Windermere Garage
My car broke down on holiday and Windermere Auto Centre was recommended.
After managing to get to the garage (just) they looked at the problem
and called me saying the head-gasket had gone. The bill would be
£650-700. That was a VERY BIG SHOCK. I told them I couldn't afford that
and may have to leave the car. They seemed unmoved. I contacted my
bro-in-law who is a mechanic with 40 years' experience, he said that was
outrageous it should be no more that £400 at the very, very most.
I called another local garage who gave a telephone estimate of £250-300.
When I told them my car was already being looked at and the price was
much higher, they actually guessed the name of a garage and how much
they were charging and said it was typical of them.
I phoned Windermere again asked if they could get the price down or I
would have to hire a car. And they said they could leave out the water
pump around £35.00 but that's all.
I hired a car and as I have two children and couldn't risk not getting
them home. I called into the garage on the way home to confront the
owner who said I owed them around £150 for the unfinished work up to
that point and to lower the cost although they wouldn't recommend it
they could replace only the head-gasket for £350. For that they would
not replace other parts such as the water pump, and belt and I would
have to take my chances. The quotes from other garages were for the full
job including pump etc.
The up-shot is they are very, very, very expensive, much more so than
other garages in the area. They have my car; I had to abandon it because
I couldn't afford their prices. And I had to hire a car to get homea
great holiday.
If you are tempted to buy Fiat Punto for sale at their garagewatch out
for the head gasket read more
