Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Do you want us to go ahead and replace the timing belt while we're in there?

Who's asking: The service manager at O'Connor Volkswagen, Augusta, ME

It was a spectrum of things that could have been wrong with my car, I knew. Best-case scenario, just a loose hose; worst-case scenario, water pump.

Of course it was the water pump, plus an expensive oxygen sensor. Parts would run about $375, the service manager said, but what would really cost would be the labor, because they'd have to take the engine apart to fix things. Since my timing belt was due to be replaced in a couple thousand miles, would I want them to do that as well? It would only be another $150 or so, and I'd save on labor.

What the hell; it's only money. I managed not to cry, even when I signed the bill, which came to $867. Good thing the work's been rolling in lately.

Rushing off to Boston this morning; a client meeting, and then I'm hoping to see Chris Moore speak at Porter Square Books tonight. Whether I actually stay for the event depends on how the weather looks; things are supposed to get ugly tomorrow.

Happy, happy birthday to my brother James, who will always be the baby of the family.

2 comments:

Crankster said...

I hope they didn't try to charge you extra labor for the timing belt, as they usually have to take it off to get to the water pump.

Chris Moore. God, I envy you!

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Nope, they didn't -- having the timing belt replaced yesterday probably saved me at least three hours (about $220) in labor charges.

Chris Moore was hilarious and gracious as always, despite looking tired enough to fall over. Today was Day 27 of the current book tour. I don't know how these guys do it.