Question about independent shops - Did I get ripped off?

[jcslocum]

If you now have the car and paid by credit card, you have leverage to discuss the total of the invoice with him. An "extra" $1300 in overage isn't reasonable from the estimate if no extra work was done or parts used. Go back to him and assert yourself. It's not personal, just business. The worst that can happen is he will refuse to work with you on the bill. That is exactly where you are now, so nothing ventured, nothing gained (recovered) by you. Yu don;t have to go nuts or be come an AH, just state your case and demand a refund.

[356Guy]

No reputable shop does work without prior approval unless they like confrontations. Customers don't like surprises. Who does? If they call to advise of extra recommended work you can say no, defer, or take something else off of the scope.

[Wilson95005]

Give a bad review - just the facts, ma'am. They sure don't like those. And tell them beforehand that you're going to do so.