oil leak and more

[umniy]

My ’99 V-6, 96000mi Camry developed an oil leak several days ago. By the time I discovered it, it was dropping about 5-6” spot a day. I took it to a mechanic, who happened to be my friend (that’s what one of my problems is). No, my question is not that much technical, as it is about morals and integrity.
O.K. the mechanic immediately put dye in the engine and said that the rear main seal is leaking and gave me $700 estimate. I approved the job. Later on he called me back, saying that after he began disassembling the engine, he kept looking and found more proof that the front, not rear seal was leaking. That was good news, because now the repair price became less, $500. I said: whatever it takes.
At the end of the day he said that he was done, the car has been idling for 20 minutes and no leaks. I took the car from the parking lot, but since it was too late and he already left, I did not pay that day.
When I came home, I decided to stick a piece of cardboard under it, just to be sure. Next morning: an oil spot about 4”. At work I also put cardboard and at the end of the day got the same oil spot. Bummer!
That evening I stopped by the garage to pay for the “repair”. When I told him about leak, he said: too bad, it was probably the rear seal, as he originally suspected. Then he went to the computer and pulled out a new estimate for the rear seal replacement: now it was $1100, not $700. Why? Because he overlooked something the first time: my power train has a cradle, joining an engine with a transmission and it is impossible to drop the engine down: it should come out from the top, which is much harder. So, he suggested me still paying $500 for the front seal (which did not solve the problem), plus $1100 to a total of $1600. But since he mis-diagnosed, he would cut me a break and charge “only” $1300 for the whole thing.
Honestly, my jaw almost hit the ground, but I did not say a word. I asked him for a few days to think about it; he agreed without asking for money. Obviously, he expects me to either pay $500 and live with the leak or keep fixing and pay the whole $1300. BTW, the leak has been going on for three days now.
Here is my dilemma: is it morally right to keep charging for a mis-diagnosed repair? Wouldn’t it be ethical and a good customer retention practice to make it right and only charge what you quoted, no matter what? And if you mis-quoted, is it O.K. to say: sorry, I did not think straight and jack the price way up?
I am not sure what I would expect him to do. Maybe, stick to the lowest price of $500. Maybe even ask for $700, since that was the original quote; I would gladly pay that too. But asking for almost double that?
Dealing with a friend makes the matter much harder. I cannot put a price to a friendship, but expect reciprocal attitude. Why should I be a “Mr. nice guy” and let others take advantage of me?
Please, share any insights.
Thank you.

[Kep]

In a perfect world you should have that same conversation with him. The other alternatives will bother either you or him. Maybe you could split the difference.

If he put dye in the oil and found dye at the front seal then isn't it possible that both seals were leaking? If so then you should expect to pay for both. However, and I don't know the answer to this, What would the price of doing them individually be verses doing them both at the same time. If it were substantially cheaper to do them both at the same time then I wouldn't think that you would be expected to pay more than that combined price unless he offered to do both and you declined.

Dealing with friends is often gratifying and sometimes sucks. From the prices he is charging I don't think he is cutting you any slack so, were it me, I wouldn't cut him any either. Of course, were it me, I might loose the friend.

Kep

[toyomoho]

This type of mis-fix happens and the owner typically is stuck with the bill (even at the dealer).

He might have revised his estimate anyway once discovering the situation, this is what most shops would have done.

This is a large leak and at the wrong end of the engine that was worked on. Not sure how he mixed up the two unless he assuming too much.

You might be assuming a reciprocal attitude when none was ever there, unfortunately this often happens. And remember this is his lively hood. It is tough to stay in business if making discount deals with lots of friends all the time.

As Kep states determine if he will split the difference. Call a few shops and ask their prices for these jobs. You might find you save a few dollars having this person do the job.

Either way unless you can work this out to feel comfortable suggest finding a new mechanic.