Any Legend Mechanic Here Can Run Some Checks on These Quotes from My RWC (QLD) Please?

PuntyBrah on 25/07/2023 - 17:03
Last edited 25/07/2023 - 18:33

Trying to change my rego from VIC to QLD and was just expecting to change the tyres that were long overdued for replacement and maybe a small couple of repairs but was hit with extensive list of repairs needed to pass the Road Worthy.. I went to bridgestone shop for this on the Gold Coast. The bill is hefty and gonna hurt a whole bunch being a student and all…

On top of that just found out that the repairs must be done within 2 weeks (or up to 1 month max since the check up) and I wasn't told this at the time the quote was given.

Anyone with knowledge can help a brother out and share if these quotes are reasonable or what my expectations should be if they're not?

https://ibb.co/Q8Yjb7v

The headlight can just be excluded as I can do that myself.

Link to video detailing the inspections and faults: https://portal.irisauto.com.au/v/j3qgG2wK

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Automotive

Comments

  • pegaxs on 25/07/2023 - 17:52
    +11

    Lol… I read the first line and that's all I needed to see… $295 to polish a pair of headlights… Would be cheaper to buy new ones…

    Reading through some of the other things makes me want to quit my job here and go work for them…

    I hope the barbwire enema they are trying to give you is made of gold.

    Some of the things on that list are reasonable, others are outright highway robbery, some have nothing to do with RWC and a great deal of them could be done at home with some elbow grease and a YouTube video and a lot less barbwire…

    • PuntyBrah on 25/07/2023 - 18:37
      +1

      can you share with ones are reasonable and which ones are flat out stealing? I'll be doing the headlights myself no doubt but other than that I have no garage or any auto mechanical knowledge…

    • Sinnerator on 26/07/2023 - 07:45
      +2

      just deduced that mechanics are in bed with BIG barb wire

  • Pelicannn on 25/07/2023 - 17:57
    +7

    I can't comment on all of it but FWIW:

    • Headlight polish for $295 is a joke… buy a kit from SCA and do it yourself. A pair of brand new headlights for that model Accord is less than the price to polish. I'd pay a mechanic less than $100 if it were just their time and materials to polish.
    • Rocker Cover Gasket for $665 seems steep to me. I'd have expected half that price, especially on a relatively simple.
    • Rear brake pads and rotors for $460 isn't terrible, but if you DIY'd you'd almost get F+R for that price if you have the right tools.
  • brendanm on 25/07/2023 - 18:07
    +9

    Pending photos, the airbox is not a roadworthy item.

    Coolant reservoir is not a roadworthy item.

    For an oil leak to be a roadworthy item, it must drip on the ground while the inspection is being done.

    Lower arm bushes are not unroadworthy simply because they are cracked, there are specs for allowed movement.

    Boot not holding itself up is not a roadworthy item.

    Which battery cable has "bare wires", pic would be good.

    Engine mount "soft" is borderline, again depends how bad it is.

    Brake fluid is not a roadworthy item unless it is leaking. It should be replaced if it does need it though.

    • PuntyBrah on 25/07/2023 - 18:35

      thanks mate, i oughta go read on the roadworthy items for QLD after reading what you've said, also I updated OP with link to the video inspection. Would appreciate it if you could give some feedbacks on it?

      • brendanm on 25/07/2023 - 20:19
        +3

        Oh, you have the V6, that's why the rocker cover cost is higher. Rocker covers need doing, but that is still not a roadworthy item looking underneath. Coolant reservoir not a roadworthy item. Airbox not a roadworthy item. They didn't show the "low" rear brakes or the bushes. Best thing to do would be to give the thing a proper degrease, and see where the oil leaks actually are. Pretty unlikely that the actual power steer pump is leaking

        • Euphemistic on 26/07/2023 - 07:21
          +1

          Best thing to do is give it a proper degrease before you take it in.

    • AUXRVIII on 26/07/2023 - 17:34
      +1

      You are incorrect on the matter to do with leaks, no where has it ever been written that it has to drip on the ground while the inspection is being carried out. Suspension bush cracks are definitely a fail , the engine mounts can be a fail if they're not supporting the engine due to them being soft.
      This is the wording from the light vehicle inspection manual:
      Engine, 9.4 Leaks
      a) Any component leaks oil on to the roadway or onto any exhaust system or brake
      component.
      Note 1: Motorbikes manufactured with total loss lubricating systems which have been
      designed to "leak" are excluded from this condition.
      LV LG
      b) Seals and covers between the engine and passenger compartment are missing,
      distorted, or damaged in a way that allows fumes to enter the passenger compartment.

      9.3 Engine and transmission mountings
      a) The "powertrain" is not securely mounted to the chassis/frame of the vehicle. LV LG
      Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual – April 2022 - 42 -
      b) "Powertrain" mountings and bolts are not securely fastened or free of cracks or
      distortion.
      LV LG
      c) Rubber components are oil soaked, perished, broken, or deteriorated.

  • GordonD on 25/07/2023 - 18:11
    +12

    This shows what happens in the states that require RWCs. Sure it may pick up real problems, but it provides an opportunity for whoever you go to to screw you for every dollar they can., And that's why garages are the loudest advocates of compulsory RWCs. It guarantees them lots of money. They can call ANYTHING they can find, real or imagined, a serious enough problem that its got to be fixed immediately.

    • Mokr on 25/07/2023 - 18:48
      +2

      Yes but a car is a weapon. Driving around a faulty weapon is a dangerous thing.

      If you cant afford it then sadly.

    • ol mate on 26/07/2023 - 08:07
      +2

      This shows what happens in the states that require RWCs

      To be fair, Vic and Qld both don't need annual RWCs. Only on transfer of rego between people, or interstate.

      • ThithLord on 26/07/2023 - 08:40
        -1

        To be fair, Vic and Qld both don't need annual RWCs. Only on transfer of rego between people, or interstate.

        sounds like communism/socialism to me

        • pegaxs on 26/07/2023 - 09:39
          +2

          But then they wonder why a RWC costs ,$200+ and comes with a list of shit on the car about $3~5000 long…

          I don't like buying cars or bikes from Qld or Vic (or worse, SA) because you know that they are going to need the money cannon fired at them on full auto due to them not having any maintenance performed on them in the last "X" number of years.

          • Euphemistic on 26/07/2023 - 11:24

            @pegaxs: I’d also much rather have cars seen every year and catch things before they get bad. At least you know that the majority of cars have been near a mechanic at least once a year. Yes it’s a bit of an inconvenience to have to get a check each year, but I reckon it reduces the number of unroadworthy cars on the roads.

            For the $40 or so the annual check costs a mechanic isn’t going to go over it with a fine tooth comb. They check the lights, wipers and tyres, test the brakes and give it a bit of a look over. Some models will have regular faults they’ll also know to look for.

            • CurlCurl on 26/07/2023 - 12:25

              @Euphemistic:

              For the $40 or so the annual check costs a mechanic isn’t going to go over it with a fine tooth comb. They check the lights, wipers and tyres, test the brakes and give it a bit of a look over. Some models will have regular faults they’ll also know to look for.

              19 years going to the one mechanic. 17 years with my current vehicle. He doesn't bother to look at it as he knows it's kept up to scratch.

              • Euphemistic on 26/07/2023 - 13:17

                @CurlCurl: Yeah. That too. I just had an inspection at my regular mechanic. Pointed out a couple of things that might need doing soon. Go to a new place and they might have knocked it back in the hope of getting business.

            • brad1-8tsi on 26/07/2023 - 17:06

              @Euphemistic:

              For the $40 or so the annual check costs a mechanic isn’t going to go over it with a fine tooth comb.

              The guy that does my rego checks: "You look after your car. Come and pay" He has no idea how I maintain the car.

  • Cave Fire on 25/07/2023 - 18:47

    Yeah happens alot… They see an older car and want 2-3 grand off it. Cheapest dc5 honda integra I've seen was $600 here in gc. A younger girl was selling as it needed "2-3k" of repairs for a rwc… Query the headlight polish because that should be closer to like $29.95 lol. They are about two to four times the price on everything else. This RWC is a joke and it's blatant overcharging.

    Headlights $80 odd max, PS could be the fluid… so if that's bad just replace and flush vs getting a new pump $100. Sometimes they may even do that and pocket the difference as it's hard to see the ps pump. Rocker cover $80? 2hrs labour? $160 odd vs $650 lol (unless its both banks/the rear V as well) $460 rear pads and rotors, aim for $250 with cheaper parts. LCA dodgy here… it's only the bushing that needs doing not the arm bushings are like $80 odd. + two hours labour = $240. So around a grand, 1.2k? Pretty sure if you get some other quotes they will be around that or cheaper and may do the rwc so you don't go back to these people.

    • brendanm on 26/07/2023 - 13:40

      $80 an hour?

  • NevC on 25/07/2023 - 19:04
    -1

    Battery cable could be replaced by yourself cheaper. It's only the negative cable and maybe a piece of shrink tube is all you need. If cable is corroded replace it as this affects current carrying capacity. Most other stuff is way overpriced as well.

  • payless69 on 25/07/2023 - 19:08
    -2

    Lol, Victorian brings in car for tyres with wheel locks.
    Could have asked or googled what to do before leaving Vic.
    Most stuff sounds reasonable.
    With brakefluid full of water, hey that car requires red sticker, fix it now or take off road!

  • Euphemistic on 25/07/2023 - 19:48
    +6

    Just because they did the inspection doesn’t mean they have to do the work. Get a second opinion.

    Not sure how Qld works, but it may be worth trying another mechanic.

  • sumyungguy on 25/07/2023 - 20:16
    -1

    Minus the headlights, looks like $3,775 worth of repairs which is your trade-in value - on a car that's about to turn twenty. Better to sink those funds into something else.

  • NevC on 25/07/2023 - 20:22
    +1

    Less than $300 for a new power steering pump.

  • MS Paint on 25/07/2023 - 20:51
    +3

    Sounds like you're trying to get a roadworthy on a previously poorly maintained vehicle. Have to pay up eventually.

    • Euphemistic on 26/07/2023 - 07:25
      +3

      This is why I agree with annul checks in NSW. As annoying as they are, it means that most cars have actually seen a mechanic every year. Yes, it’s easy to cheat but overall I reckon that there’s less bald tyres and oil leaks on NSW car than other states that don’t have annual checks.

      • PuntyBrah on 26/07/2023 - 11:46

        my last annual check was less than a year ago. Time to switch up who I do the annual service with this year I think -__-

        • the Unforgiven on 26/07/2023 - 22:17

          Take it back to that person for the RWC, or go somewhere else for a 2nd quote; but get a good degrease of the motor 1st.
          The headlights u can pick up from Amazon new if u want, or eBay
          The brake fluid leak is probably from the loose cap, just tape it down once the engine bay is clean.
          How do u know it needs new rear discs? Is the braking making a noise from the rear? Is the brake pedal pulsating when u press the brake pedal?
          The battery cable is fine since it is the earth cable and it is close to the chassis
          U don't HAVE to have it done within 2 - 4 weeks, it is when that RWC runs out, that is all; I would go elsewhere
          Where is page 2 of the report?
          $65 to change the brake fluid is OK, but I bought a tool off eBay that checks how much water there is in brake fluid; they are cheap. U know why u don't have water in brake fluid? When the brakes get hot, the water will boil off & your pedal will go spongy or down (maybe too much when you need it the most)
          When I changed the rear pads on my Honda, it was only $60; easy to do, just make sure u have something under the car other than your leg incase it comes off the jack or the jack stand!
          It is hard to say how bad your headlights are from the crappy pic. Check on eBay to find the right tip for your situation. Check out Scotty & be sure to ring that bell :)
          I don't know what PS mount he is on about
          The air cleaner cover, get one from the wreckers. They have got shit at the wreckers, and they can do the job if u don't want to, like the engine mount! Get one off them & get them to put it on
          RC gasket. They usually shrink over time, so try tighening them 1st, it may be all she needs; then clean the motor. I always used to do the customers cars a little bit more, as Holdens had cork gaskets, yours is rubber. If u need one, or 2, check eBay, Repco & SCA for gaskets & other parts; don't get gastets off the wreckers, always use new gaskets
          The lower control arms, did they have any play in it? That's all that matters, it does not matter about split & cracked (at this stage, just slowly save up to get them done down the line, OK)
          Rear boot - get the part off the wreckers when u have money; it has nothing to do with a RWC
          VCT (Variable Cam Timing) cover - I know nothing about
          I hope I helped a little bit
          have a good 1

  • dcep on 25/07/2023 - 21:23
    +1

    … just found out that the repairs must be done within 2 weeks (or up to 1 month max since the check up) and I wasn't told this at the time the quote was given.

    The 14 days is the time limit to return your car back to the same RWC mechanic for reinspection on list of defects stated within the initial RWC report at a reduced fee or no cost, without the need to re-do a whole new RWC inspection. Repairs don't need to be done in that timeframe unless you're running out of VIC rego and you're wanting QLD rego to drive your car.

    Yes, you can go to other places for another RWC for how-many-ever times you like.

    Try to find a mobile-RWC that comes to you and make sure they don't run a garage shop elsewhere.

    • PuntyBrah on 26/07/2023 - 11:47
      +1

      any reason why you recommend mobile RWC that dont have garage shop? I also see the recommendation by the guy below as well.

      • dcep on 26/07/2023 - 15:38

        They tend to be less motivated on finding defects that could've passed RWC easily.

      • Euphemistic on 26/07/2023 - 16:30
        +2

        It depends on the shop and the mobile mechanic.

        Mobile guys tend to do easier stuff so won’t suggest pulling the engine out ‘just because’. They also recognise you’ll likely go somewhere else for the work so may leave off stuff that isn’t critical.

        Big chain shops tend to cover their butt by finding every little problem so that whiners can’t come back at them and say they aren’t doing their job properly. Plus they are often guilty of up selling by listing things that are nice l it take earners for them.

        Having a relationship with a smaller local mechanic really helps as they know you’ll come back next time if they don’t frighten you off with a massive bill. It’s a bit hard to find a good local mechanic if you’ve just moved to a new place though. You need word of mouth recommendations so you don’t get dodgy Dave working on your wallet instead of your car.

  • esq on 26/07/2023 - 00:16
    +1

    I've used mobile RWC outfits the 4 times I've sold a car. All were open and honest about what to do, and if there was a cost, how much a mechanic should charge.

  • Jaduqimon on 26/07/2023 - 09:52

    they are over charging you on everything. Goto a different mechanic. You can probably get everything done for <2k at a "more honest" mechanic. some items can be ignored. not RWC items

    you can just use toothpaste on the yellow headlight. it wont be as good as the kits you buy or sanding them down but will be good enough to pass RWC.

  • Sleeqb7 on 26/07/2023 - 10:06

    Find a new mechanic, rather than this criminal.

    • Jaduqimon on 26/07/2023 - 10:12

      ^^ this
      find a mechanic that is busy so they don't need to "create" more work for themselves

  • Ocker on 26/07/2023 - 10:46

    Those prices are akin to the extortionist prices charged by MB

  • x x on 26/07/2023 - 12:33
    +1

    Unfortunately you went to the wrong place and found a scammer to supply you with this ridiculous list of things required to issue you a RWC. Firstly, you don't really need to change over your rego from Vic to Qld. One of my cars I bought in Vic and drove up to Qld in 2017 and have no problems with keeping it registered in Vic at a family memebr's address. Cops won't pull you over for having Vic rego. DM me if you want a mobile RWC contact on the Gold Coast who is easy going and will pass you as long as your car is not in terrible condition.

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