DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Sept. 2, 2010, I purchased a new starter for my car at a local mechanic’s shop in Auburn (not a dealership). The starter had a three-year warranty, and the bill was $301.02, of which $67.50 was for the labor only.

On April 19, after less than eight months of service, it conked out on me. The shop replaced the new starter at no cost. However, they charged me again for the $67.50 installation labor.

Why should I have to pay for the labor again, since it was under warranty? Is this practice standard throughout the auto repair industry? If it is, it doesn’t seem fair to me, as I bought it in good faith. I think the manufacturer of the defective part should have to pay for that labor.

What do you think (or know) about this type of situation? I’ve done business with this same shop for more than 20 years, and I always thought that they treated me fairly. — Roland Fleming, Auburn

ANSWER: You didn’t provide Sun Spots with the name of your mechanic so she couldn’t check with them, but seeing as you are a longtime customer, you might ask the owner of the business if he would waive the second installation fee. Alternatively, you could write to the maker of the starter and request reimbursement for the labor based on the short time their starter performed correctly.

Sun Spots has noticed that warranties for many products separate parts from labor, with payment for labor typically pretty limited (as little as 60 to 90 days) if provided for at all.

Sun Spots would love to hear from mechanics and other business owners as to how they would handle this or a similar situation.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the reader interested in finding pen pals (May 16), there is a magazine devoted to pen pals: The Letter Exchange, 855 Village Center Drive No. 324, North Oaks, MN 55127-3016.

It costs $23 for a year’s subscription (three issues). The new member is assigned a code number that is used to place/answer ads in the magazine and for forwarding mail to/from pals if the member does not want his or her actual address divulged. When someone finds an interesting ad, the first response is sent to the magazine with the prospective pen pal’s code number prominently displayed on the envelope.

The Letter Exchange acts as a go-between until the writers are ready to reveal their addresses. It requires double postage for a while but is well worth the extra 44 cents.

It is up to the writers to decide when to reveal physical addresses. Some recommend a post office box. Occasionally, you will be contacted by someone with whom you have no desire to correspond. Do not feel obligated to answer every letter you receive. If you feel that a correspondent is asking too many personal questions or sending materials you do not want (that can happen), send The Letter Exchange the offending items along with the sender’s code number and request that no more mail be forwarded to you from that number.

Good luck with your pen palling experience. It can be a fun and educational hobby. — L.D., No Town

ANSWER: You can also check them out at www.letter-exchange.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a used above-ground pool ladder. I bought a new 4-foot pool this year, but the ladder that comes with it is narrow and has a weight limit of 300 pounds. My dad, who is disabled, exceeds that limit, so he cannot use the pool, which he would enjoy greatly.

A new, bigger, heavy-duty ladder is so expensive. I was wondering if anyone might have a used one for a reasonable price. Thank you for your help. — Carmen Fillmore, Lewiston, 330-0905

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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