Outback Jack Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 Yeah, this is quite a zinger. I had my 2000 Outback at the dealer for recall work. One was for re-rustproofing the rear suspension and two, was for replacement of the the front o2 sensor. Anyways, while it was there, I knew the drive belts needed replacing so I says go ahead on that. So they did after a 182.00 Cdn bill! 35 for one belt, 76 for the other plus labour and taxes! Whew! Who-da thunk it, eh? Well, my 70 yr old Pa was using the car (I needed his truck) a couple of days later and on the way home at night on the highway the battery light comes on. Well, he shuts everything off electrically and makes it for the next exit to hopefully "die" in a safe spot. So after the car is towed to his place so he can inspect it in the morning. He informed me that it was the alternator belt, which was hanging on the electric fan, totally shredded! So, I jet over there to inspect the situation. Sure enough the belt was the same size, but the "tooth pattern" was TOTALLY wrong so as it just walked off the pulley and got shredded in the process. AND the back drive belt wasn't even completely on its main pulley, its one tooth too far back....STRIKE TWO! Good thing I kept the old belts. NOW, even a complete auto mechanic neophyte would NOT install a belt that doesn't match the orignal belt's teeth (deep straight grooves). And of course make sure the other belt is properly installed (critical attention to detail). So, I'll be going to the dealer on Monday after work to not only reclaim my losses on the belts, but my dad's tow bill of $60.00. Needless to say, I'm :madder: I'll give ya'll an update that night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outback Jack Posted August 26, 2003 Author Share Posted August 26, 2003 Being diplomatic and polite only got me a $60.00 'in store' credit with proof of towing! They admitted the mistake and put in the proper one and adjusted the other one. Next time, I'll theaten to call my lawyer. What a bunch of a-holes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted August 26, 2003 Share Posted August 26, 2003 Thats better than nothing. At least they admitted to making a mistake and did give you 60 bucks toward another screwed up fix. Believe me - I know its not consolation when you get a fix completed and then feel that things should be right, and have something unexpected happen that endangers you or family. Auto repairers must have high insurance costs since I bet they get sued alot. IT just seems hard to prove they are the ones that screwed up. So - enjoy the $60 if possible. Maybe just buy $60 worth of parts like oil filters and don't go there again! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShawnW Posted August 27, 2003 Share Posted August 27, 2003 Should be worth it after they mistime the motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outback Jack Posted August 27, 2003 Author Share Posted August 27, 2003 The other closest Subaru dealer is 40 mins away. My local dealer would have to screw up really bad for me to go to another dealer. But the 60 bucks my dad forked out was cash, not credit in service. The dealer can over inflate a repair or part cost and easily absorb the 60 within a day. Or rip off other people. Still, leaves a bad taste in my mouth and it won't be going back until my timing belt is due at 168,000kms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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