Binder's Automotive Inc

Overall, Binder Automotive was a waste of time. I took my car here because it has a parasitic electrical drain. When I called initially by phone and explained my problem, the desk receptionist (an old woman named MJ) told me that they charge $130.89. That’s a lot more than the $60-$90 that most other places charge. I asked her if this was for every single hour of work or if it was a flat rate. MJ said it was flat rate because the shop did not charge beyond the 1st hour of diagnosis, even if it took longer. I felt that was very reasonable, so I took my car there. After waiting for 2 hours, the shop owner, Troy Binder, told me he narrowed down the problem. However, he said he did not finish the diagnosis and I would have to return next week, pay another $130.89, and have the diagnosis finished then. When I heard this, I was ticked off because I had not been given a clear explanation regarding pricing and he was not able to finish the final hour of labor. I paid for the 2 hours they did and left the shop. I spoke with my father about this matter and needless to say, he was pissed. He told me to contact Troy and demand an explanation as to what was going on. I contacted Troy, explained the situation, and demanded clarification regarding pricing. He basically said the pricing is not flat rate like the receptionist told me, promised to speak to the receptionist about being clear with pricing, and gave me a full refund so that I could go somewhere else to finish the job. He said he hoped that I could get the job done for a reasonable price at a different shop. When I asked him what part is possibly malfunctioning (so that the 2 hours he did does not have to be repeated), he said he couldn’t tell me because it was against his business principles. What the hell? First he says he hopes I get it done for a reasonable price and then he can’t even say two words so I know what part it is? Do yourself a favor and find another shop. These clowns at binder are an embarrassment to auto mechanics. It’s a shame. If Troy had his head screwed on the right way, I would not mind going to him for repairs, since it looks like he knows what he is doing, from a repair perspective. But if a guy runs a business that is not straight with its customers and plays games with people (like he did with not telling me the part), then I can’t rely on him for anything.