If you own a Prius, you should know Dave. I have known Dave since the late 70's. Both of use have been in the car repair industry for more than 35 years. Yes he can be crusty, so can I and that simply is because we are alot older that we used to be! Stop by and talk to Dave, he will spend time with you and discuss your options and guess on the cause, the repair and the cost. His place is not pretty but he has a hundred of old cars and that means thousands of used parts AND he removes and rebuilds the batteries and sells them with a warranty. He has test equipment I have never seen before. He knows your Prius better than anyone I have ever met. I buy batteries from him to put in my Customers cars.
Dave does this very well:
Cust gives the symptoms
Dave quotes check out fee, not to exceed . . .
Dave diagnosis problem, bids repair
Cust asks if this is a "fix" or "guess"
Cust asks for estimate of time until car is done and back in service.
Dave fixes car
Cust pays for bill with a credit card
Cust determines if repair corrected problem
IF NOT, Cust gives shop chance to inspect and repair and IF NEEDED an appropriate additional cost both can agree on. read more