‘Predator’ mechanics target gullible drivers in scam that could see engine check cost hundreds more… recognise the signs
DRIVERS have been warned about garage scams targeting gullible motorists with soaring maintenance bills.
Petr Janousek, who runs a specialist Toyota workshop in the US, urged car owners to be wary of "predator" mechanics looking to cheat them out of their hard-earned cash.
Petr used the example of an elderly lady who brought her car to him after it had been serviced at another garage.
The "thorough" customer presented him with the full service history and receipt from the last repairs she had done.
Petr was stunned to see that seemingly unnecessary maintenance work had stacked up on her bills, prompting him to upload a "rant" about dishonest dealers.
He said: "At 65,000 miles there should be nothing major done to it.
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"It's five years old.
"Yet the local dealer...I started seeing more and more rip-offs.
"The coolant is super long life, [it's] rated for 105,000 miles.
"But there's some genius working at the dealer and he started selling people coolant conditioner."
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He explained that the conditioner is a non-OEM part, meaning it was not made by Toyota and is an after-market addition.
The extra charge of £18.85 that was added on to the OAP's bill left him raging.
He slammed the garage involved as "predators" who target gullible "old ladies" and get them to shell out for unnecessary services.
Not only was the customer stung for coolant conditioner, but they were also charged £25 for a "non-OEM engine service kit".
That came atop extra charges for "premium oil and fuel system conditioner" and even checking the driver's side floor mat.
All of these, according to Petr, are completely unnecessary and serve simply to boost garages' margins.
Social media commenters were stunned by the revelations.
One wrote: "Honest mechanic, [a] rare find."
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Another added: "In my opinion, most dealerships are liars, cheats and thieves,"
It comes after an £80,000 Porsche was ripped apart to use the high-powered headlights for growing cannabis.
Five garage scams to look out for
1. Disconnecting sensors to make new problems appear
2. Faking leaks in coolant, oil, brake fluid etc
3. Hiding service costs in MOTs
4. Replacing parts in anticipation of "future problems"
5. Specialising in too many manufacturers' cars