Which model 2 litre diesel engine is fitted to an Infinity Q 50 2014 SEDAN?
Finished
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.
I was quoted over the phone by Rapid Tune in Burpengary, QLD $2300 to do the replacement when they contacted me after I had asked 2 other companies for quotes. Because I had not contacted Rapid Tune, I asked them how they knew I needed a water pump replacement. They told me AutoGuru had told them. I accepted their $2300 as I thought it sounded reasonable. The next day, after the car was delivered to them, they rang me and told me the water pump needed to be shipped from Europe, which would take 6 weeks, to which I agreed. About 3 weeks later, they rang and said the water pump had arrived sooner than expected, and that the work was finished, and I could pick up the car. They then told me the bill was over $4700. I immediately objected to the increased price from the original quote of $2300 and said as they had not contacted me to get my agreement to the extra charge, I was not prepared to pay more than their original $2300 Quote. They then told me they dont give quotes, only estimates, which I would never agree to at any time because I am not a fool. I told them again that I would only pay the $2300. I have been told that if I do not pay the $4700 plus, they will keep my car until it is paid. I think this is a scam tactic, and I am being grossly overcharged. Can you tell me what you think is a fair charge for the work and the cost of the new Water pump, and if I am being scammed?
Finished
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
- Do not pay more than $2,300 unless you agree to additional, justified work with a written quote.
- Request a detailed, itemized invoice showing parts, labor, and proof of the water pump’s cost.
- Contact Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading or ACCC to file a formal complaint.
- Consider legal advice or pursuing the matter through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) if they refuse to release your car.
- 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.