I went to Ponsonby Automotive as my 2015 VW Cross Polo was leaking coolant. Turned out that the pump needing replacing. They called me and said that it would cost $1800 to replace and up to 4 hours work. The guy went on about what a complicated job it was. Not knowing any better, I foolishly trusted him and said to go ahead. After discussing with my husband, we got another price from Giltraps (sometimes the more expensive option!) and they advised it would be $600-$700 for the genuine pump part plus 2 hours labour - and yes, they did ask the rego to confirm the vehicle type. So my husband went to collect my car from Ponsonby Auto and questioned their price. The guy then showed him a completely different vehicle in which the pump was located deep under the engine and made out that that was the same situation with my car. Complete lie, as the pump is waaay more visible and accessible in my car. Then, because we now knew the pump price, he charged for 8 hours labour!!! Obviously had to work backwards from $1800 and add phantom hours to try and hide the fact he was totally ripping me off! We were accepting that they would add a bit of a margin on the part but how do they justify 8 hours labour?
I will NEVER use this company again. read more