Expedition review
Expedition review
I took my 2003 Ford Expedition to Key Discount in Oldsmar on 11/06/2019 to estimate a coolant leak that was visible at the thermostat. I also asked for an estimate for the front end noises which I had previously estimated at a local Ford dealership.
After a few hours they called and asked me to look over the estimate which they emailed. Total was $2,693.13.
The “urgently needed work” was: replace heater control valve $98.50 labor and $48.06 part, replace intake manifold $581.15 labor and $467.72 part, serpentine belt $29.55 labor and $38.60 part and 3 gallons of coolant for $99.00.
The front end estimate was to replace ball joints and front suspension $394.00 labor and $474.80 upper control arms, $177.56, and alignment $85.00.
I trusted this and said to go ahead and do the urgent work but not the front end. After asking a few friends about this estimate while the work was to start, I learned this was quite pricey in the opinion of several knowledgeable friends so I called and spoke to Nancy, who said she owns the shop. She told me the intake manifold was cracked (the truck never had overheated even once so I am still wondering how it cracked if it did). We got onto the topic of spark plugs and she said while the engine is all apart they could try to change those and I told her that #3 had a helicoil and to not mess with that one. I also told her about coils that had been replaced and the #1 plug. She said $90 in coolant was just over estimating and was likely not going to be that much.
After noon on 11/08/2019 they called to let me know the work was complete and the total is $1,448.33. I asked if they did any of the plugs and he said no. But now he said I need to get the head removed and machined because the helicoil was not installed right..somehow it worked before they worked on the truck..
I paid with my credit card and when I drove away I immediately noticed how the engine was now much louder and now has a vibration that it did not have before I took it in.
I deliberately am not using emotional words here, just facts. You can judge for yourself.