Oft used phrases used by suppliers and mechanics

[1owner69Elan]

I was on the phone today with Dave Vegher (engine builder extraordinaire and racer) to get some advice regarding my clutch throw out bearing problem in my newly installed 5 speed.

Dave reminded that two of the most popular phrases used by suppliers and mechanics are:

a. "This is the first time that has happened"

and

b. "They all do that"

I got a good laugh - through my tears about my Installation.

But, there are other well-worn phrases. Like,

"We couldn't get it to do what you described"

"You are wasting your money if you don't also do (or buy) ..fill in the blank..... "


What are some of your "favorite" phrases?

[2cams70]

There's another well worn phrase in the automotive industry too:

"Heavy Duty part version" That way it's not covered under warranty and the customer gets to pay for a replacement part that was under designed in the first place!!

[reb53]

"We've never had a need for those...."

As in, why do you need them, what are you doing wrong, and what did you break ?

[JonB]

"Cost you a grand, mate."

As in, a round number the mechanic pulled out of his arse, often accompanied with a sucking of teeth.

[69S4]

"Cost you a grand, mate."

As in, a round number the mechanic pulled out of his arse, often accompanied with a sucking of teeth.

Yeah, don't I know that one. One time I had it he couldn't even be bothered to put his tea down and get out of his chair. I did the job myself; it took ten minutes and cost nothing. They went bust about six months later.

[rgh0]

"Cost you a grand, mate."

As in, a round number the mechanic pulled out of his arse, often accompanied with a sucking of teeth.

Yes the sucking through the teeth while saying "Thats going to be expensive / difficult / time consuming" is my favourite. Its why I do as much as I can on my cars as it gets done better and much much cheaper

cheers
Rohan

[reb53]

As Guy Martin would say, “ that’s a dry teeth moment “.

[Andrewelan]

Never raced or rallied

[rgh0]

Another one I have suffered from is

" We have had a few problems with what you supplied us"

Despite my careful measurements and explicit written instructions machine shops often find creative ways to mess it up while charging you more in the process.

When I hear this its time to find another machine shop.

cheers
Rohan

[denicholls2]

How far across Australia do you have to go for a machine shop these days, Rohan?

[Craven]

‘ No problem ‘

[nigelrbfurness]

"We call that a heavy sweat". I call it an oil leak.

[2cams70]

Another quaint Australian expression is:

She'll be right mate!

[rgh0]

How far across Australia do you have to go for a machine shop these days, Rohan?

I found a good one a while ago but they stopped doing individual jobs as they got a contract to do all the Ford warrantee engine work . Found a few more I am trying unfortunately none can do all the different types of machining work on twink that the first one could.

cheers
Rohan

[Spyder fan]

my favourite reply to a complaint about a car is

"You shouldn't have bought it if you don't have a sense of humour"