> wrote in message
ups.com...
> Was just hoping that someone might have an opinion as to whether my
> dealer might be trying to take advantage of me. Dropped my 99 Explorer
> XLT V-6 SOHC (69,000 miles) off at the dealer this morning for what I
> thought was a slipping serpentine belt. Calls me a few hours later and
> tells me that it was actually the pulley and arm (???) that controls
> the tension in the belt and that it would be about $375 to fix. OK, I
> think to myself, seems reasonable and I recall something similar on a
> car I owned previously.
>
> Then he tells me he noticed that I need new stabilizer links ($170) and
> tie rod links ($200). Not what I was expecting, but it didn't seem
> totally unreasonable given the age and mileage on the car. But what
> made me start to question his honesty was when he told me I needed a
> new air filter, transmission/differential fluid change, coolant flush,
> etc. I've been religious about getting major services done at a Ford
> dealer every 15K miles, so I know a lot of that was done at the 60K
> mile checkup. He backed off on those items in a hurry when I mentioned
> that the 60K service had been performed by their sister (same owner)
> dealership in another town.
>
> But the fact that he brought it up makes me question his overall
> honesty and the need for the stabilizer links and tie rod end links.
> Anyone have an opinion about the liklihood of those needing replacement
> given the age/mileage of the vehicle? Most of my driving is of the
> "short-trip" variety in NYC suburbs rather than highway. Thanks!
>

I had a Ford dealer tell me I needed all new radiator/heater hoses. The
ones in there were about a week old. This was when I was getting a bid for
a rebuilt transmission. I have not been back since.

I had a mechanic I used to go to (I moved since) who, every time he walked
through the door, had another $600 worth of repairs he'd found that I
needed. For the most part I already knew I needed some repairs or I would
not have been there. But hey, that's how he makes his money. On my 15 year
old car I'm sure he could find something wrong with just about everything.