 800 plus hp xr6 turbos and doing bulk ba-fg and territory diff bushes daily and they couldn't even successfully do a diff bush change on a stock g6et...
I must just be unlucky....
Im not saying all pedders are crap just the ones ive been to in perth.

[the_scotsman]

Originally Posted by AGH

No disrespect mate but until you said the 'notes' were yours I would have had to agree with Pedro's comment.

Why would a company giving a quote list the cheaper eBay price?