Repair/Service: WORST diagnostic

Hourly Rate: $666

Total Cost: $35

Took my car there because it was overheating. They called 4 hours later and said "it's done." I had not discussed or authorized repairs and was confused - he clarified: "Yeah your car's dead. Blew a head gasket." I told him I would get back to him about what I would do with the car. They suggested I let them "waive the $35 fee" for looking at the car and just give them the title - when I could still drive it to a salvage yard for several hundred dollars.
When I informed them of my decision to drive it to John's Auto for $350 instead of giving it to them for $35 they became very cold.
As I was filling the coolant reservoir for the final time, in their parking lot in plain view of their main windows, I watched the owner, the woman who is always there, and several (3) mechanics or other employees gather at the window, staring at me, pointing and laughing. I have literally NEVER been treated so badly, especially on top of the attempted rip-off ("just give us your title, you won't have to pay that $35").
And that's just MY story. A colleague of mine took his car to them for a brake job and they could have killed him by not tightening any bolts.
Bottom line: the WORST and they don't even apologize. They don't care. Don't go there.

by ihateponies on February 12, 2012