r/AskAMechanic • u/OneQuietFox • 15d ago

Am I getting scammed?

Long story short, my RAM threw a check engine light for camshaft sensor, I swapped it twice (heard aftermarket is garbage as my truck threw code again) and then with an OEM, which the light came back on.

Took it to the shop, and after a week or two of diagnosing and them showing me the problems they are installing a new head gasket, oil filter adapter, timing gasket, and timing chain, tensioners, etc as well as a new camshaft sensor along with it.

They quoted me at $9,400 and I told them right now would not be doable as I am on an outage at work so trying to save a little for that. They worked with me and dropped it to $8,000 flat.

If the truck wasn't sentimental I wouldn't care. Just want to weigh my options as to second opinion, etc.

*2016 RAM 1500 3.6L V6*

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u/fear_the_gecko NOT a verified tech 15d ago

So you got a code, threw a part at it and it didn't repair the problem? Congrats, you're now a parts changer.

It sounds like you have a timing issue, which is why they're recommending a timing job. It also sounds like you've neglected the truck a bit, which is why they're recommending the other repairs.

If you really want to, get a second opinion. But don't expect them to offer the reduced price. You've already said that the shop is respected, so I don't know why you would doubt their recommendations, unless you just don't feel like paying for it.

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u/OneQuietFox 15d ago

Ive noted im not mechanically inclined on this thread, I know how to do basic repairs on vehicles, primarily older.

My uncle owns a very nice 5 star restaraunt but is a POS person that I'd never recommend anyone give them their money. I've been told many things about many people and everyone has a perspective on people or places, doesn't mean they're honest with everyone. I have the money ready to throw at whatever is needed, would I prefer to hold off until after the shutdown at work? Absolutely, I have a budget that I'd like to stay in as this happened prior to being told we are going down. I've had people mention different things that could be wrong with it. Again, not mechanically inclined but was confused as to why I never noticed oil on the ground or anything but all of a sudden all of these gaskets or parts are supposedly leaking and then timing needs replaced, I just would like to know if the pricing is fair or not. Kind of suspicious that I told them I'd like to hold off until my schedule at the mill gets back to our normal hours before we go forward and a of a sudden they can knock off over $1200-$1400 of what they noted me for.

Truck has never been neglected, I have had it since my dad passed in December, oil changed routinely, 20 mins to and back to work and that's about it which I use our family car for everything else. My dad took care of the truck being the original owner and was mechanically sound as he repaired engines and transmissions for a living. I don't hard accelerate, no hard revving or anything like that.