Doug Lee took care of my '03 Audi A4 Avant that broke down on me while I was cruising on I-95 and emergency exited on Emerson St. The Audi Specialist at Beach Blvd quoted the parts and labor to $694 using OEM parts with 2 yrs warranty, plus tax. Doug's earlier quote was $285 for a Bosch alternator with 1 yr warranty + $212 labor for 2.5 hrs of work, plus $35 tax, so I went with his offer.
The next day Doug called around lunch and reported that the root problem was the belt tensioner, which loosened the drive belt and consequently fractured the alternator. The tensioner was an additional cost of $83. Doug apologized, but he was able to get a discount, so the remanufactured Bosch alternator was down to $225. This was mainly due to the core charge of my old alternator, which was $175. He was honest to tell me when I asked. As an added consolation, he did not charge me for the change oil (Castrol) that is good for another 5k miles and the tune-up as well as for checking whether the car's tires, brakes, fluids, etc. are good enough for the return drive to Connecticut. Overall charge was $557.55.
For a automotive newbie like me, and in a city that is foreign to me, I believe I got a really good deal. What do you guys think? read more