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I was just wondering who you trust your SVT to?

I just got my Contour back from Donway Ford (Scarborough) and am feeling kinda ripped off. I spent $400 on a new water pump in the spring (@ 100K), apparently the head needed to come off (is this common?), $800 for a new rack in November (leaking) and now a new power steering pump, because of a new leak of PS fluid (@ $750).

I feel like I'm getting it up the a$$.

Can anyone recommend a good shop (preferably in the east end), dealer or not.

Thanks for any input.

Tim

$400 for a water pump is normal maybe 50 bucks more than mine. It takes a long time for anyone to do it without dropping the engine as there is little room to work on the pump. The head should not have come for a watewr pump though, unless the gasket was blown or leaking.

I've not yet had to replace a rack in a car, especially not a newer one. My only power steering pump to be replaced was on my 5.0L and it happened at 250,000 Km.

Most people here like Dixie Ford, but I think it's a long way from Pickering? Mine (non-SVT) goes in to see the Lincoln dealership. Blu is the only man I'd trust to work on it, so I always ask for him to perform the work. (have to trust a man with a show-winning MN12 T-Bird!)

Hey Titan, have you ever been to the Wendys that is located on York Mills Road just east of Don Mills. I have seen a silver EO there a couple of times and just wonder if it is you. I work just around the corner. Sorry don't know any good shops in that area. I go to Dixie and generally don't have any problems.

I had the waterpump replaced recently on mine by my trusted mechanic (non-Ford). Total cost was $300 including taxes. Here is the breakdown of the cost:

New pump w/ metal impeller - $168
Labour (1.5hrs) - $90
Coolant - $10
+ taxes = $300

I asked my mechanic if the book time of 1.5hrs was sufficient, and he said they had no problems getting it done.

Hey Gerald, who does your work? I'm in the market for someone (non-Ford) who does good work at a reasonable price in the area.

I go to Don Kaster auto on Phillip St (@ Albert St intersection) in Waterloo.

It's nice to deal with someone that listens and knows what they're doing, but it's a bit of a drive for you I'm afraid. My only regret is that I didn't take my Contour to him earlier.

Thanks for the help,

Seems like Dixie Ford is the next step, although its kinda far.

lauraq, I don't think I've ever been to that Wendy's, I'm not usually over there, mostly I'm up in Sudbury (University) and working, that's why I've never been able to make it to a meet. My job sucks!! just about every Sunday I'm working.

I was thinking since my build date is so close to Christmas, do you think the guys at the factory were pre-occupied when building my car!!!!

Hey Titan
I usually go up to midas unionville. I know the guy there and he gives me good rates.
if u want leave me a msg or send me an email and i can hook u up with them.

They are located at Kennedy and Hwy 7

I too have gone through the feeling of being squeezed rather tightly by Donway in the past. In general, their work seems to be of a fairly high standard, but those hourly rates are simply hard to swallow. I take my SVT to SuperTech Automotive in Richmond Hill for most things I think aren't too specialized in nature. It's a small hole-in-the-wall shop, but the two mechanics there are totally trustworthy, skilled and charge reasonable rates.

I took ABCarr's suggestion and went to SuperTech for an oil change. I would go back if I need work done in the future.