Mechanic Taking Me For A Ride?

TheInevitable · 05-10-2006, 07:21 PM

I have a 2002 Sportage with just over 50,000 miles on it. Lately the engine has been reving extra loud, though the rpms stay where they should. Also, when I get to about 65mph it makes a loud whirring sound. I took it to a local mechanic and he said that "All 3 of my belts" need to be replaced due to dry-rot, and the clutch on the fan is causing the loud whirring sound and it would cost me $330 bucks. That sounds excessive, but I don't really have any knowledge to back that up. I guess I'm scared that I'm getting ripped off. Anyone know if that sounds reasonable? Thanks.

skidoofast · 05-10-2006, 07:37 PM

belts are about $15 *3 = $45.00
I am not sure about the fan but that is a comon problem with the sportage
labor is dependant on the shop but our rate is $89.00/HR
the clutch pays aprox 1hr
the belts pay aprox 1hr
so that estimate is about right

skidoofast · 05-10-2006, 07:40 PM

I think that the clutch would be covered by the KIA warranty, but the belts are only 12 month / 12,000 mile warrenty

shelly1snj · 05-11-2006, 11:01 AM

HI I REPLACED MY BELTS AND THE CAR SOUNDED MUCH BETTER AND AS FAR AS THE FAN GOES I A PROBLEM WITH MINE AS WELL....COME TO FIND OUT WHEN WE TOOK THE FAN OUT THE MIDDLE PIECE MELTED SO WE RIGGED IT WITH A SCREW SO THE FAN WOULD SPIN....HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL.

TheInevitable · 05-11-2006, 07:17 PM

So I got my Sportage back and it sounds great. Now how do I find out for sure if the fan clutch is covered under warranty, and how do I go about getting reimbursed? Do you guys know the answer to that?

Benjammin · 05-12-2006, 11:04 AM

Er, um... usually to qualify for warranty work, it has to be done before the actual work is done - unless I'm misinterpreting the clauses I've seen.

I really don't think that the clutch on the fan would be covered under warranty, but I feel 50/50 about it...

I'm too late on this part, but the estimate of $300 or so also sounds right to me.

skidoofast · 05-12-2006, 03:36 PM

2002 sportage carries a 5year 60K warrenty bumper to bumper, but i don't know about getting a reimbursement from kia for work done at a non-authorized repair facility, all you can do is try and make sure that you have the old fan because they will ask to see it.