A Real Muffler Shop, Inc.

On May 13, 2013 my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer was taken into A-Real Muffler Shop at 101 Virginia for a replacement of the engine manifold as it was deemed cracked and unrepairable by the shop mechanic. The replacement of the mainfold included a warranty from the part supplier as described by the female customer service clerk/representative and indiciated on the service invoice. The total cost was in excess of $600.00.

On or about June 10th, the vehicle was once again taken into the shop as the manifold was leaking engine exhaust, causing engine power loss and fuel efficiency, as well as exhaust fumes entering the vehicle cab. The mechanic identified a fault manifold gasket and replaced/repaired the gasket. I paid the hourly mechanic fees for this repair.

On or about the first week in July 2013, the vehicle began to have the same exact problems with leaking exhaust, fumes in the cab of the vehicle, loss of power and fuel efficiency. I once again called the female service representative at the shop and explained the problem via telephone on August 6th, when I returned from an extended travel. She advised the problem could be evaluated at the shop and I was told to bring the vehicle in. I drove to the shop immediately after the conversation and the mechanic advised the problem was as a result of a leaking exhaust manifold. When I asked about the repairs, she advised me that I would have to pay the hourly mechanic costs and asked for my receipt. I was unable to produce the copy of the receipt I was provided from the precious repair and was denied services until I could provide the copy. I directly asked the woman if she had a copy in her business files for reference since I could not produce my copy. Her response was she didnt have a copy. To my utter dismay, I decided to leave the place of business and advised I would take another look through my home records in hopes of finding the receipt. I was unable to find the copy and determined it to have been lost or misplaced.

I parked the vehicle for weeks and decided to make another attempt via telephone mid November 2013 to the shop to see if the repairs could be accomplished without my receipt. The woman once again told me it was needed for the warranty. I asked her once again about business copies of original invoices as I am aware that any business operation must have records for audit purposes, taxes, etc... She agreed to look through her files and told me she would call me back by Friday of that week. The telephone call never transpired and I realized I was not moving towards a solution with the vehicle.

My Son recently obtained his drivers license and I decided to try one more time to contact the business today April 8, 2014 at 2:27 p.m. I spoke with the same female (name unknown/mid-late 70's in age) and refreshed her memory with the vehicle issues. She once again told me I needed my receipt and I proceeded to communicate my dissatifaction with the shops blatant lack of customer service. I then told her I felt backed into a corner with no other option than to contact the Revdex.com or obtain an attorney to resolve this issue of repair. She immediately changed her tone and demeanor and told me she didn't care what actions I take, she has a sign on the business that services can be refused if customers don't have a receipt. She also proceeded to tell me they have been in business for 60 years and she wasn't going to argue with me and hung up after I replied with, "I can't believe you treat your customers this way, especially a servicemember". I immediately contacted the Revdex.com and was advised to file an on-line complaint.

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