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The original was posted on /r/maliciouscompliance by /u/Hermit-Gardener on 2025-08-14 02:40:41+00:00.

Many years ago, I had a 1981 Ford Courier pickup that needed engine work.

After meeting with a local auto repair shop that specialized in rebuilding engines, I asked if they could look at the engine and get the truck operational again. After examining the engine, he said it needed rings, valve work, plugs, plug wires, and a list of other things. I asked if he could do what he suggested for $1,000 or less. The shop owner said he could do that, we agreed on the $1,000 maximum price, and I dropped off the truck.

A couple of weeks later, he called to tell me the truck was ready to pick up, and the bill was a little over $1,300. I asked what happened to my maximum limit of $1,000?

He said that once they got in, they repaired a few extra things while the engine was open, upgraded some components beyond what was necessary, and believed it was worth the new price. I told him that I was only willing/able to spend $1,000 and that is why I gave him the maximum.

He said that if I didn’t pay, they would keep the truck.

The reason I had a $1,000 maximum was if repairs were over that, I was going to take the money and buy a newer used vehicle.

After a long pause on the phone while I did some fast mental math, I told him to keep the truck and I hung up.

He called back in about three minutes and told me to come and get the truck for $1,000.