Yes, there are strong indications that some Rapid Tune Automotive Services in Queensland have a pattern of cheating customers, based on consistent consumer complaints.

Key issues reported include:

• Misleading VIP Vouchers: Customers in Queensland (e.g., East Brisbane, Capalaba) report being sold $179–$199 VIP vouchers promising three free services, only to be charged $79 or more for an oil change—contradicting the offer.
• High-pressure sales tactics: Door-to-door and car park salespeople, often linked to third-party marketers like Dark Horse Marketing, are accused of deceptive practices.
• Overcharging and unnecessary repairs: One customer in Capalaba was quoted $1,200 for brakes, far above market rates. Another in Strathpine was told they needed $3,000 in fuel injector repairs, but a second opinion revealed a $100 sensor fix was all that was needed.
• Poor accountability: Management often refuses refunds, denies responsibility, or blames customers. Some report being ghosted after complaints.
• Damage and theft: One customer claimed Rapid Tune Derrimut stole their 4×4 tyres, though this location is in Victoria, not Queensland.

While some Queensland branches (like East Brisbane) have mixed or positive reviews, the recurring theme of deceptive vouchers and inflated pricing suggests a systemic risk.

I took my car for a service using a scoopon voucher. They told me my car needed over $3000 in repairs – which seemed over the top but I paid anyway in the hope it would benefit my car. It had always driven extremely well. After the service my car began chugging & blowing black smoke… it had never driven like this before. Took it back 3 times, the staff checked the car & returned it after a full day – and all they could suggest was wrong was that I should change back a gear when going uphill! There was apparently nothing wrong with my Car since the $1000 service. Drove it 3 more times & returned it as it began to sound like a lawn mower. Rapid Tune then advised my car has used up all of it’s petrol & blown the engine. After sharing my experience with friends I have found a few people with similar stories, one girl even had the same car as mine & the engine also blew up. Rapid Tune FTG again not taking responsibility for their work. Both of us have had to buy 2nd hand replacement engines – and our cars have never been the same. BEWARE of this company.

Approximate cost: $6000.00

Horrible horrible. Took my car which had been running perfectly for 8 years to this mob with a voucher which entitled me to a service, car wash & a sham wow. I took it back after 2 days due to it blowing huge amounts of smoke & struggling to take off, or go up hills… plus they forgot to wash my car, and the sham wow was not in stock. They said there was nothing wrong with the car. I took it back the next week with the same issues, still they said there’s nothing wrong with my car. By the time I took it back 3rd time, my engine had run out of oil & cooked itself. I then had to get a 2nd hand engine installed. Almost $2000 spent on a $29 voucher to get my car serviced. Then discovered quite a few friends on facebook had similar experiences with Rapid Tune FTG. Take your car there at your own risk… Still waiting for my sham wow by the way.

Approximate cost: $2000.00

My car was a repairable write off due to someone ramming into it. I took the car to Rapidtune and they told me they could get it back on the road at a much discounted price, so I left my car with them. A few days later I got a call from one of the mechanics who told me the car could not be fixed at the price they quoted because there is too much damage, so I went to pick it up and guess what? The $400 brand new battery which I had just purchased had been replaced with a second hand, smaller sized battery and the 4 brand new tyres I had just bought were replaced with bald ones. They obviously knew they weren’t going to fix the car for the price quotes, they just wanted me to leave the car with them so they could steal things from it. My brother also took his car there and he was told it needed a lot of fixing, they quotes him $1000. He took the car to a different mechanic for a second opinion, and they said 3 out of the 5 things Rapidtune said were wrong with the car were in perfect condition. I will never go back.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 diesel model is equipped with a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, specifically the Mercedes-Benz OM651 engine. This engine produces 125 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque.

Based on the information available, you are being grossly overcharged, and the mechanic’s actions raise serious concerns.

Fair Cost for the Work

• A water pump replacement for a 2014 Infiniti Q50 typically costs between $900 and $1,500 in Australia, including parts and labor.
• Some sources indicate prices as low as $300–$1,000, while others (like RepairPal) estimate up to $1,457 for similar models.
• The $4,700 bill is over three times higher than even the highest market estimate — this is unreasonable and inconsistent with standard pricing.

Quote vs Estimate: What’s Legally Binding?

• In Australia, a quote is legally binding if accepted. You must be charged no more than the quoted price unless additional work is authorized by you.
• An estimate is not binding and is only an approximation. However, the final cost should not be vastly higher without justification and your approval.
• Rapid Tune initially gave you a firm quote of $2,300, which you accepted. They later claimed it was only an “estimate,” but if it was presented as a fixed price and you agreed to it based on that understanding, it likely constitutes a binding agreement.

Are You Being Scammed?

• Yes, this appears to be a scam tactic. Charging double the original agreed amount without prior consent, especially on a common repair, is a known predatory practice.
• Holding your car hostage for non-payment of an unauthorized charge is aggressive and exploitative, though mechanics do have a legal right (called a mechanic’s lien) to retain a vehicle until payment is made — but only for work you authorized

What You Should Do

1. Do not pay more than $2,300 unless you agree to additional, justified work with a written quote.
2. Request a detailed, itemized invoice showing parts, labor, and proof of the water pump’s cost.
3. Contact Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading or ACCC to file a formal complaint.
4. Consider legal advice or pursuing the matter through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) if they refuse to release your car.
5. Get a second opinion on whether the water pump was actually replaced and if the part was genuine.

You have strong consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Do not be pressured into paying an inflated, unauthorized bill.