by "Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
Published 12/22/2017 at 15:15
by "Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
Published 12/22/2017 at 15:15
Tags: The Alfa Doesn't Have A Tag Yet
STARS: 4
[Notice: This post contains a lot of f-bombs] I’ve posted before that my Alfa i sn’t in the best condition and needs some work . The most consequential and, unfortunately, the most expensive is repairing an odd rust problem in the driver’s side rocker panel and some damage to the driver’s side chassis rail. Rust is car cancer. The quicker you treat it the better, and ignore it and it can and will kill the car.
Being a sentimental fool, I decided to forego common sense and get the repair done by the local, respected restoration shop, to the tune of $4,200. Expensive but it was either that or scrap, part out, or do a chassis swap.
Finally, after picking it up from storage and confirming the car started without issue (it did) and that it wasn’t losing coolant anymore (it wasn’t) I scheduled my appointment, which was over a month out.
I took it there on 12/11/17 (about two weeks ago) and resigned my wallet to its fate (actually just using the cash from selling the Yukon).
Today I gave them a call for a status update aaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd… they’ve decided not to do the work.
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The shop owner decided that on a vehicle in that poor of condition (I guess it took a piss on their floor…) wasn’t worth the money and he didn’t want to get involved.
Yes, I know the cost of the repair exceeds the value of the vehicle.
Yes, I know the car isn’t in great shape.
Yes, I know this is not a rational decision. Car people aren’t rational.
You quoted it, we discussed it, I agreed to the quote, you accepted my appointment, you took my car, and, apparently, completely wasted my time.
I spent fifteen minutes on the phone with the owner trying to understand his position and turn it around but ultimately I can’t force him to work on the car. At least they aren’t making me pick it up today (I don’t have anywhere to put it right now) but that is small comfort.
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Look man, I get it. My shitty little Alfa isn’t some garage queen Ferrari or a $100k 911, but my money is the same fucking color as everyone elses. If I want to waste my money on a car I like then your job is to either accept that or not. If you don’t think I’m good for it, ask for money up front. If you don’t want to do it, decline up front. Not... this fucking bullshit runaround false hope garbage you’re feeding me.
At one point during the call he even said “I know it isn’t my job to be your mom” and I almost (but didn’t) respond “no, your job is fixing my damn car.”
This is a textbook case of how to piss off a potential lifelong customer.
"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
12/22/2017 at 15:20, STARS: 1
I worry about this with my truck, yes I know it has a book value of less than an actual book, but I love it.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
12/22/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 2
Oh, remember that he is the captain of his ship, and chances are there are a lot of people looking for his time. Rather than get mad, get reasonable. Maybe he is worried you won’t pay and he will own a $3000 Alfa with $4000 work into it.
If that is his worry, pay him up front. Now of course you are on the hook for the money if it sits in the back for the next nine months. SO maybe paying month by month is a better deal. You need him a lot more than he needs you.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
12/22/2017 at 15:44, STARS: 0
Could and would do, but he seems pretty firm in his convictions. I’ll broach the issue when I pick it up.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
12/22/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 0
Yep, guys that run their own shop tend to be pretty set in their ways.
He probably thinks it is a waste and doesn’t want his time poured down a rat hole. All you can do is say “look, I know what it will cost and that along with a completed car is worth it to me. Will you help.”
His biggest fear is that really at the end it will be a half ass retsor and that is on his reputation. Also, $4k is chump change, so that is not in your favor.
Tell him you will pay for progress and am willing to work this to his schedule if he has more important projects.
Also ask him if he absolutely won’t do the work. Is there a shop he would recommend?
"jimz" (jimz)
12/22/2017 at 15:59, STARS: 2
Yes, I know this is not a rational decision. Car people aren’t rational.
it’s not about being rational. if you’re spending this money and time on the car so you can drive it an enjoy it, that’s entirely reasonable.
what wouldn’t be reasonable is putting that kind of money into it hoping to sell for a profit.
"unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)" (unclevanos)
12/22/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 1
This guy just shot himself in the foot to not make a customer. I’d probably lose it after hearing his statement. What irritates me is that he backs out of an offer he gave you for the body work. After you get the alfa back, I’d just tell him to eat poo and other various insults. Find another shop that is reputable and doesn’t have hack frauds that treat customers like assholes.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
12/22/2017 at 16:15, STARS: 1
PS - I own a ‘73 Spider that looks a lot like yours.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
12/22/2017 at 20:18, STARS: 0
So that is the thing, we’ve had long conversations (<- plural!) about what the car means to me, what is is actually worth, and the cost and risks associated with the work. So this coming out today is even weirder.
Plus he has done work for me before on the Volvo. So not only am I an established customer, but I’ve also recommended people to him based on the work he did on the Volvo.
Just grr... this has been a helluva week haha
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
12/22/2017 at 20:18, STARS: 0
Bingo; nailed it.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
12/22/2017 at 20:18, STARS: 0
That is fair. I’ve explained that this is a sympathetic restoration on a car I plan on keeping for the foreseeable future.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
12/29/2017 at 19:24, STARS: 0
Just being a bad influence. You can buy a pretty clean Alfa for $5k
http://www.roadraceautox.com/showthread.php?61936-Nice-1989-Alfa-Romeo-Spider-(with-rare-hardtop) -for-sale
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
12/31/2017 at 09:13, STARS: 0
I am well aware. I wouldn’t, mind you. That Alfa is about the experiences I’ve had in it. Another would not work.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
12/31/2017 at 11:04, STARS: 0
Gotcha. I suggest then find a regular body guy, maybe one that your shop recommends and move on it.
"RacinBob" (racinbob)
12/31/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 0
BTW, Here’s mine.
