Car apparently breaking apart? Need advice!

[steeped]

I have a Pontiac G3. I love the car... it's small and great on gas. It is 3 years and 10 days old, and has just 35 000 km on it.

I went to get an oil change at Active Green & Ross, and when I went to pick my car up, they told me, and I quote "Your car is breaking apart". My car has never been in an accident, and only went over the odd curb once or twice - but nothing that even touched the bottom of the car.

The damage?
1) Strut Mount - Replace Front - squeaking noise going over bumps: $339.88 incl. labour (I heard this noise and brought car into GM 2 months ago, they said it was fine and they couldn't hear anything)
2) Steering Gear Assembly - Replace - leaking: $653.19 incl. labour
3) Replace Constant Velocity Join Boot Kit - right boot leaking grease: $229.89 incl. labour

Here is the kicker - I had a 30 point inspection done 3 months ago, and their report was that my car was in perfect condition. Even bigger kicker - being 3 years and 10 days old, my warranty expired 10 days ago.

GM has my car now and are doing a $180 inspection on it. Of course if GM will suck and not cover my car as it's 10 days past warranty, what should I do? I'm pretty nervous, actually.

[LJ_Gencoupe]

Never take your car to those franchise places. I've heard a lot of horrors about them...

http://www.ctvnews.ca/w5-an-undercover-probe-of-canadian-garages-1.629214

http://www.ctv.ca/generic/WebSpecials/pdf/APAsurveyresultsTorontoshops.pdf

Take your car to a trusted independent repair garage. I personally take my car to Central Auto Pro in Mississauga and they are affiliated with NAPA and have been very happy with them.

[tsat]

..., and only went over the odd curb once or twice.

...


lol

[morpheus_1987]

More than likely Active Green and Ross lied to you. Even if they showed you the "leak", they may have just greased it up or smothered it in fluid and if you don't look closely enough and take their word for it you've been fooled. I bought some cheapo tires from them and they told me I needed new brake pads when literally 2 months before I had inspected my pads and they weren't even half used - could easily do another year before inspecting again.

[Tornado F2]

More than likely Active Green and Ross lied to you. Even if they showed you the "leak", they may have just greased it up or smothered it in fluid and if you don't look closely enough and take their word for it you've been fooled. I bought some cheapo tires from them and they told me I needed new brake pads when literally 2 months before I had inspected my pads and they weren't even half used - could easily do another year before inspecting again.

I've had similar experiences at CT and official dealerships. It's hard to know if any mechanics, or repair people in general (including non-auto), can be trusted these days. Whenever I can I do things myself. I know that I can be trusted at least.


What year is your car OP? 2009 or 2008? Sedan or HB? How are the road conditions that you drive on? What speed do you usually drive? How are the tires wearing? Evenly or not? There could be helpful clues in the answers.

[dc200]

Never take your car to those franchise places. I've heard a lot of horrors about them...

http://www.ctvnews.ca/w5-an-undercover-probe-of-canadian-garages-1.629214

http://www.ctv.ca/generic/WebSpecials/pdf/APAsurveyresultsTorontoshops.pdf

Take your car to a trusted independent repair garage. I personally take my car to Central Auto Pro in Mississauga and they are affiliated with NAPA and have been very happy with them.

+1

[wing0]

Even by the worst case, GM finds 2 out of the 3 problems to be true. First, check with dealership if it can be covered under warranty. If what you said is correct and you are 10 days + under the km restriction. I would suggest you contact corporate office and open a case. If you do your regular services at GM, it's even better. They may give you goodwill repair that way.

[steeped]

I've had similar experiences at CT and official dealerships. It's hard to know if any mechanics, or repair people in general (including non-auto), can be trusted these days. Whenever I can I do things myself. I know that I can be trusted at least.

What year is your car OP? 2009 or 2008? Sedan or HB? How are the road conditions that you drive on? What speed do you usually drive? How are the tires wearing? Evenly or not? There could be helpful clues in the answers.

2009 Pontiac G3. I usually go 60km/hour, mainly on Steeles. I do little highway driving, taking the 400/401 once or twice a month. I just had my winter tires taken off, but they are good. Active Green and Ross also said that my tires need to be re-aligned.


lol

Just saying it as it is. Nothing that ever damaged my car. Small curbs when making a right hand turn.

[Dr. Octagonecologyst]

Active Green and Ross are a bunch of crooks. Never go there, and if you do, don't listen to them.

[alexg26]

Dont believe active green, run from them and dont ever go there again ......be warn....and crappy tire LOL

[steeped]

Active Green and Ross are a bunch of crooks. Never go there, and if you do, don't listen to them.


Dont believe active green, run from them and dont ever go there again ......be warn....and crappy tire LOL

Haha, I believe both of you. I just watched that W5 episode.... and wow. I go the Active Greena and Ross and Promenade Mall. What places are better - and affordable for poor people like me?

[mmretlol]

you must have hit something REALLY hard, or they're lying.

[iHop]

I will give you $2200 cash for your car, as is. Believe me, its a good deal because your car is falling apart. These places don't lie because they are scared they will get sued or something. I've never heard of any one getting ripped off or lied to at Active Green Ross stores. I think you need a new car because 35,000 km is a lot of mileage. Also, you say you go over curbs. Well, even going over 1 curb can severely cripple your car.

PM me if you want to sell your car. $2200 is what I am offering.

[Dr. Octagonecologyst]

you must have totaled your car off a cliff REALLY hard, or they're lying.
Fixed. :lol:

[steeped]

I will give you $2200 cash for your car, as is. Believe me, its a good deal because your car is falling apart. These places don't lie because they are scared they will get sued or something. I've never heard of any one getting ripped off or lied to at Active Green Ross stores. I think you need a new car because 35,000 km is a lot of mileage. Also, you say you go over curbs. Well, even going over 1 curb can severely cripple your car.

PM me if you want to sell your car. $2200 is what I am offering.

Presuming that your being sarcastic, I got the point. I will wait to see what GM says and post what happened tomorrow.

[steeped]

Got car back from GM dealer Royfoss. Great news for me... terrible news for Active Green and Ross.

1) Strut Mount - Replace Front - squeaking noise going over bumps: $339.88 incl. labour.

- It was actually the Arm Brushes, not the Strut Mount. Even though my warranty expired 11 days ago, GM fixed and repaired it. I love you GM!

2) Steering Gear Assembly - Replace - leaking: $653.19 incl. labour

- No leak at all. They inspected it thoroughly and said that there was absolutely no leakage. It was a little damp, but a normal condition. Had to pay GM $60+tax to have this inspected. Stupid Active Green and Ross.

3) Replace Constant Velocity Join Boot Kit - right boot leaking grease: $229.89 incl. labour

-They removed the right front drive axle shaft, removed outer cv joint and replaced boot.

Total bill paid to Royfoss GM: $67.80.
Amount Active Green and Ross wanted: $1700.

I love you GM!!!!!!

[Engi-Nir]

Got car back from GM dealer Royfoss. Great news for me... terrible news for Active Green and Ross.

1) Strut Mount - Replace Front - squeaking noise going over bumps: $339.88 incl. labour.

- It was actually the Arm Brushes, not the Strut Mount. Even though my warranty expired 11 days ago, GM fixed and repaired it. I love you GM!

2) Steering Gear Assembly - Replace - leaking: $653.19 incl. labour

- No leak at all. They inspected it thoroughly and said that there was absolutely no leakage. It was a little damp, but a normal condition. Had to pay GM $60+tax to have this inspected. Stupid Active Green and Ross.

3) Replace Constant Velocity Join Boot Kit - right boot leaking grease: $229.89 incl. labour

-They removed the right front drive axle shaft, removed outer cv joint and replaced boot.

Total bill paid to Royfoss GM: $67.80.
Amount Active Green and Ross wanted: $1700.

I love you GM!!!!!!
good news, but did you go to ROYFOSS telling them you had the 3 noted issues? if so, they probably screwed the gm warranty hahaha..they did that to me once, not royfoss but another GM dealership. There may have been a chance your car had no issues, but Royfoss figured why not take a chance. The other GM dealership made bogus fix claims, and I called them out on their bluff and they acted stupid.

[steeped]

good news, but did you go to ROYFOSS telling them you had the 3 noted issues? if so, they probably screwed the gm warranty hahaha..they did that to me once, not royfoss but another GM dealership. There may have been a chance your car had no issues, but Royfoss figured why not take a chance. The other GM dealership made bogus fix claims, and I called them out on their bluff and they acted stupid.

Possibly, but if they were bluffing, I would think they would replace the Steering Gear Assembly instead of telling me it was perfectly fine. I did show them the form I got from Active Green and Ross. The Steering Gear Assembly replacement was the largest item on the quote. Royfoss has always been a good company to me, but all I know is that my car is in working order, and I don't have to shell out $1700!

What pisses me off is that Active Green and Ross wanted $653.19 to replace something that was in absolute perfect working condition.

[Mayosandwich]

I dont trust any shops, shops are either 1) crooks 2) incompetant mechs or both. not saying there isnt any good ones but its very rare and only consider them with references from friends or family. Always go private.

If I was OP, and was in the shop, I would have clocked the mech who said that to me over the head with a rim

Did you see the hidden camera at Green and Ross in here OP?

http://www.ctvnews.ca/w5-an-undercover-probe-of-canadian-garages-1.629214

[steeped]

I dont trust any shops, shops are either 1) crooks 2) incompetant mechs or both. not saying there isnt any good ones but its very rare and only consider them with references from friends or family. Always go private.

If I was OP, and was in the shop, I would have clocked the mech who said that to me over the head with a rim

Did you see the hidden camera at Green and Ross in here OP?

http://www.ctvnews.ca/w5-an-undercover-probe-of-canadian-garages-1.629214

Yeah, I watched that yesterday. I'm not going back to Active Green and Ross.

Do you know of any good private places to get oil changed/car inspected?

[Mayosandwich]

Yeah, I watched that yesterday. I'm not going back to Active Green and Ross.

Do you know of any good private places to get oil changed/car inspected?

Well im in Calgary but I have a list of about 5 solid honest competant mechs who work from their garage. I know 2 good shops that are up to my standards and both were from family refs. But im picky. Basic stuff like significantly overfilling oil is enough for me to cross you off my list. YOU WONT BELIEVE HOW MANY SHOPS AND DEALERS DO THIS!!! I see it time and time again, friends coming to me saying theyre oil is overfilled after they took it to the dealer. Ya that free oil changes for a year doesnt seem so appealing now does it?

Ask on here, tons of RFDers are from Ont and should be able to give you some names.

[MitSl]

lots of shops will try and play a quick one hoping you are the type of consumer that doesn't know much and trust's the mechanics word. I find the actual dealers in some cases are better but all are in the same category, 2 examples i have

Small nail in tire , slow leak. Car is a 2012 model with 7k km on it. BMW dealership said its unsafe require a new tire for $500, took elsewhere and fixed for 20 $ ( nail was not in sidewall, or in any area that would cause serious damage or risk)

Land rover. Blown shock - some shop in Toronto that EVERYONE seemed to recommend , said needed all 4 new shocks and bags Quote of 2400 for parts 1000 for labor . Dealer replaced 1 defective shock no air bags cost 340+tax

Best thing to do is if in doubt get a quote elsewhere.

[Scott84]

Steeped.... go back and tell active green and ross. and submit your story to their corporate office. just to see what they say. it would be interesting for you to post that experience. if you felt like it

[zywan0124]

Well im in Calgary but I have a list of about 5 solid honest competant mechs who work from their garage. I know 2 good shops that are up to my standards and both were from family refs. But im picky. Basic stuff like significantly overfilling oil is enough for me to cross you off my list. YOU WONT BELIEVE HOW MANY SHOPS AND DEALERS DO THIS!!! I see it time and time again, friends coming to me saying theyre oil is overfilled after they took it to the dealer. Ya that free oil changes for a year doesnt seem so appealing now does it?

Ask on here, tons of RFDers are from Ont and should be able to give you some names.

Hi, could you please provide your list to me? I am in Calgary as well. Thanks a lot.

[trixstar]

The reason why I take all my problems to RFD verified mechanics

[hdom]

See if you could buy the extended GM warranty now too just in case.

[poedua]

Yeah, I watched that yesterday. I'm not going back to Active Green and Ross.

Do you know of any good private places to get oil changed/car inspected?

Robinson Automotive in Mississauga ...an honest CAA / APA approved shop.

Unlike CAA shops, ' APA approved ' shops aren't as common a find. That's the same APA by the way, that works with CTVs W5 to expose crooks and scam artists in the automotive industry.

Robinson can do a VERY robust complete car inspection for about $125 if you want ( see link below ) after which you'll get a 3 page report of their findings and you'll know in no uncertain terms exactly what sort of shape your car is in - I've had 3 such inspections done by them - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !

And Kirk, the owner, is a former GM tech who's about as ' pro GM ' a person you'll find these days.:)

http://www.robinsonautomotive.com/inspect.php

[Little Tim]

Robinson Automotive in Mississauga ...an honest CAA / APA approved shop.

Unlike CAA shops, ' APA approved ' shops aren't as common a find. That's the same APA by the way, that works with CTVs W5 to expose crooks and scam artists in the automotive industry.

Robinson can do a VERY robust complete car inspection for about $125 if you want ( see link below ) after which you'll get a 3 page report of their findings and you'll know in no uncertain terms exactly what sort of shape your car is in - I've had 3 such inspections done by them - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !

And Kirk, the owner, is a former GM tech who's about as ' pro GM ' a person you'll find these days.:)

http://www.robinsonautomotive.com/inspect.php

Why are the honest mechanics always out in the boonies? I have yet to find a good one here in TO. I guess we're all crooks here...

[woodstock827]

Because honest mechanics are always fully booked already and don't want more people adding to the wait list.. :twisted:
The one used to go to is fairly picky about what car you bring in.. (basically only Japanese or Mercedes).. and he doesn't work full hours anymore. :P

[poedua]

Why are the honest mechanics always out in the boonies? I have yet to find a good one here in TO. I guess we're all crooks here...

Actually, the Automobile Protection Association (APA) has a list of all it's ' approved ' shops in Toronto, surrounding GTA, Ontario etc.

Beyond that, one of the best ways ( IMO ) to find an honest and competent shop is simply through word of mouth.

[poedua]

Because honest mechanics are always fully booked already and don't want more people adding to the wait list.. :twisted:
The one used to go to is fairly picky about what car you bring in.. (basically only Japanese or Mercedes).. and he doesn't work full hours anymore. :P

Interesting ...if a shop can work on Japanese or Mercedes brands...I don't see why working on American, Korean, or other German brands ( i.e VW, BMW ) would be any more of an issue.

But perhaps it's because as you say....it's now only a ' part time ' shop.

[tsat]

Interesting ...if a shop can work on Japanese or Mercedes brands...I don't see why working on American, Korean, or other German brands ( i.e VW, BMW ) would be any more of an issue.

But perhaps it's because as you say....it's now only a ' part time ' shop.

Some mechanics only like working on the car brands that they personally like, I know a few independents like this... From the guys i know it's just personal bias or a case of fanboi-ism.

[poedua]

Some mechanics only like working on the car brands that they personally like, I know a few independents like this... From the guys i know it's just personal bias or a case of fanboi-ism.

From some mechanics I know, another reason I've heard some mechanics only like working on the certain car brands is because it's EASIER - same select group of models day in day out, year after year.

And sometimes it's a simple case that they either don't have the skills or the resources ( or both ) to be able to competently work on any vehicle that might come through the door.

[matdwyer]

I sat in an Active Green & Ross one time for 4 hours on my laptop. They were doing an oil change and changing my tires, but for some reason it ook ridiculous amounts of time (they ended up giving it to me for free, and I had work to do anyway so it didn't matter that much to me).

I heard them tell FOUR separate people that their left front axel was having problems and needs to be immediately addressed. They would bring the mechanic out to the show room, tell the person that, then the sales guy would try to get them to do a $600 repair on it.

I actually felt bad by the end of it - luckily none of the 4 went right ahead with it.

This was in December 2011, north of the city.

[flyinggonzo]

Because I want to hire the guy who can take one look at my car and automatically know what the issues will likely be (from experience) than a guy who works on all makes and models. It's the difference between hiring a generalist or specialist. The shop I used to take my car to, they focused on only one make, but three of the four guys were factory trained and the owner formerly ran the service centre at the local dealership.

Plus, I think manufacturers are forcing the shops to use specialized tools (particularly electronics) which limits what the smaller shops can do before needing to send the car off. Then, focusing on one make really becomes a business / margin decision.

[flyinggonzo]

I sat in an Active Green & Ross one time for 4 hours on my laptop. They were doing an oil change and changing my tires, but for some reason it ook ridiculous amounts of time (they ended up giving it to me for free, and I had work to do anyway so it didn't matter that much to me).

I heard them tell FOUR separate people that their left front axel was having problems and needs to be immediately addressed. They would bring the mechanic out to the show room, tell the person that, then the sales guy would try to get them to do a $600 repair on it.

I actually felt bad by the end of it - luckily none of the 4 went right ahead with it.

This was in December 2011, north of the city.

That's a shame. I've used Active Green and Ross for tires at the location downtown (by hooters) and found the service to be great and the owners very accommodating. It's too bad that my experience appears to be the exception rather than the norm for this franchise.

[woodstock827]

From some mechanics I know, another reason I've heard some mechanics only like working on the certain car brands is because it's EASIER - same select group of models day in day out, year after year.

And sometimes it's a simple case that they either don't have the skills or the resources ( or both ) to be able to competently work on any vehicle that might come through the door.

Yea easier and being familiar with the brands are the main reasons.
I hear that American cars are generally harder to work with, like having to take off a tons of crap to get to a small part... I'm not a mechanic though so I can't confirm...

[hagbard]

Actually, the Automobile Protection Association (APA) has a list of all it's ' approved ' shops in Toronto, surrounding GTA, Ontario etc.

Beyond that, one of the best ways ( IMO ) to find an honest and competent shop is simply through word of mouth.

You have to be a member to access that info. I was a member a few years back...no go.

[poedua]

Because I want to hire the guy who can take one look at my car and automatically know what the issues will likely be (from experience) than a guy who works on all makes and models. It's the difference between hiring a generalist or specialist.

The generalist vs specialist comparisons might work when discussing a surgeon, cardiologist, urologist, oncologist etc. ( those require years of specialized training ) vs a GP, but not when comparing finding a mechanic who can fix a Honda vs a Toyota vs a VW vs a Ford. When a check engine light come on, a proper professional diagnosis follows pretty much the same diagnostic procedures ( with the same codes ) to source the cause...for instance, a P2096 post cat trim CEL code ( and it's possible causes ) is generic across most vehicle makes & models.

In my view, the notion that you can only get efficient and effective service if you have you vehicle seen by a ' specialist ' in serving Honda / Acura or VW / Audi or Toyota / Lexus etc. etc. is just nonsense IMO.


The shop I used to take my car to, they focused on only one make, but three of the four guys were factory trained and the owner formerly ran the service centre at the local dealership.

Probably because it's was easier for them.


Plus, I think manufacturers are forcing the shops to use specialized tools (particularly electronics) which limits what the smaller shops can do before needing to send the car off. Then, focusing on one make really becomes a business / margin decision.

I guess some shops are willing to invest in their business via training and technology as part of strategy to sustain profits and grow the business ......and some aren't.;)

[poedua]

You have to be a member to access that info. I was a member a few years back...no go.

Correct...so if you want a list of APA approved garages..you join the APA...or find someone who already belongs to the APA - or better yet - dig it up on some forum somewhere.

[albertaguy]

Anyone knows good mechanic or car repair shop in Edmonton. I really want to avoid going those franchises.

[ssainani]

Do you know of any good private places to get oil changed/car inspected?



after reading this i hope you learned your lesson

stick to the dealer -- which oddly was the place that screwed you the least.

[poedua]

after reading this i hope you learned your lesson

stick to the dealer -- which oddly was the place that screwed you the least.

I dunno.....I'd think there are just as many competent and honest independent shops out there as there are competent and honest dealerships....if not more.;)

[mr_raider]

Haha, I believe both of you. I just watched that W5 episode.... and wow. I go the Active Greena and Ross and Promenade Mall. What places are better - and affordable for poor people like me?

GM dealer. GMs service prices and parts are extremely reasonable compared to other companies, Japanese or european. Find a GM dealer with a good service advisor you can work with.

[mr_raider]

Yea easier and being familiar with the brands are the main reasons.
I hear that American cars are generally harder to work with, like having to take off a tons of crap to get to a small part... I'm not a mechanic though so I can't confirm...

Not true. How hard a car is to work on depends on the individual model. By and large, American and Japanese cars are very similar, and neither tend to have unusual procedures for doing things. Of course, changing the oil on a Cavalier is probably easier than a Corvette.

[tmkf_patryk]

Not true. How hard a car is to work on depends on the individual model. By and large, American and Japanese cars are very similar, and neither tend to have unusual procedures for doing things. Of course, changing the oil on a Cavalier is probably easier than a Corvette.

The oil is easy on both, but the battery is definitely much harder in the vette (c4 vette)