Burton's Automotive, Inc.

Review: I took my [redacted] in for service for a brake line leak and a fuel filler leak. Unauthorized by me, they proceeded to check every inch of the car looking for repair work. They then listed several "issues" that they claimed needed repair, providing estimates of labor only, not parts. These include exhaust system, head cover gasket, front axles, and many other items. When I authorized only three repairs (brake lines, fuel leak and axles), they nevertheless proceeded to repair my exhaust system, conduct a state inspection (which I am exempt from) and completely redo the brakes (including pads, rotors and lines, instead of just the lines). They never provided estimates of parts, although I asked them to do so before I would authorize final proceed on the work. When confronted, "[redacted]" claimed he would reduce the labor costs by half. "[redacted]" also stated they would provide a **% discount since I lived in [redacted]. Neither showed up on the bill. However, I was in fact charged for a "state inspection" which I never authorized, nor needed. My total bill was over $1750.00. Had I not had the money, I don't know what I would have done--I had expected only a few hundred dollars. In my opinion they performed work unauthorized by me, knowing that I had the means to pay. This is, in my opinion, highly dishonest, if not illegal. And they never repaired the fuel leak. I did so myself at a total cost of about $30.00 (which they had estimated $180.00 just in labor--they never did provide a parts estimate).Desired Settlement: I would expect the business owner to contact me and make this right. While I was in the shop I got ZERO satisfaction and had absolutely no recourse. My vehicle had already been in the shop longer than expected and I needed it.

Business

Response:

[redacted]

Thank you for contacting us regarding [redacted]. Case #[redacted].

[redacted] originally stopped by the shop before closing one day to inquire about a brake fluid leak, and a fuel leak. He was informed that we would have to inspect the vehicle to determine the source of concerns and determine a cost to repair. [redacted] dropped the vehicle off on 7/26/13 for us to perform an inspection of his concerns. During the inspection the technician noticed that the "Check Engine" light was on, the vehicles engine was making excessive valve noise. These were noticed just during the short drive from parking lot to the shop. Once the vehicle was in the shop, the tech found the source of the fuel leak coming from the fuel filler neck being rusted out. While under the vehicle checking the fuel leak, the technician could not help but notice that the exhaust system was broken and leaking from two places. Not a good combination with a vehicle that is leaking fuel. During the brake inspection, the tech noticed that the master cylinder reservoir was empty. He found the brake line going to rear brake system to be severly rusted and leaking, and the connection on the rear rubber brake hose corroded. Due to liability involving brake repair, we always check the complete brake system. The tech also found that the right front brake caliper was dragging, and the brake pads were stuck due to rust. The brake rotor was discolored due to condition. During inspection of brakes, the tech also noticed that the front drive axles, that pass through the brake rotors, had leaking grease boots that required replacing. The grease was being thrown around wheels, and brake components. The customer was given estimates on the items that the technician found. Some items the customer approved, some items he declined to have us repair. The authorization was noted on repair order.

The customer is correct in stating that I told him I would authorize an additional **% discount that apparently did not make it to the final invoice. I will be happy to credit the customers credit card back with $[redacted]., and offer him my apology for not verifying that it was on the ticket originally. Please just have him stop back by the store, or call me with the credit card numer.

Thank you,