L.A. Automotive

Services rendered were not done properly and vehicle was released to us in dangerous driving condition. Attempted to bring it back and was harassed.We brought our vehicle to have the rear brakes fixed on [redacted] A verbal estimate given was [redacted] for the work and parts for rear brake pads, rotors and calipers if needed. We were told it would be more if brake lines needed to be replaced. During the repair they found 2 brake lines that needed to be replaced, but the calipers were in tact so it only needed rotors and pads. We were told that the brakes were a bit spongy due to some air left in the line but that the brakes were operational. We paid the total amount due [redacted] cash and [redacted] in check. Upon driving home the vehicle was barely able to stop and was almost in a collision. My husband text messaged the mechanic to tell him the brakes were not working and he said to bring it back. That night my husband started receiving profane and derogatory text messages from the business owner. We asked them to not continue the repair on the vehicle as we did not feel safe having them complete the work after being harassed. After picking up the vehicle the next day I cancelled the check for services not completed and was planning as soon, as I could afford someone else to redo the repairs and write a report of their findings, filing a small claims case. We were called once to come into the office to resolve the issue, but because of the nature of the text messages did not feel safe doing so. On [redacted] my husband received a phone call from our town police department saying a police report was filed due to the cancelled check. Instead of dealing with that hassle we brought [redacted] to the police station. I will give them the opportunity to settle out of court before filing a small claims case as it was what was advised by the police station.Desired SettlementI am requesting a FULL refund including parts and service in the amount of [redacted] plus the [redacted] cancel check fee incurred due to their harassing behavior. If filed in small claims court we will be seeking the full amount minus parts which equals [redacted] for harassment, 2 days lost wages for the 2 work days my husband missed that week due to an inoperable vehicle of [redacted] For a total amount of [redacted] plus court costs.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted]Contact Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXXContact Email: [redacted]My apologies for the delayed response as I was away. In response to Mrs. [redacted]'s complaint I will share with you my view of the situation. Mr. [redacted] was told verbally a quote between [redacted] and [redacted] depending on what we find with his vehicles brakes. It was found initially that the rear brakes were completely worn out, but also the brake lines to the front brakes were rotted/ leaking so the vehicle was only stopping on worn out rear brakes. Mr. [redacted] agreed to rear brake pads, rotors and front brake lines as needed. The only hitch that came up was bleeding the air out of the brake system after doing lines which requires bleeder screws to be opened(screws are a part of calipers). a couple of the screws were too rusted to come out and broke off(common rust issue)which requires replacing the calipers or extracting broken pieces of screws which can be more money in time than installing new calipers. Mr. [redacted] was told his bill was around [redacted] at this time and asked if he would ok the new calipers- he declined due to hardship. My staff and I bled the brakes as best without operational bleeder screws and Mr. [redacted] paid exactly as Mrs. [redacted] stated. After leaving, Mr. [redacted] texted saying the brakes were still bad as I predicted he would. I told him I could try again, but he needed calipers to be 100 percent. He brought it back and we tried again some unconventional methods to remove air from the system without success. Mr. [redacted] was notified that the brakes were not going to get better without bleeder screws/ or caliper replacement. He replied to stop all work and picked up the vehicle the next day. After a couple days I received the stop payment check and attempted to contact Mr. [redacted] for payment or explanation without success. I was forced to contact local police to retrieve the owed amount from [redacted] which was successful. Mr and Mrs [redacted] are upset about the situation as I can fully understand- but it was nothing that I or any of my employees did to his vehicle nor could we have done more to correct it without more work or parts. My prices are fair and brake lines and rear brake job for [redacted] is really reasonable. I cannot change the fact that the vehicle needs more work than [redacted] can cover. The vehicle is older, rusted and we do what we can to save the [redacted] money. We have always had a good customer relationship as Mr. [redacted] does have my cell phone number and my employees cell phone number and has harassed us using them on the weekends or after work. Mr. [redacted] has been known to be comical with our staff and now turned that against us. We treat as we are treated. We pride ourselves with great customer relations and are personable to everyone. When The [redacted] can afford caliper work I will be happy to finish repairs to the vehicle.