Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing, Inc.

I recently took my car to Bob's Auto at the Decorah location. It had been pulling bad left and we were taking it to them for an alignment. They told us that there might be a bigger problem, such as a broken tie rod, but they would call us after they had a chance to look at it. That was a fair enough warning. They called several hours later saying the wheel bear in the front driver side tire was very bad, between a four and a five on the rating system, with five being to where it could fall apart at anytime. They spoke with my wife and originally quoted her $439 for the wheel bearing to be replaced. They also said the front driver side tire was badly worn and had metal showing. They quoted the price to replace the tire, fix the wheel bearing, and doing an alignment to be over $800. I told them I did not want them replacing the tire because I could go to Walmart and have a new tire put on for around $100. They then said they would not do the alignment because the tire was too badly warn. Fair enough. I had to go to Bob's to get some stuff out of my car for work the following day. While there, I saw the tire lying on the ground, with the inside of the tire facing up. I did not see any metal showing; however, I was not able to get a close look.
They called me the following day, telling me the car was finished. I was at work, so I text my wife that it was ready. She called them and they gave her a total of $578. She questioned them about the difference in price regarding the original quote of $439. They later said, "How about $468?" She again asked why it wasn't $439 like they quoted. He eventually got the paperwork for the quote out and said that he would talk to the guy and agreed to honor the $439 quote. Meanwhile, he brought up the issue about replacing the tires again and said they would do the alignment for free if we bought two tires, because the front passenger side was badly worn as well. The two rear tires have been replaced less than two years ago, and the right front tire was replaced less than four months ago. My wife told them we did not want them replacing the tires, went and picked up the car and paid for the wheel bearing replacement. After a $25 coupon it came out to $418 somehow.
She then took the car to Walmart to have the tire replaced. Since I was at work, I never was able to personally look at the tire to see the metal that was showing. However, the tire had been on the vehicle since I bought and it was time to be replaced anyways. Afterwards, I looked at my tires. Every tire, even the ones purchased almost two years ago are still in excellent condition and no where near the "badly worn" condition about which they told my wife. This makes me question whether or not the front driver side tire actually had metal showing. Like I said, this tire was due for replacement, so it's possible.
I have been to Bob's multiple times for repairs and always thought they were straight shooters. Prior to this, they had never given me a quote and then tried charging more after the repair had been completed. However, it appears they have adopted some shady business practices, blatantly lying to customers. They told my wife that the front passenger side tire, which was purchased less than four months ago, was badly worn when it's actually in perfect condition still. This is an outright lie in an attempt to secure more business in having two tires replaced. I will not be returning to Bob's for any services in the future.

Today, I was experiencing a loud noise in my car, a 2006 Toyota. I was very nervous, as I am elderly, (75+ years) so I drove my vehicle to Bob's Main St. Auto and Towing. I had explained to the technician, that we had pulled over to see if we could locate the sudden noise. The Tech moved our car and he could hear the noise. The tech suggested we leave our car so they could inspect the vehicle to find the problem. About 2 hours later, I recieved a phone call that the car was ready to be picked up and that it was a branch that had wedged itself under the fender and that is what the noise was. Which I paid $53.25 to have this branch removed.(he never showed me the branch that had been removed.) He then proceeded to tell me that there was bad news, and that there were many problems with the car that needed to be fixed. He wrote and estimate that totaled: $3377.36. On the list it included that the water pump needed replacement, struts and shocks needed to be replaced, and an oil change, which I had just done 1000 miles ago. plus additional items.
I was asked if I wanted to proceed with the suggested items listed on the estimate. I told him I needed to think about it and left the business. I then took my car and the written estimate to another local business, who has worked on our car in the past and whom I trust. I showed him this estimate, the tech checked the car for all the items listed. He felt that this estimate were items that would be completed on a maintence schedule and there was no immidiate concern. Therefore, I want to conclude that this business is possibly ripping people off with unnecessary repairs! Consumers BEWARE!!

Review: I purchased a 2007 Mazda 3 from business in question April 1, 2013 w/5yr-100,000 mi warranty. Vehicle was maintained by certified mechanic since time of purchase. Vehicle broke down March 24, 2014. Vehicle required tow and was taken to place of purchase, Bob's Auto, for determination of malfunction. It was determined that rod bearings were bad, engine needed replacing, which is covered under said warranty. In communications with Bob's Auto, I was informed warranty would cover $3500 and was given the choice of a 'used' engine with approx. 68,000 miles on it and my cost out of pocket would be $119 or 'new' engine (this was term she used) and my COOP would be $200 for belts, oil, etc and I was told this 'new' engine would also come with it's own 3 yr warranty, which I would then have in addition to my already-existing warranty. I opted for new and gave the go-ahead. I was contacted when car was ready for pick up and was given the bill for $735. I questioned the difference between the $200 "total cost out of pocket" I was originally given and was told this was for engine only and not additional costs. I reiterated that at no point in the conversations with her had she made any mention whatsoever of 'possible accumulation of additional costs' of any kind but agreed to pay it. (I am on very limited budget as I am on disability so now have payments set up until paid in full).

I now leave with my vehicle (Thursday, April 10) and immediately notice that my car is making a very loud clunking and screeching noise when brakes are applied. I return vehicle immed. to Bob's. They determine that 'brakes are bad'...I had been offered during last conversation with Bob's prior to my picking up my car to have tires rotated and balanced as well as remove front rotors to turn and clean slides but declined. Vehicle displayed zero signs of brake issues prior to being dropped off....no grinding, rubbing, squealing, or other. Now, suddenly, out of the blue, it is making cringe-worthy noises only after they had worked on it for issues unrelated to brakes. They 'cleaned' brakes for n/c. Was hoping this was the end of all issues only to have yet another one emerge.

Prior to taking my car in for work, there were no indications of a 'bad axle' or leaking transmission fluid. Ever. After all of the above, and taking vehicle home, I begin to notice puddles of fluid under my car. Since I live in an apt building, I'm not certain initially if it is my vehicle or someone else's. Monday, April 21 there is no longer any doubt whatsoever as I parked somewhere away from home for 3 hours and, upon leaving, noticed an 18" wet puddle where my vehicle had been parked and where there had not been a puddle prior to my parking. I contacted Bob's, informing them of this latest development and was told to bring car back in. Upon doing so, I was now told that it's a 'bad axle' on that side in a tone insinuating I should already know this as though the problem was pre-existing, which it most certainly was not. I did not leave my vehicle with them at that time as it became clear at that time other avenues would need to be utilized to avoid further damage to my vehicle, increased costs to myself and to promote a favorable outcome for all involved.

Additionally, I requested new warranty information on the engine which was installed and, as of yet, have not rec'd any. I was initially led to believe that the replacement engine would be 'new' vs 'used' as per my conversations where employee distinctly stated one option was the 'used with 68,000 miles on it and no warranty or new with 3 yr warranty'. I am now told that, in fact, the replacement engine is 'rebuilt' and that this is 'commonly' referred to as 'new' in the business. I requested warranty info at time of pickup as well as via text message on 4/16 with responses of "Just kept in house here, they keep it signed to us. If you ever need it just call" "Give me a couple days to see if they will send me anything or if I just need to type it up". As of yet, I have not rec'd any of the requested information.Desired Settlement: I would ask to have vehicle inspected by separate, independent cert'd mechanic; any repairs it requires (this includes brakes, axle and any that have yet to be discovered during inspection, and only those which can reasonably be attributed to handling at Bob's Auto) done at another certified mechanics location with no cost to myself as damage was incurred during the time the vehicle was in Bob's care and control; as well as the warranty information reflective of the 3 years as promised. I am also asking that any and all warranties be transferrable, if they are not already, to allow for any future repairs necessary to be done at cert'd mechanic of my choosing.

Business

Response:

We have contacted the customer and she visited our facility today. Please confirm with her, but she stated that she was completely satisfied with our resolution of the situation. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

###-###-####

Consumer

Response:

I recently took my car to Bob's auto for service to address my windshield wipers that stopped working. I have an extended warranty (platinum) through Fidelity with a $250 deductible. After diagnosing the issue, it was brought to my attention that Bob's was going to charge me the deductible plus the full amount of service and part which totaled $393.00. We contacted the warranty company who also called Bob's auto. They were told that they were not willing to work with the warranty co on the difference of the price. The warranty company verified that this is a covered part and service and Bob's was still trying to get the full amount from me and claim it on the warranty. Bob's was referenced as saying "this is what we are charging for the job and this is what we want to get". PLEASE don't go here. The warranty company will be removing Bob's from their provider list due to this issue. I ended up paying $100 for the diagnostic. I called to auto stores and to other shops to get an idea of how much this would cost. The part is $55 and I was quoted it takes less than 1/2 hour to replace. Very annoyed but glad I was smart about this. BEWARE