Gary's Oil City & Total Repair

On 1/27/14, my [redacted] overheated 30 miles west of [redacted] and towed to Gary's Oil City for repair. They quoted $360 to replace the Water Pump and I requested they also install a new "thermostat" as it's removed during the process. I requested they "call me if other items need replacement." I was called AFTER the repair and told I did need another part so my new total is $408.41. The departure from the original quote was to buy a tool. In my 35 years of driving/owning automobiles Ive acquired tools I need for making my own repairs, and when I leave the backyard to take my vehicles to professional mechanics I dont expect to also buy or loan them tools! When I next tried to leave town on 2/12/14 it again overheated 30 miles west on I-80 while climbing the same stretch as before. I returned the vehicle and was told it was a cracked seal on the radiator cap. I knew it was cracked before taking it to the shop the first time as it couldnt be missed. When removing the cap a piece of the seal would hang down, but as it still held pressure, if it was an issue I was sure it would be mentioned just as I had requested. I even watched a Technician remove and replace the cap to add coolant, just as the mechanic would've had to have done. Yet it was never mentioned so the charge for replacing a radiator cap was $161.24! I complained about these charges to the owner and was told, A lot of time was spent testing, refilling coolant, driving around, letting it idle outside, all to make sure it wont overheat again, but I can give you $20 back. I repeated, "All those things could've been avoided if done right the first time." The very next day, for the third time in a row, my vehicle overheated 30 miles west on I-80. Instead of returning to Garys Oil City, I had my car towed to [redacted] who after a Minimum Shop-Charge of one half-hour ($64) found it to be a faulty radiator. It cost $600, which is about the same amount paid to Garys Oil City for their mistake filled misdiagnosis.Desired SettlementOf the $569.65 I paid, I will accept a refund of $383.95 (not $20) as I am willing to pay for the new & un-needed parts which I now have, but not for tools, labor, or anything that was the result of not doing the right job, or the job right. $97.88 - pump, $37.78 - coolant, $36.47 - thermostat, $13.57 - radiator cap totaling $185.70. I will return the Tool so the next time a water pump is repaired by this shop they can avoid charging the customer.Business Response The customer came to our shop January 27th 2014, the customer asked us to replace water pump he then said check it out. The water pump was leaking out the seepy hole. We replaced the water pump. We ran the vehicle for long period of time and I also test drove it and it never over heated. The customer said it never overheated prior to the water pump leaking. The customer returned, and said it was still overheating, we added two more gallons of coolant. I then test drove it driving it to [redacted] (approximately 22 miles away). The gauge read about 196-203 degrees, which is a good temperature. It never came close to over heating. I did see the radiator cap had cracks in it, but not where it actually sealed to the tank. I replaced the cap. I charged him for 1 hour labor, 2 gallons of coolant, and a radiator cap. Note I never did see where any coolant was leaking. Later the customer called and said it over heated again , but then said later that it just died on him. Now he says it's the radiator. I offered to look at it again if he would bring it in. The whole reason he brought it in was to replace the water pump. We fixed the leak. We did what it was in for.We will agree to refund the cost of the second bill, maybe it had an air lock in the cooling system and didn't get enough coolant in the motor the first time.Sincerely,[redacted]Consumer Response My case was apparently closed 10 days after Gary's Oil City agreed to pay me. I was on vacation and returned to find your email stating he had replied and before I had a chance to contact him about my refund, the case was closed. I hope this means he still will partially refund me like he agreed. I just haven't received the payment yet and hadn't had a chance to contact you or him since returning from vacation.Thank you for all you do. The Revdex.com has been a great voice when the consumer has none.[redacted]Consumer Response Business offered to refund second visit of $160 (approx.) only, not my requested $380 (approx). I found this offer to be fair and agreed to settlement of matter, after which, business issued refund of all money paid for my second visit, and business did so in a timely matter. I therefore consider this matter resolved and now find my business dealing with "Gary's Oil City" to be an amicable one.