Took my 04 Saturn in for a minor coolant leak. I mentioned that I had done some research and found that the oil cooler is a common source. The called and said they had performed a preaqsure test and it was the water pump. $465. to repair ok fix it. Then Mike mentions that the timing belt will be exposed and while mine was in good shape it would be a good time to fix it, $367.00. Ok take care of it. I get my car back and I find that I am adding coolant every two weeks again. I take it back and they call me that my left head gasket is leaking. throw in a valve job and I am looking at $2200 to fix the same problem. I oked the repair but changed my mind. Why would I reward them "testing/guessing" wrong the first time. I picked up the car Drove it a few blocks west to Johnny's, they have certified mechanics. Turns out it was the oil cooler leaking. So paid $800. for a reapir that did not happen and almost paid $2200. for a repair that would not have fixed the problem. They are very nice but I paid for a car repair not to be greated pleasantly for $800.
RESPONSE FROM BENDER'S AUTOMOTIVE:
Tim, we do have certified techs and they did diagnose your car correctly at the time. Your water pump was leaking, evident by the water running out of it when we pressure tested it. Sometime when you fix one part on an old cooling system another part could start leaking due to the added pressure in the system. That is probably why it took 2 weeks for you to notice a problem. We are not perfect, but if we were to miss diagnose your vehicle we would either refund your money, or repair the vehicle and put the first repair towards the second. That is not the case with your repair.
Tom Bender
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