My car had been having troubles, and needed a specialist. When I took the car in to a small independant repair shop, I told the owner/mechanic that I had a lot of friends who had parts cars, and that I could get some of those $300 sensors and stuff for cheap.
Turns out my car did indeed need an oxygen sensor, that I was unable to locate used, but found that it can be had for about $90 new at the local auto-parts store, and arrives the next day.
Would I be the bad-customer if I show up to the repair shop with this part new in a bag? Or would would they not care where the part came from?
I don't mind spending a little more at the repair shop, if it keeps the owner happy.
When I used to work at the bicycle shop, we frowned upon customers getting stuff from mail-order or other bike shops, then asking us to install it. Anyone in the car industry know what the right course of action is here?
My car had been having troubles, and needed a specialist. When I took the car in to a small independant repair shop, I told the owner/mechanic that I had a lot of friends who had parts cars, and that I could get some of those $300 sensors and stuff for cheap.
Turns out my car did indeed need an oxygen sensor, that I was unable to locate used, but found that it can be had for about $90 new at the local auto-parts store, and arrives the next day.
Would I be the bad-customer if I show up to the repair shop with this part new in a bag? Or would would they not care where the part came from?
I don't mind spending a little more at the repair shop, if it keeps the owner happy.When I used to work at the bicycle shop, we frowned upon customers getting stuff from mail-order or other bike shops, then asking us to install it. Anyone in the car industry know what the right course of action is here?
Truthfully, I think you answered your own question there.
It depends on the mechanic/shop. If you save them the trouble of ordering a part and show up with one, they will usually do the work, charging for the labor. However, if the *part* proves to be defective, they won't be under any obligation to repair it. The better shops guarantee their work and parts (which is part of why they charge so much).
If they are unwilling to install your part, it is understandable if they explain it as "we do not guarantee parts from other vendors/suppliers" (or words to that effect).
Best bet ask the guys doing the work what their shop allows.