Repair/Service: AC Repair

Hourly Rate: $80

Total Cost: $86

The point: I have worked in the auto industry in both sales and service. In my opinion, if for no other reason, avoid this place because they don’t exhibit quality business ethics or reasonable efficiency. I am not saying these folks are cheats, but their business practices are questionable and they place no importance on the satisfaction of the customer. I ended up taking my car to the dealer, paying the same price, and getting a free loaner car…not to mention, they waive the diagnostic fee, as do most shops, when you agree to the work.

The story: I recently brought my Audi A6 to Madison Motor Werks for AC repair. I dropped the car off at 7:30a on a Thursday and asked that they fix the AC, check the brakes, and notify me of any scheduled service required. There didn’t appear to be many, if any, other cars there but I cannot be sure. I was told to expect a call that afternoon, which never came. At 2pm the next day, they called explaining I needed a new high pressure sensor, which was unavailable until the following Wednesday. They made no indication that they had checked the brakes, and said the only maintenance required was an oil change, per the sticker (incorrect). As the part was unavailable, they said I could pick the car up for the weekend; only catch was an $86 “Diagnostic Fee.”
Over two weeks later, without ever receiving a call, I contacted the shop to find out what code they had pulled as, due to the unreasonably long delay and the attempt to get me to agree to an unnecessary oil change, I was taking my car to the dealership. The owner(?) became disrespectful, claiming that I was “skipping out” on a part and said that he didn’t know what the code was. I then asked for my diagnostic fee to be refunded, as they couldn’t provide any diagnostic information. He then mumbled something and hung up.

by gilbenl on May 28, 2012