Mechanic: What can we do for you today?
Car Owner: Uh, hi. Yes, I'm having a problem with my car, and it doesn't seem to run right. I mean every time I start it up, the engine runs for a minute or so,
sputters1 like it isn't getting enough gas, and then dies.
Mechanic: Hmmm. Okay. Let's open the
hood2, and let's take a look . . . Okay, start her up.
[Engine starting . . .]
Okay, Okay. Shut her off. Hmmm. [So . . .] Let me look at the book here . . . [It] sounds like a possible fuel line, a dirty carburetor, bad alternator, or even a weak battery.
Car Owner: So, which one is it?
Mechanic: Uhh. Difficult to say. Let me try this . . . Uh, alright . . . You need to talk to the mechanic.
Car Owner: The mechanic! So, who are you?
Mechanic: Well, I'm the assistant, and I've only been here on the job for two days.
Car Owner: So, why didn't you tell me that in the first place? I mean, I wouldn't have wasted all this time!
Mechanic: You didn't ask.
Car Owner: Okay, so how much is it going to cost?
Mechanic: Ah. Difficult to say. [That's what you said about the last thing!] Are you a local or from out of town?
Car Owner: I'm just passing through, and this is the only place for miles. [Yeah, that's right.] Man, can't you see my
license3 plate? [Sure did!]
Mechanic: Okay. The out-of-town rate. Let's see. Okay, here we go. If it's a fuel line, that'll be $100 . . . No, no, That's the local rate. Here, $200 for the pre-screening check, $150 for parts, plus or minus $100, and $75 an hour for
labor4. Oh, oh yeah. Today's a holiday, so labor is actually $50 more per hour.
Car Owner: Huh? Those prices are
outrageous5, and what holiday is it today?
Mechanic: Oh, it's the local
pumpkin6 festival.
Car Owner: Ah, come on. I can't believe this. Of all my luck, my car breaks down in an out-of-the-way town [That's right.], and it'll cost an arm and a leg to get my car
fixed7.
Mechanic: Ah, we'll take care of you. Just bring the car back on Tuesday so Mike, our mechanic, can take a look at it.
Car Owner: Why not today? It's only 11:00 a.m.!
Mechanic: Ahh, we close at 11:30 a.m. on holidays, and we're closed tomorrow and Sunday, and we're closed the following day as well.
Car Owner: I can't wait that long! I need my car repaired now.
Mechanic: Well, next week is the best we can do, but you can talk to Mike at the Pumpkin Festival.This town will grow on you. [Ah, man!]
1. What one possible problem was NOT mentioned about the man's car?
A. a stopped-up fuel line
B. a grimy carburetor
C. a bad accelerator
A. The mechanic is not available to assess the problem.
B. The car is an older model that the mechanic hasn't seen before.
C. The mechanic doesn't have the proper tools to check the problem.
3. Today, how much would labor be per hour for the car owner in this conversation?
A. $50
B. $75
C. $125
4. Why will it be so expensive for the man to get his car fixed?
A. His car will require extensive repairs that will take a lot of time.
B. Special custom-made parts must be ordered from out of town.
C. He must pay higher fees because he isn't a resident of that area.
5. What day is it in the conversation?
A. Friday
B. Saturday
C. Sunday