I just got an estimate to repair my Banshee. The dealer gave me a printout with 73 line items most of which are nuts and bolts but with no other descriptions. Does anyone know of a way I can translate these numbers into english so I know what they're estimating?

 

Apparently, some shops provide estimates using what I call a "material take-off man," a guy who goes through an exploded parts diagram and lists and prices every conceivable part a repair might involve, without regard to salvaging usable parts. The exercise is pretty mindless; how many fasteners (bolts/nuts/screws) wear out in service? But, there you are; you have every nut/bolt/washer listed by its cataloged numbered identification and priced accordingly.

Now, when it comes time to repair your quad, do you think the mechanic insists upon the brand new individually-packaged, genuine Yamaha 6 mm flat washer, or does he dig into the parts bin where all the generic fasteners are kept? Or, does he re-use the perfectly good washer that came off your quad?

Never mind; what do you think appears on your bill?

The solution? Find a shop you trust that treats you fairly; even if you can identify the parts in the estimate you received, you can't change the shop's policy of estimating new parts covering everything, including the proverbial kitchen sink.

Tree Farmer