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A few months ago, my car had a “rattling sound” in the front end. The car was examined on the lift and a written estimate was given for installing new stabilizer links. I told the representative that I had to coordinate a convenient time to leave the car and that I would contact him. I thanked him and he then presented me with a bill for $43.50.

I was in disbelief! I asked him why there wasn’t a sign indicating that there was a charge for estimates or why he hadn’t informed me beforehand since such fees are not common practice. He had no answer to either question. He told me that the charge would be applied toward the repair (which is small consolation in the issue). I’ve had numerous car repairs done over the past 46 years and was never charged for an estimate.

I have since checked with some local repair shops and was told that they do not charge for estimates either – stabilizer links included. They indicated that they might charge a fee in the case of a unique electrical problem, where the diagnosis requires the use of meters and other electronic equipment to determine the problem, or when parts actually have to be removed to gain access to a suspected problem area. They do not charge for “visual inspections” – such as stabilizer links. I object both to the unusual charge and the fact that I wasn’t informed beforehand. Maybe a sign has since been posted or customers are now being informed. I just want the folks in Marco to be aware of this situation so that they are not surprised by it.

Bob Myslivec, Marco Island