Wheelers Auto Service, Inc.

Review: [redacted] - Vehicle #1: 2001 [redacted] was towed from [redacted] on June 24, 2015 to Wheelers, [redacted]. The vehicle was in their possession for a total of 26 hours as storage. I called on 6/24 to confirm possession and was told the total charge if I picked up the vehicle the following day was $128.00. Upon arrival I was told to pay $153.94 a difference of $24.00. I was told the additional charge was for two day storage. I questioned the additional storage amount and followed up asking to speak with the owner. The owner refused to accept my concerns and not adjust the bill to $128.00. The owner did not like me questioning the charge or his employee, and demanded payment in cash only. I told him I did not have sufficient funds and I was told the auto will remain in storage indefinitely until paid in full as cash only while the vehicle will accumulate storage fees. I had to leave to obtain additional funds. I paid in cash for the full amount of $153.94. I did not like how I was treated by the owner or his employees. They have the last and final word in what I must pay to take possession of the vehicle or continue paying storage. I did ask why it is posted that a vehicle towed at the request of a police response is in the low $80.00 range. They said that amount is approved and legal with the state of CT and filed accordingly. I asked if a person calls in and their vehicle is towed, where is the tow charge posted? Their response, the tow charges for non police call ins are charged on a basis that is up to change on any given day and is not posted on site and also meets CT legal regulations. [redacted] - Vehicle #2: 2008 [redacted] was towed from [redacted] on 8/15/15 to Wheelers [redacted]. Vehicles #1 and #2 were both towed from and to the same locations, and each vehicle was stored one night only. However, [redacted] invoice number [redacted] was paid in the full amount of $95.00. [redacted] invoice number [redacted] was paid in the full amount of $153.94. The difference of $58.94 is unfair and just not right. The attitude of the owner was uncalled for. I am a customer and should be treated as such. I am also a senior citizen and I have not been talked to by any business owner outside of due respect for each.Desired Settlement: I believe the owner must extend an offer of apology in writing and admit that future customers will not be yelled at and belittled to intimidation to pay what their employees and the owner feel they will charge for the moment. The customer is at their sole mercy just to obtain possession of their vehicle and as a customer I expect to pay a fair and standard price, not a made up one. To make me whole again, I should be reimbursed the difference of $58.94 as aforementioned above. There isn't much physical difference in towing either vehicle. Both vehicles require wheel lift towing. I do have copies of invoice numbers [redacted] and [redacted] if you request. Being a senior citizen I would think the owner would accept a credit card payment for at least the additional $24.00 storage fee after I informed the owner I was told earlier on the phone a lesser charge. Having to leave and obtain more money was an inconvenience, additional time wasted, and certainly effected me emotionally.

Business

Response:

It is unfortunate that this vehcile was called in by the porperty owner to be towed. The vehcile was here for two days as stated in his receipt, also company policy is posted as cash only and it would have been forwarded to this person that was towed, but he hung up on us. Also we were informed that this was his son's car and we feel he was upset that it was towed and he had to come down to pay for it. This was a tow that was charge state rate. We did explain all costs to this tow but the gentalman was so upset in having to pay for a tow that was not his car.

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: The receipt, invoice number [redacted] does state a two day storage that I did not verbally accept other than pay the total amount to avoid further storage fees. The owner did not have an explanation, other than agree with his employee, as to why I was charged two days when it was agreed to in my initial phone call on 6/24 that I would arrive out of state the following day and pay $128.00. I do remember asking what the total bill would be. The vehicle was in their possession for 26 hours and one hour included due to the fact I needed to obtain additional funds to pay an amount greater than the initial phone call quote. I also was not told in advance to pay in cash, and I deny hanging up the phone before they had a chance to indicate additional charges, also most tow businesses do accept credit carsd for towing. I also asked how the towing charges are determined for individuals, considering police call ins for towings are posted at their business site. I was not offered written policy or tow rates regarding the state rate, and now ask why my son's Sonic vehicle was charged a much lower rate than having the Bonneville towed from the same location to their two business address? Why the cost difference and double standard? Both the Bonneville and Sonic were released from their business possession the following day of each initial towing. It is correct the [redacted] was registered in my son's name and I was told on 6/25 the vehicle can not be released to me as the father because [redacted] was the registered owner. They stated if there was a family dispute ongoing they can not release the vehicle to me. There is no family dispute. My son is not employed rather attends grad school full time. I am responsible for all of [redacted] expenses during his school years. I stated I was confused and explained my son is a current medical grad student locally and can not leave his classes to pay the tow related charges. He typically is at school for labs, classes, and research approximately 12-16 hours five days each week. This went on for a good 5 -10 minutes until I reluctantly agreed to pay in cash the $153.94. I was forced to sign the receipt under duress, but made it clear to the owner I verbally do not accept the two day storage fee. He could care less.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

The correct charges were charged on these tows. Not to manny people are happy when they park in the wrong place and then they take it out on the towing company,

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: I have asked since day one concerning the [redacted] towing charge how and to what standard Wheeler towing determines their tow rate. I have been told by Wheeler the charge is predetermined and approved by state regulations and the rate is standard and can change from any given day. I have asked to review these state regulation rates and did not receive cooperation or explanation other than their denial. I am asking why the Pontiac (invoice #[redacted]) on June 24th was charged $153.94 and the [redacted] (invoice #[redacted]) on August 15th was charged $95.00. Both vehicles were towed from [redacted] to Wheelers location, different days but exact mileage comparison and length of storage time. I am asking for transparency in the determination of the aforementioned tow charges and why one customer is charged a different tow rate than another. I do ask for an apology because once again the owner believes I am personally "taking it out on the towing company", rather than seeking only what is fair and equitable for all customers.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

The tow's are differant because of the time they were here, there was storage applyed. We are sorry that this gentalman is not understanding the towing laws. No one likes to get towed and especially when he was not the one who parked the said vehicle. Possibly his son did not notice his car was gone due to the 15 hr. school days his father had said he is doing and the car was here for days, we did everythig by the letter of the law and urge people to take note where they can and can not park. Handicapped people do have there own spaces and also some complexes have assigned parking. Hopefully this will conclude this complaint and he can move on, Thank you