I just purchased a TS and started doing the right thing by getting oil changes , inspection and any other mechanicals needed done.

Took it to my usual mechanic - not too bad minor oil leak , coolant flush , brake fluid flush and change, rear muffler needs replacement...oh and a new air filter. Cool :D

A new national auto service has just opened and as its a 1 km walk I thought i'd try them...you know convenience, set price blah blah.

hmmmm....

1. Wanted to do all four new shocks and bump stops for $1400 (This had not been identified as a problem 3 days ago at my regular mechanic).

2. Checked the coolant flush / radiator ....not a sign of any of the green stuff just clear water.

Question am I being overly paranoid ? Or have I been jipped ? :cry:

coolant should either be bright green or red. Definately should not be clear. take it back and have a go!

Just making sure I wasn't imagining things...:rant:

How do I check the brake fluid flush ? Colour of the brake fluid in the reservoir?

Fresh brake fluid is the colour of honey. If it gets enough crap in it, it'll look like used engine oil.

Wipe the reservoir cap with a clean cloth, and pull it off. If the fluid looks dark, or has dark clouds suspended in it, chances are it's not new. When you refit the cap, push the rubber boots inside the cap flush with the surface of the cap.

With regards to the other stuff - $1400 is a bit much for 4 shocks and bumpstops. If you want to check this, give the car a sideways shove at the roofline. If it keeps swaying/rolling after you stop pushing, then the shocks aren't great.

also have a look to see if a spanner has been on the bleeder nuts on the calipers.

Yeah 1400 is very steep for 4 shocks and bumpstops, shocks should be around 300-350 for KYB units (about the same with monroes depending on which shock you go) and aftermarket bumpstops will be less then 200 bucks for all four (again depending on what brand) and labour around 150-190, as for the brake fluid, if it has been flushed it will be a golden style colour, and also what Magtone said jump under the car and check the caliper bleeder nipples they should have marks from a spanner on them.