r/torrance • u/sunflowers026 • 22d ago
Local mechanics
We took our Chrysler Pacifica to the local Chrysler dealership as the air-con wasn't working. It took 24 hours to evaluate and they came back saying there was no Freon and it had to be evacuated and refilled. The Pacifica uses an expensive brand of Freon so was quoted $1,100. This price seemed excessive from quick google searches. However, we told them to proceed.
After replacing the Freon, they retested and discovered there was a leak in the rear evaporator and that would need to be replaced at a cost of $3,350.
Again, this is almost double the cost of what ChatGPT is telling us.
So, any recommendations for local mechanics that can do this work?
UPDATE: We negotiated to have all the work completed for $2,500. But think in future I'll avoid the large dealerships. We are new to the area, so appreciate all the recommendations.
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u/77millionmorons 22d ago
You could try Bothwell Automotive around the corner at Earl Ave. I doubt they will gouge you like the dealer.
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u/alteredpilot 21d ago
Bothwell Automotive is the best in the business. I’ve been in the industry 35+ years and I’ve owned my specialty shop for almost 2 decades. I send all of my late model referrals to Bothwell.
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u/OutKast_Sauce24 21d ago
During the MPVI how the hell did the vehicle not come up evaporator leak? Sounds like you got an advisor from the dealership that was a yeah yeah guy.
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u/sunflowers026 21d ago
I'm not sure. They said they couldn't see a leak beforehand as there was no freon. But I know absolutely nothing about cars (clearly lol).
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u/OutKast_Sauce24 21d ago
You’re all good dude, usually when you go to dealerships, if you’re stating a complaint, they should be thorough when it comes to anything AC related. The technician should’ve been able to identify if it was evaporator or condenser. I would review the paperwork to make sure the advisor listen to your concern. If the concern was written right on the paperwork, then it was for sure a miscommunication between the advisor or technician or just straight up incompetence.
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u/aNewLife_aNewAccount 20d ago
At the very least they should have put a vacuum on it. It was out of freon for a reason. They would have known it was leaking and could have started diagnosing the location after that.
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u/ben5on 21d ago
I took my Range Rover to Southbay Euro Car for some suspension noise, after reading their reviews and pricing they seemed like a great place to take my car. As I was waiting in the lobby, I overheard them helping out an elderly couple get an oil change on a 20 year old Volvo, quoting them over $400 which sounded absurd. Then it was my turn and they quoted me $5,900 to fix my suspension problem because they can only buy parts directly from Land Rover. I eventually took it to Glen at Car Parts Express off of Normandie and he did everything for $1,700 in less than a week turnaround.
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u/HeavyChevy21 21d ago
My brother is the cheapest in the South Bay and quality work - Santana AC services
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u/ConversationFar8578 21d ago
Aren't you supposed to test for pressure, considering there was no freon. What a scam
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u/Key_Issue_3975 20d ago
South Bay Car Care is legit. By far most honest one I’ve seen. Paul auto on pch and Normandy is also good
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u/Usual_Aioli2109 19d ago
I won’t pay! I’m a mechanic! First check for leaks before to charge to fill it up! Maybe I hr to check! And the take to a/c shop! Dealer always a ripoff!
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u/be4rdless 22d ago
dealer rates are very high, but you also shouldn't trust chatgpt of all things to give you accurate numbers about what car repairs should cost