Repair/Service: Catalytic Converter, Timing Belt, Water Pump, All Belts, AC Compressor

Hourly Rate: $95

Total Cost: $860

I have been to GT Automotive on three occasions. On the first visit I had them install a catalytic converter I had purchased and I was very satisfied with everything about the service. I felt that I had an affordable and trustworthy place to bring my car to for repairs. However on the last two visits, I felt very deceived.
I have no major problems with the quality of the work they performed, however I have a problem with how they can be dishonest in the additional charges they surprise you with when you pick up your car. I think that when you get an estimate, it should include all of the charges that they know are required to perform the job. On my second visit I got my timing belt and water pumped changed, and in the estimate they failed to include coolant, tacking on $14 when I pay the bill. No big deal, I just don't appreciate how they are not forthcoming with the known details of the estimate since replacing the coolant is a necessary part of the job.
On the day I had the timing belt along with my A/C belt changed, my A/C stopped working after I picked up my car. When I brought this up to them, they were very defensive about it not being their fault. The clutch on the A/C had broken, and I can't say for sure if it is related to how they changed the belt, but I didn't appreciate how they made no effort to resolve it. I would have really appreciated some discount on the cost to replace the A/C, even if it was small.
So I had to take my car in for a third a time to replace the A/C compressor. When I got an estimate for the repair over the phone, I specifically asked if they were going to charge me for the refrigerant. Their answer was that they will recycle the refrigerant that is already in my system, leading me to believe that I would not be charged. They failed to tell me that if my system is not fully charged, they would charge me for the refrigerant at their fairly expensive rate of 3$ per ounce. So again when I pick up my car, I am surprised with another $30 charge for 10oz. of refrigerant, which actually retails for about $10. It’s surprising the system needed this much since the level was checked by another mechanic a few weeks earlier who said it was only a little low.
Although I really liked this place at first, I am not satisfied with GT Automotive anymore. I doubt I would take my car here again, and I will need to look elsewhere for my car repairs. I suggest that you do the same.

by Mike K on September 7, 2012