1st Choice Auto Repair

[redacted] 1st Choice Auto Repair El Sutton Ln Ste DSacramento CA Revdex.com attached is my response, I expect both attachments to be added as our full and official response Do NOT redact or EDIT this response as provided

Hello [redacted] I have attached a letter, please review the contents of the letter, I will be following up with a full response to the alleged compliant as well

Message: Re: Customer Information: ID of [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] The details of this matter are as follows: Complaint Involves: Mazda MX-Miata 1.8L Alleged vehicle damage /Service Issues Business Response Statement: Customer [redacted] [redacted] [redacted] had his vehicle towed to our repair shop for a clutch replacement, which actually is not a simple job as statedIts requires a skilled mechanic/technician and a minimum amount of hours estimated labor time to remove the entire transmission from the vehicle, replace the clutch components and re-install the transmissionIn all cases it requires more time then stated to perform the repair While we don’t have an issue with a customer calling and inquiring about a vehicles repair status, we typically do not call a customer unless we have an issue and once the repairs are completed the customer is notifiedAs stated by this customer we performed the requested clutch replacement in a satisfactory mannerWe even explained to the customer the reason for the softness of the clutch pedal would require an additional repair/replacement of the clutch master cylinderThis would be a completely separate repair that would be required or needed The Jest of the complaint alleged by this customer is that we caused damage to his vehicle while performing the aforementioned clutch repairThis accusation is unfounded and baselessThe truth is it cannot be known by this customer how and when the ding/damage to the trunk lid occurred for a certaintyIt was simply more convent for him to say it occurred while the repair was being performedWe would like to offer the following perspective: This vehicle has had modifications, at some point in time which changed it from the original car manufacture designThe vehicles height has been significantly lowered, a body kit has been added and a high performance sound system had been addedThe vehicle was looked over at the time of its arrival for obvious signs of significant damage, we did observe signs of dings/dents once it was offloaded from the flatbed tow truck Ie, front license plate partially hanging, it left zipped tiedFront emblem missing, rear driver side body kit molding hanging off, we would not have gone over the entire vehicle with a fine tooth comb, and if we had noticed any damage to the trunk lid we certainly would have made note of itThe customer with his father came and picked up the vehicle, he [redacted] took it on a brief test drive alone and I believe if he had any concerns prior to leaving with the vehicle he would have said somethingBy Him waiting until he arrived home and seeing the damage would be questionable since this is the only major concern and basis for this complaintCustomer quote "Well your car is outside in 'public' where people can mess with your car." I simply replied and told him that the dents were from the 'Inside, Out' he replied, "I don't see how that is possible if no one ever breached your trunk?" needless to say there were grease marks in my trunkThe dents were from my subwoofer that I've been having in my car for aproxmonths now, never had a problem with denting or anything until I brought it in to [redacted] shop” We did have phone and text conversations regarding the alleged damage and he provided some pictures, He was told initially by [redacted] (***) we had no reason to access his trunk, this vehicle battery is located in the trunk and accessing the trunk was actually required to disconnect the battery prior to any repair work being performedThe vehicle further had to be physical pushed into the repair shop and placed on a car lift in-order for repairs to be performed, once repairs were completed it was driven outside the shop on the day the customer picked it up The trunk would have need to be opened twice to disconnect/reconnect the battery We have a lot in front of our repair shop and we place vehicle their when repairs are completed, his statement that we said someone could have messed with his vehicle is inaccurateWe have surveillance cameras overlooking the lot When the customer did return he provided an auto body repair estimate listing the damage as being about $600, We were allowed to examine the trunk area and the trunk lid, we noted clearance between the large subwoofer box and trunk lid was sufficient for the trunk to properly closeWe also noted that the customer has been using loosely and worn stretched bungie cords to secure the large subwoofer box inside the trunkThe subwoofer was sitting in the spare tire wheel well, and the heavy subwoofer box was not even bolted down at all to prevent movementThe customer has failed to mention this as part of his complaint, that the subwoofer has a significant amount of flexibility and most likely moves about when the vehicle is in motionSimply using two or three elastic bungie cords is not a proper installation method for a heavy box subwoofer We took pictures and created a video to demonstrate how much flex existed We repeatedly attempted to have a meaningful conversation and the customer did not want to listen and was insistent that we had somehow caused the damage to his trunk lidHe repeatedly insinuated we were lying and had caused the damageHe insulted us by inferring we were LIAR’SAt this point he was asked to leaving the premises We asked him repeatedly to leave and not to returnAt no point in time did we threaten to kick his *** or threaten him with an 8inch flashlight *** had in his hand when we had inspected the trunk area The basis of this complaint is not the actual repair which was performed, but an allegation that we somehow caused two dings in his trunk lid with his oversized/ unsecured subwoofer by simply having to access the trunk in order to disconnect/reconnect his battery We can ALL agree that the subwoofer hitting the trunk lid caused the damageWe believe it most likely occurred when the vehicle was being loaded on to the tow truck, or while the vehicle was being driven for an extended period over streets, roads or the freeway

I am rejecting this response because:After getting back in contact with Jeremiah again I paid $cash and about an hour later I came and paid off with card$to assess and finish a mechanics work is a slap to the faceI didn't contact you to work on my vehicle again because you proved to me after the first time you didn't fix leak that you could not be trusted .I gave you a chance to make good on you're work and I still have problemsBolts should not come lose within first couple weeks of driving a car no matter what

I am rejecting this response because: the business is not telling the truthWhen the clutch failed on 9/I asked 1st Choice if the parts and labor were still under warranty and if I had to get my vehicle towed to Sacramento or if a local mechanic could do repairs1st choice responded by telling me "Yes parts and labor were under warranty" and he would check with his vendor about where the repairs were to be made. 1st Choice acted as the *** and it was approved that work could be done in SFThis info took almost a week to get from 1st ChoiceMy car waa sitting at a ahop in SF waiting for word from someone at 1st choice or the vendorAfter days of little or no info the SF mechanic was going to start charging me $per dayI gave 1st Choice hours to give direction or I would have to proceedThey did not respondI had to pay for another clutch job that 1st Choice tokd me was still under warranty since the clutch they installed lasted days

Customer *** *** brought his vehicle
to our repair shop for multiple major vehicle issues needing to be identified and addressedThe vehicle was overheating and loosing anti-freeze and had several engine oil leakage issues throughout the engineThe engine itself had to be removed in order for the necessary repairs to be performed and completed as well the radiator had to be replaced as being the primary concerns needing to be addressed*** authorized ALL the necessary repairs to be made and agreed to come up with the funds to make the necessary repairsAbout Nine days after receiving the vehicle he made a first down payment for $1,and agreed to come up with the balance in a very short-time frame of the repairs being performedWe would like to offer the following perspective: On February 11, (Last Year) is when this vehicle a Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme arrived in very poor running and maintenance maintained condition was actually received at our shop, and where it remained for a few days shy of being here an entire yearThe actual major repairs had been performed and completed in the first few weeks of last year and we had regular communication with *** during that time, then we did not hear from him until May 2016, He indicated at that point he had a worked related accident, and did not have much funds, but was working on itHe had less the $available, but was going to try to sell another vehicle to come up with the necessary funds to pay for the agreed upon repairsThis would be the last time we were able to communicate with himWe attempted to reach him on numerous occasion without any way of actually reaching himUsually when we lose contact with some for such a long period of time we often place an Automotive Mechanical Lien on the vehicle to recoup our outstanding expenses and also start a per day storage fee, We choose to hold off on doing so in this case, in hindsight we should have proceeded with that process because he had made no effort to fulfill his agreed upon obligationWe could not continue with the vehicle and had it stored inside our repair shop for most of the period of in activity until we need the space and we then kept the vehicle secured on out lot for a period of timeThe next time we heard from *** was not until December 2016, He claimed he was unable to be reached because he had been incarcerated for several months because of being involved in a fightHe was given an opportunity to make good on this outstanding repair and was told of the additional issues that had surfaced in his absents and was told we would work with him to resolve any remain issues, we asked for his cooperation and patience and he was informed the mechanic who had performed most of the repairs was no longer with us and his presence to work on the vehicle immediately was very limited and the original mechanic would only be available on a very limited basis*** agreed to this conditions and came up with another small payment of $on December 5th to be applied towards the repairsHe within a few days of this would bring in his brother to make a larger payment by credit card for the remainder of the balanceA short time after this, is when *** actually started showing a great impatience with the process and became very aggressive and instance in demandingAs the process got back underway we experienced some setbacks in the repair process and had to redo buttoning up some new of rediscovered issues with the engine coolant system being under regular pressure with the engine be started daily and the buildup of pressure of anti-freeze coolant still finding the weakest links on the engine, each one had to be addressed over the period of time and sealed or removed and resealed to stop further leakage while under pressureWe pointed out to *** several pre-existing issues which were not part of the agreed upon repairs we had been asked to address, He claimed he was aware of them and that he would address them HIMSELF when he received the vehicle backSee Our response to his original complaint below; Sincerely, *** *** CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INFORMATION Customer Information: *** *** The details of this matter are as follows: Complaint Involves: Repair Issues Customer’s Statement of the Problem: ***: After paying car off for parts and labor I waited over a couple weeks to get my car backI kept checking in to see when car would be ready and was finally told I can pick it up by *** After going for a short test ride *** and I stopped to get power steering fluid .Upon opening my hood I noticed it was still leaking from main spot I brought car in for*** told me it was his mechanics fault and he would get it resolved1st Choice: Vehicle was here a year and was worked on when it first arrived, we would not have worked on it the entire year, nor would we have frequently driven it over this extended period of time while here, we drove it during the entire period of driving of no more the milesIt being an older vehicle it is reasonably expected that things will come loose and need to be adjusted or retightened as the vehicle is put back into regular road use and things will come loose as the vehicle is driven more on various roadways or streetsThe Spot on top of the engine (In-Take Manifold) had to be address several times, removed, sealed, intake gasket replaced until it would properly seal itself from further leakage, this is something that cannot always be predicted with an older vehicle and will take a lot of time an effort to resolve***: This was after he said they double checked the carI then waited another month for him to get vehicle repaired“When I finally came to pick it up it didn't look like there were any fluids leaking”1st Choice: Vehicle was put through multiple checks and re-checks and the coolant system was pressurized to test for leakage, none presently existed at the time vehicle was released*** was told to check for issues and to bring the vehicle back if any issues should arise, He stated he would address any issues himself*: After driving the car I kept checking for leaks and noticed a leak from the radiator, transmission pan, and speedometer housing gearAfter doing further inspection I noticed all transmission pan bolts were loose speedometer cable bolt was loose, “bottom line to radiator was loose” and I believe it was the transmission mount bolts that were also loose1st Choice: *** came by prior to filing this complaint and asked for another copy of repair invoice, which he was given, When he raised the vehicle hood, We immediately noticed he was very low in coolant and mentioned to him he need to keep an eye on the level, he claimed he has not really driven the vehicle much, He also casually mention he did tighten a clamp on the lower radiator hose, that he had to tighten transmission pan bolts that were loose speedometer cable bolt, The Transmission was not part of this repair and the loose bolts may or may not have been one of the re-existing issues. 1st Choice: Again things will come loose and need to be adjusted in a short period of time, *** opted to do these adjustments without first informing us of the issues and given us an opportunity to correct the issue, some issues required adjustments over a period of time especially if your deal with a vehicle originally built in and which had not been properly maintained***: I had to go over a job that I spent $on and tighten everything myself to stop leaksThis is very frustrating being *** says they pressure tested the vehicle and assured me they checked over everything multiple times to make sure there were no leaks 1st Choice: *** own words “bottom line to radiator was loose” Again this involved tightening a loose hose clamp which obviously worked its way loose while the vehicle was being drivenHe choose to work on his vehicle on his ownComplaint Background: Product/Service: Car repair Purchase Date: 1/30/Problem Occurred: 2/5/Model: Account Number: Order Number: Name of Salesperson: Purchase Price: $Disputed Amount: $Desired Settlement: ***: I would like to be partially reimbursed for having to complete repairs on my own that were supposed to have been taken care of 1st Choice: A good will compensation offering on our part would not exceed $for his time to have tightening up the lower radiator hose clapNo further offering is he entitled*** choose too and insisted on his own he was capable and able to make ALL the other adjustmentsHis own actions and his prior in-actions by not fulfilling his original obligations to pay for repairs performed in the earlier part of He should feel lucky that we did not place a mechanic lien or as a significant storage fee for the period of time he went absent from this obligation

On September 3, Customer Ford Explorer was towed to our shopIt was determined the vehicles clutch needed to be replacedOn
September 6, the clutch installation was completed by 1st Choice Auto Repair and the vehicle returned to CustomerOn September 22, customer stated the clutch went out while he was drivingThe vehicle was towed to a Mechanic on Folsom Street in San Francisco, CA. The first notification of an issue was communicated via email between 1st Choice Auto Repair and the customer and all further communications was through email or mailThe customer was not able to speaking initially by phone because it was broken and opted to continue communication by email or mailA very sincere effort was made on 1st Choice Auto Repairs part and Auto Zones part to assist the customer in addressing the failure of his clutch, He (Customer failed/refused to following the directions and instructions given to him in order to assist himHe would subsequently make demands to be reimbursed, 1st Choice properly installed the clutch and would have stood behind its labor if the vehicle had been returned to our repair facility here in SacramentoThe customer chooses not to bring the vehicle back to Sacramento at his own expense. A mechanical failure of the clutch occurred and the customers made no effort at all or assist with resolving the issueThe failed part was under warranty through AutoZone and they had expected the customer to follow through with the direction and instructions givenSee the chain of emails between all parties

Customer *** *** had his vehicle towed to our repair shop for multiple vehicle issues needing to be identified and addressed The Jest of the complaint alleged by this customer is that we did not make the authorized only repairs to his vehicleThis accusation is unfounded and
baselessThe truth is we made the authorized repairs he requested and refused to make any additional repairs were we deemed to unacceptable, the customer requested multiple things to be done and did not have the financial means or funds to properly make all requested repairs correctly or properly and wanted to use worn, used and none reliable parts to complete most of the repairs he was requesting, We declined and asked for payment for services rendered and that he had authorizedHe refused to pay for work he had authorized to be performedWe would like to offer the following perspective: This vehicle when received by towing service and offloaded was smoking from the engine compartment, unbeknown at the time was leaking/dripping fuelCustomer did not mention this at any time during the initial discussion of having multiple issues with the vehicleHe was told we would perform a troubleshooting diagnostic and attempt to identify all issues that would need to be addressedCustomer was told at a minimum it would be three hours and that our hourly rate was $95.00, this was $285.00, He agreed and signed an authorization to proceedHe was told this amount did not include any necessary repairs or parts. Customer quote: “I told him the car had been stolen and it it had gone through abuse when it was stolen so now I'm trying to get it back togetherIt was running very badly it needed to have complete diagnosis as I felt we needed to see if the Audi was worth keeping or not was it going to be easier to get a used engine or parts and labor so I signed for a evaluation up to hours authorizing to what is causing the engine to buck and spit and cough and sputter A friend looked at it and I was getting new plug wires for it when it broke down again” “I said I'm not paying you for doing nothing said well we change the gasket on the gas tank I said that's a minute job.” Refer to the highlighted area above he indicated he wanted to know what was “causing the engine to buck and spit and cough and sputter “ Not to mention of the most major concerns of LEAKING GAS, he only brings this up in the later part of the complaintIt was later determined to be heavily leaking fuel onto the ground, precautionary measure had to be taken by my shop, disconnecting power in the vehicle, placing a fuel spill container under the vehicle to catch leaking fuel, until the origin of the leaks could be clearly determined and proper measures taken to stop the leakFurther measures had to be taken when the vehicle was pushed into the shop for closer examination and inspectionWhile inside the shop overnight the shop had to be vented to dissipate vapor fumes from ignitingDuring several in person or by phone conversations with the customer he was clearly told of the many issues or concerns related to the vehicle being properly repairedHe simply wanted more work or services to be performed and did not want to pay for the proper repairsIn his statement he did not deem it necessary to thoroughly determine the complete source of the fuel leaking from the underside of the vehicleALL components of the fuel delivery system to the vehicle required inspection and not just the gasket at the fuel pump itselfWe would have been negligent and irresponsible to not have properly inspected all fuel line componentsWe also identified a fluid leak of the transmission as well and brought these and other issues to his attentionI believe for the services rendered he was fairly charged and we had expected to be paid for those servicesThe three page Repair order he submitted with his original complaint clearly states what was determined to be Identifiable issues with the vehicleYes he wanted them to be fixed, but was unwilling to pay to have them properly fixed and addressed

See attachment for response

Message:  Re: Customer Information: ID of [redacted]  ...

The details of this matter are as follows: Complaint Involves: 2002 M...⇄ Business Response Statement: Customer [redacted] had his vehicle towed to our repair shop for a c...⇄ actually is not a simple job as stated. Its requires a skilled mecha...⇄ hours estimated labor time to remove the entire transmission from the�...⇄ and re-install the transmission. In all cases it requires more time t...⇄ don’t have an issue with a customer calling and inquiring about a ...⇄ customer unless we have an issue and once the repairs are completed ...⇄ customer we performed the requested clutch replacement in a satisfactor...⇄ customer the reason for the softness of the clutch pedal would requir...⇄ of the  clutch master cylinder. This would be a completely separate repair that would be required or�...⇄ The Jest of the complaint alleged by this customer is that we caused...⇄ aforementioned clutch repair. This accusation is unfounded and baseless....⇄ this customer how and when the ding/damage to the trunk lid occurred�...⇄ convent for him to say it occurred while the repair was being perfor...⇄ We would like to offer the following perspective:  This vehicle has had modifications, at some point in time which chang...⇄ design. The vehicles height has been significantly lowered, a body kit...⇄ sound system had been added. The vehicle was looked over at the time...⇄ significant damage, we did observe signs of dings/dents once it was o...⇄ front license plate partially hanging, it left zipped tied. Front embl...⇄ hanging off, we would not have gone over the entire vehicle with a ...⇄ damage to the trunk lid we certainly would have made note of it. Th...⇄   up the vehicle, he [redacted] took it on a brief test drive alone a...⇄  with the vehicle he would have said something. By Him waiting until...⇄ would be questionable since this is the only  major concern and basi...⇄ dents were from the 'Inside, Out' he replied, "I don't see how that�...⇄ trunk?" needless to say there were grease marks in my trunk. The 2 ...⇄ been having in my car for aprox. 4 months now, never had a problem�...⇄ in to [redacted] shop”  We did have phone and text conversations regarding the alleged damage�...⇄ was told initially by [redacted] ([redacted]) we had no reason to acc...⇄ trunk and accessing the trunk was actually required to disconnect the�...⇄ performed. The vehicle further had to be physical pushed into the rep...⇄ for repairs to be performed, once repairs were completed it was drive...⇄ customer picked it up.  The trunk would have need to be opened twic...⇄ We have a lot in front of our repair shop and we place vehicle the...⇄ that we said someone  could have messed with his vehicle is inaccura...⇄ overlooking the lot.   When the customer did return he provided an auto body repair estimate...⇄ $600, We were allowed to examine the trunk area and the trunk lid, ...⇄ subwoofer box and trunk lid was sufficient for the trunk to properly�...⇄ been using  loosely and worn stretched bungie cords to secure the la...⇄ subwoofer was sitting in the spare tire wheel well, and the heavy su...⇄ all to prevent movement. The customer has failed to mention this as ...⇄ has a significant amount of flexibility and most likely moves about w...⇄ two or three elastic bungie cords is not a proper installation method...⇄ pictures and created a video to demonstrate how much flex existed.  ...⇄ meaningful conversation and the customer did not want to listen and w...⇄ caused the damage to his trunk lid. He  repeatedly insinuated we wer...⇄ insulted us by inferring we were LIAR’S. At this point he was aske...⇄ repeatedly to leave and not to return. At no point in time did we ...⇄ 8inch flashlight [redacted] had in his hand when we had inspected the...⇄ The basis of this complaint is not the actual repair which was perfo...⇄ caused two dings in his trunk lid with his oversized/ unsecured subwo...⇄ order to disconnect/reconnect his battery.  We can ALL agree that the...⇄ damage. We believe it most likely occurred when the vehicle was being...⇄ vehicle was being driven for an extended period over streets, roads o...⇄

[redacted]1st Choice Auto Repair 2528 El Sutton Ln Ste DSacramento CA 95821 Revdex.com attached is my response, I expect both attachments to be added as our full and official response . Do NOT redact or EDIT this response as provided

Hello [redacted] I have attached a letter, please review the contents of the letter, I will be following up with a full response to the alleged compliant as well.

Review: I brought my car in to get a simple clutch change, [redacted])introduced me to the mechanic([redacted] that was going to be switching out my old clutch with a new one. 3 days later I call and ask to see if my car is ready and [redacted] said, "Yes, It will be ready at the end of the day" curious to know, why he didn't give me a call to let me know that it was going to be ready. So on the 4th day I go in to get my car; at first everything seemed fine, minus the clutch still being very soft. I test drove the car it drove alright, [redacted] did his job and switched the clutch, but when I arrived home I started to look more into detail on my car. I stumbled across 2 dents on my trunk (dents pushing inside, out). So I went on ahead and gave [redacted] a call and let him know that there were 2 dents on my trunk, he says "Well your car is outside in 'public' where people can mess with your car." I simply replied and told him that the dents were from the 'Inside, Out' he replied, "I don't see how that is possible if no one ever breached your trunk?" needless to say there were grease marks in my trunk. The 2 dents were from my subwoofer that I've been having in my car for aprox. 4 months now, never had a problem with denting or anything until I brought it in to [redacted]'s shop. I took before pictures of my car; not one dent was on my trunk. So I took my car back in Monday(9/14)and showed him in person but he was still in denial saying it wasn't them. so I talked to [redacted] and explained how they were never there before I brought my car into the shop then he replied and says, "I have more knowledge than you and him([redacted])my brain process things better than your guys'." What kind of customer service is that you say? well after 10 minutes of talking [redacted] gets angry out of no where and threatens to beat me; while holding a flashlight about 8 inches long. He repetitively said, "Get out the car!" ,"I'm going to beat your [redacted] when I was already on my way out off the property.Desired Settlement: All I want is for them to fix the problem they caused, by paying the price needed to get the dent out and surface repainted. I gave [redacted] a quote from my insurance company that said $603 for labor, take the dents out and repaint it. And also if needed taken to small claims court due to [redacted] threats.

Business

Response:

Message: Re: Customer Information: ID of [redacted] The details of this matter are as follows: Complaint Involves: 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1.8L Alleged vehicle damage /Service Issues Business Response Statement: Customer [redacted] had his vehicle towed to our repair shop for a clutch replacement, which actually is not a simple job as stated. Its requires a skilled mechanic/technician and a minimum amount of 4.5 hours estimated labor time to remove the entire transmission from the vehicle, replace the clutch components and re-install the transmission. In all cases it requires more time then stated to perform the repair. While we don’t have an issue with a customer calling and inquiring about a vehicles repair status, we typically do not call a customer unless we have an issue and once the repairs are completed the customer is notified. As stated by this customer we performed the requested clutch replacement in a satisfactory manner. We even explained to the customer the reason for the softness of the clutch pedal would require an additional repair/replacement of the clutch master cylinder. This would be a completely separate repair that would be required or needed. The Jest of the complaint alleged by this customer is that we caused damage to his vehicle while performing the aforementioned clutch repair. This accusation is unfounded and baseless. The truth is it cannot be known by this customer how and when the ding/damage to the trunk lid occurred for a certainty. It was simply more convent for him to say it occurred while the repair was being performed. We would like to offer the following perspective: This vehicle has had modifications, at some point in time which changed it from the original car manufacture design. The vehicles height has been significantly lowered, a body kit has been added and a high performance sound system had been added. The vehicle was looked over at the time of its arrival for obvious signs of significant damage, we did observe signs of dings/dents once it was offloaded from the flatbed tow truck. Ie, front license plate partially hanging, it left zipped tied. Front emblem missing, rear driver side body kit molding hanging off, we would not have gone over the entire vehicle with a fine tooth comb, and if we had noticed any damage to the trunk lid we certainly would have made note of it. The customer with his father came and picked up the vehicle, he [redacted] took it on a brief test drive alone and I believe if he had any concerns prior to leaving with the vehicle he would have said something. By Him waiting until he arrived home and seeing the damage would be questionable since this is the only major concern and basis for this complaint. Customer quote "Well your car is outside in 'public' where people can mess with your car." I simply replied and told him that the dents were from the 'Inside, Out' he replied, "I don't see how that is possible if no one ever breached your trunk?" needless to say there were grease marks in my trunk. The 2 dents were from my subwoofer that I've been having in my car for aprox. 4 months now, never had a problem with denting or anything until I brought it in to [redacted] shop” We did have phone and text conversations regarding the alleged damage and he provided some pictures, He was told initially by [redacted]) we had no reason to access his trunk, this vehicle battery is located in the trunk and accessing the trunk was actually required to disconnect the battery prior to any repair work being performed. The vehicle further had to be physical pushed into the repair shop and placed on a car lift in-order for repairs to be performed, once repairs were completed it was driven outside the shop on the day the customer picked it up. The trunk would have need to be opened twice to disconnect/reconnect the battery. We have a lot in front of our repair shop and we place vehicle their when repairs are completed, his statement that we said someone could have messed with his vehicle is inaccurate. We have surveillance cameras overlooking the lot. When the customer did return he provided an auto body repair estimate listing the damage as being about $600, We were allowed to examine the trunk area and the trunk lid, we noted clearance between the large subwoofer box and trunk lid was sufficient for the trunk to properly close. We also noted that the customer has been using loosely and worn stretched bungie cords to secure the large subwoofer box inside the trunk. The subwoofer was sitting in the spare tire wheel well, and the heavy subwoofer box was not even bolted down at all to prevent movement. The customer has failed to mention this as part of his complaint, that the subwoofer has a significant amount of flexibility and most likely moves about when the vehicle is in motion. Simply using two or three elastic bungie cords is not a proper installation method for a heavy box subwoofer. We took pictures and created a video to demonstrate how much flex existed. We repeatedly attempted to have a meaningful conversation and the customer did not want to listen and was insistent that we had somehow caused the damage to his trunk lid. He repeatedly insinuated we were lying and had caused the damage. He insulted us by inferring we were LIAR’S. At this point he was asked to leaving the premises. We asked him repeatedly to leave and not to return. At no point in time did we threaten to kick his [redacted] or threaten him with an 8inch flashlight [redacted] had in his hand when we had inspected the trunk area. The basis of this complaint is not the actual repair which was performed, but an allegation that we somehow caused two dings in his trunk lid with his oversized/ unsecured subwoofer by simply having to access the trunk in order to disconnect/reconnect his battery. We can ALL agree that the subwoofer hitting the trunk lid caused the damage. We believe it most likely occurred when the vehicle was being loaded on to the tow truck, or while the vehicle was being driven for an extended period over streets, roads or the freeway.

Review: I droped my car off on Saterday October 3 around 4:45pm [redacted] the owner of 1st Choice auto repair greeted me and asked about the condition of my car, which was on the tow truck.I asked him if the mechanic that had worked on it previously might be available again. I told him the car had been stolen and it it had gone through abuse when it was stolen so now I'm trying to get it back together. It was running very badly it needed to have complete diagnosis as I felt we needed to see if the Audi was worth

keeping or not was it going to be easier to get a used engine or parts and labor so I signed for a evaluation up to 3 hours authorizing to what is causing the engine to buck and spit and cough and sputter A friend looked at it and I was getting new plug wires for it when it broke down again so I towed it and asked him if Mickey was available to work on the Audi he said "oh he already left for the day, Mickey the mechanic wont be able to work on it till Monday call up then, when I came back late Tuesday I found [redacted] and the other mechanic in the back of the car prying up on the sending unit for the gas gauge he said there was a leak they needed to check it out. The whole back of the car was taken apart so I told him where the fuel pump for the gas tank is he said no it isn't and I said here is here and lifted the rear passenger seat. It looks as if this is it I went over a few other things with the mechanic and [redacted] went back in the office I asked him about the testing the mass air sensor the checking spark plug wiresand coil pack and did he check for leaks he seamed lost and told me the boss was telling him what to do so he did not know what the next step would be I left

I returned on Monday asked if the car was ready they both said yes [redacted] and the mechanic I asked how does it run they both said better than it did? What was wrong with it we replaced 1 spark plug wire is what [redacted] said he asked me 15 times to pay $295.00 to get the car I sdked did you test drive dont have to, I said I'm not leaving without a test drive here you the mechanic you can drive well he start the car up drove two blocks the car drove like crap it was doing the same thing nothing changed everything was exactly the same I said I'm not paying you for for doing nothing said well we change the gasket on the gas tank I said that's a 40 minute job How is that shop time is 95.00 xcosting $295.00 ?

I told him I'm not gonna pay for their mistakes I'm just not going to they said it wasn't a mistake they had to take all that stuff off to checked the entire tank 360° all the way around I said it's obvious where the leak was coming from anyway they told me to come back in and see if they could get it running any better so I came back they said we're not gonna do anything more take it or leave it I need $485 I told him I wasn't going to pay it I'm calling to Bureau of automotive repair this is fraud I walked home. Book time to repair the gasket is 40 minutes $20.00 gasket $60.00the labor

total$ 80. There is nothing that looks like an diagnosis and estimate in the paper work he sent me no parts list no labor costs no options no tests run no idea of root cause of problem I can not make a valid decision with paperwork [redacted] gave meDesired Settlement: WHAT AM I PAYING FOR?

I am sending paper work along with this complainti to Revdex.com ok?

Business

Response:

Customer [redacted] had his vehicle towed to our repair shop for multiple vehicle issues needing to be identified and addressed. The Jest of the complaint alleged by this customer is that we did not make the authorized only repairs to his vehicle. This accusation is unfounded and baseless. The truth is we made the authorized repairs he requested and refused to make any additional repairs were we deemed to unacceptable, the customer requested multiple things to be done and did not have the financial means or funds to properly make all requested repairs correctly or properly and wanted to use worn, used and none reliable parts to complete most of the repairs he was requesting, We declined and asked for payment for services rendered and that he had authorized. He refused to pay for work he had authorized to be performed. We would like to offer the following perspective: This vehicle when received by towing service and offloaded was smoking from the engine compartment, unbeknown at the time was leaking/dripping fuel. Customer did not mention this at any time during the initial discussion of having multiple issues with the vehicle. He was told we would perform a troubleshooting diagnostic and attempt to identify all issues that would need to be addressed. Customer was told at a minimum it would be three hours and that our hourly rate was $95.00, this was $285.00, He agreed and signed an authorization to proceed. He was told this amount did not include any necessary repairs or parts. Customer quote: “I told him the car had been stolen and it it had gone through abuse when it was stolen so now I'm trying to get it back together. It was running very badly it needed to have complete diagnosis as I felt we needed to see if the Audi was worth keeping or not was it going to be easier to get a used engine or parts and labor so I signed for a evaluation up to 3 hours authorizing to what is causing the engine to buck and spit and cough and sputter A friend looked at it and I was getting new plug wires for it when it broke down again” “I said I'm not paying you for doing nothing said well we change the gasket on the gas tank I said that's a 40 minute job.” Refer to the highlighted area above he indicated he wanted to know what was “causing the engine to buck and spit and cough and sputter “ Not to mention of the most major concerns of LEAKING GAS, he only brings this up in the later part of the complaint. It was later determined to be heavily leaking fuel onto the ground, precautionary measure had to be taken by my shop, disconnecting power in the vehicle, placing a fuel spill container under the vehicle to catch leaking fuel, until the origin of the leaks could be clearly determined and proper measures taken to stop the leak. Further measures had to be taken when the vehicle was pushed into the shop for closer examination and inspection. While inside the shop overnight the shop had to be vented to dissipate vapor fumes from igniting. During several in person or by phone conversations with the customer he was clearly told of the many issues or concerns related to the vehicle being properly repaired. He simply wanted more work or services to be performed and did not want to pay for the proper repairs. In his statement he did not deem it necessary to thoroughly determine the complete source of the fuel leaking from the underside of the vehicle. ALL components of the fuel delivery system to the vehicle required inspection and not just the gasket at the fuel pump itself. We would have been negligent and irresponsible to not have properly inspected all fuel line components. We also identified a fluid leak of the transmission as well and brought these and other issues to his attention. I believe for the services rendered he was fairly charged and we had expected to be paid for those services. The three page Repair order he submitted with his original complaint clearly states what was determined to be Identifiable issues with the vehicle. Yes he wanted them to be fixed, but was unwilling to pay to have them properly fixed and addressed.