From: *** *** [mailto:***]
Sent: Monday, April 28, 1:PM
To: *** ***
Subject: ID *** attn *** ***
The *** family brought there Nissan into our shop for a NC State inspectionThe car didn't pass because
all the readiness codes hadn't been cleared by the cars computerWhen this happens you have to drive the car more (drive cycle) and the cars computer checks the not ready system and either passes or fails***, the inspector didn't hear any type of noises from the engine nor see any type RED FLAG to keep them from driving itThe *** comment of feeling that a experienced good mechanic should have noticed is so so off base because there were no visible issues and can easily be directed back at themANY person buying a car putting out black smoke should know that things aren't right which are indications of a motor issueAlong with there issues of not securing a clean title as anyone would have done
After the *** unfortunate motor locking up they called us to tow and then we gave them an estimate for a motorWe priced them a "long block" motor price around $This is important because a long block is a partial motor of all the main operating parts, heads,pistons, crank, etcIE engine block and head but dosen't have alot of the other parts like oil pan, intake, exhaust manifolds, valve cover etc.that you have to take off the old motor and transfer to the long blockIn this process there were two issues of bad partsHer valve cover that has built in seals and were leaking and a variable valve timing solenoidThey were called and wanted to buy used in the valve cover and new in the variable valve timing solenoidThey approved both extra prices and the work was doneEven went further finding used to help them in that price reduction it gave them3700+300=
The exhaust issue was a rusted resinenator which is located halfway under the carThe exhaust was no part of the engine and a complete lie that another mechanic indicate we are responsibleIt was rusted from ageThe windshield issue we never sawJust as all the issues that THE *** never saw in there purchase of this car and are now trying to make there problems mineI have been a self employeed business owner of auto repairs in Clemmons since and am in this business to help people not hurt them and these accusations are way way off base
I advised *** to tell them to bring the car back here so we could address those two issuesThey never brought the car back
Kind Regards
*** ***
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:First off [redacted] doesn't know the details of the car purchase without or without a title so that is not a topic that he should be discussing nor should he say things like "ANY
person buying a car putting out black smoke should know that things
aren't right which are indications of a motor issue. Along with there
issues of not securing a clean title as anyone would have done." But since he brought it up this car was purchased by my 16 year old from a "friend" the car sat for one year as we fought the seller in court for the title that her "friend" failed to give to her, yes it was silly and it was a hard lesson learned for her but the car did not need a new engine nor did it have engine problems, it never blew out black smoke until the day at his shop. My ex who is a mechanic looked the car over numerous times before the car was bought and after it was bought and making sure this car was perfect for our daughter but unfortunately we were unaware of the title issues that they were having and since it sat for a year (which was told to the mechanics at Alexander automotive several times) I guess that didn't help the situation, but upon speaking to several mechanics they stated that with that knowledge of knowing that the car sat for a year that the oil and other lubricants were probably not in the best shape and the black smoke came WHILE it was being inspected by Alexanders mechanics and it was making a noise that my daughter reported and it didn't have a lot of gas in it , so that should have clued them into possible other problems to at least check the levels of oil, or ask more question but maybe I am use to the shop I always use as this was the first time that I had been to this shop and the only reason was because we had a 10 day permit from the DMV and we didn't want to drive it far at all to risk getting pulled over for not having a tag (the dmv was issuing us the tag later that day once we got it inspected) and Alexanders is right around the block. Also as you will see later in the letter another shop reported several items that caused it to not pass inspection such as the tire, a light, etc so I guess Alexander's missed a lot of items or failed to mention a lot to us. I could not take it to my ex at the time but I wish we could have and after Alexander's inspected it, but told us to drive it around the block we thought how simple no big deal when it quit working on the side of the road a few blocks away and she was panicked so the first person my daughter thought to call was Alexanders because they looked at it last and from the moment it happened I felt upset but felt like what could we do, they were the last to look at it, they tow mine as well see if they can fix it.
Next they never mentioned "This is important because a long block is a partial motor of all the main operating parts, heads,pistons, crank, etc.", we chose this option because of the warranty and they knew we were particular over the warranty and they should have mentioned this too us. If they had we would have possible went elsewhere or chose a different option.
"Her valve cover that has built in seals and were leaking and a variable valve timing solenoid." They called us and said the valve cover was an easy fix for a used part but kept having issues, they gave us the option of used which was cheaper so of course we wanted to try and save money and the variable valve they left a message stating "they were going to try and clean it out and that they WOULD GO AHEAD AND ORDER THE PART" I have the message, they never asked they went ahead and ordered it, which is fine because he said we had to have it for the inspection. Again have the voice mail.
The exhaust and windshield: The exhaust is whatever I was told it should have been mentioned to us in the least but should be part of the engine repair, it wasn't even mentioned. The windshield was not broken before, it was not broken when we took it for inspection it was not broken when they towed it. I called and left a message and I have the voice mail response, he doesn't say to bring it back up there for them to take care of he says there is no way it happened on their property and IF it did they are not responsible. I have the voicemail, he goes on to say that he can fix both a the exhaust and a order new windshield and if I like for the cost but he doesn't say to bring it up there for them to take a look at and since he said it wasn't their responsibility but could repair for charge I didn't take it back up there. It was damaged in their possession they should take responsibility for that and pay to have it fixed. I have numerous witnesses that can state the fact that it was not cracked prior to them having the car.
Instead I took it to another shop and they did the inspection and told me of HOW DANGEROUS THE TIRE WAS, HOW THE FRONT LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DANGEROUS AS WELL, how did they see these things and Alexanders who had the car for days on end didn't once mention them. The items that were mentioned at the new shop were partly why the car wouldn't pass inspection and it was a mechanics visuals such as the light, the tire, none of which were brought to my attention from Alexanders which again is why I feel like I was taken advantage of. So if they visually noticed these items did Alexanders not even look at the car at all, were they going to let it pass with the tail light out and the tire in bad shape?
The repairs from the other shop were and cost me another amount and NONE of these things were mentioned by Alexanders.
USED GDYR REGATTA, ALLOY WHEEL WEIGHTS, BULB MARKERLAMP, FRONT LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM,REPAIR HOLE AT RESINATOR, 4 WHEEL TOTAL ALIGNMENT INCLUDES CASTER,CAMBER AND TOE RESET, REMOVE AND REPLACE DRIVERS LOWER CONTROL ARM TO INCLUDE BALL JOINT, INSTALL BULB TAG LIGHTSEMISSIONS STICKER & N.C. EMISSIONS INSPECTION.
I would really appreciate the window in the least paid for as it was damaged on their property, I feel like I should be refunded some money as well since I had to take it elsewhere after I felt the way I did because of their response to my complaints and I did not feel comfortable with their shop, just like now I have a warranty on the engine that I do not feel comfortable ever returning to their shop, I do not feel like they were upfront, honest, or helpful with me. I am not a mechanic, I do not know everything as most people do not so I feel like they took advantage of that. I have every voice mail and can furnish to anyone who needs it, I wish I could upload them. But from my understand they should have also mentioned the tires and should have told us that the exhaust should be fixed in order to pass inspection and the tires were bad, but they never did. Did they not see these things, care to look, or was it going to be an endless battle with them over what the car needed to have done to it with more and more money coming out of every direction. Which is why I don't trust their information or their work.
If I am not mistaken the following are part of the inspection and if I am right then they failed to mention several items:
Along with the OBD / Emissions:
Brakes Function as Intended - If they are checking the break fluid did they not notice that their was no oil or junky oil and they did know the car sat for a year without being driven, I know checking that isn't on the requirement but would they not notice it???. Especially since he himself said black smoke would indicate a problem and that happened during the inspection.
In order for brakes to pass inspection, the brakes must
apply even force to each wheel equipped with brakes. Additionally, the
brakes must have pads so that metal is not grinding against metal.
Further, there should be no signs of leaking brake fluid. Handbrake cables must be in good working order and the handbrake must function properly.
All Lights Work Properly - NOPE but wasn't mentioned
Headlights must be either yellow or white and working bulbs must be installed on the vehicle. Additionally, lights are checked
for brightness--low-beam lights should not be as glaring as the
high-beam lights. Further, the lens of each light should not be cracked.
Stoplights must display when brakes are applied. Additionally, the
vehicle's directional signals must signal properly and the lenses of
each turn signal cannot be broken.
Horn, Steering Mechanisms and Windshield Wipers Function
Vehicle horns must not be too loud and it must work
properly. The steering mechanism in the car must properly turn the
wheels of the car. Additionally, the actual nuts,
bolts and rivets of the steering system must be in good repair and in
place. Windshield wipers must function properly--the arms must move, the
blades must not be frayed and the blades must be sturdy enough to
remove rain, snow or other material.
Tires Are Inflated and Tread is at Proper Depth - Nope but wasn't mentioned
All tires on the vehicle must be properly inflated and must
be able to hold pressure. Additionally, there can be no signs of damage
or bulges on the tire. Further, the tread must be measured to ensure
that each tire has enough tread to clear away rain, snow, and other
material as the car drives.
Mirrors Are Not Broken or Loose
Vehicles must be equipped with mirrors that provide a clear
view of the highway from the rear and on either side of the car. Mirrors
cannot be loosely mounted, cracked or difficult to adjust.
Exhaust System Meets Emission Standards - Another mechanic told us about the exhaust leak
North Carolina requires that cars have a muffler and a tail
pipe. These parts must not have holes or patches. Additionally, the
vehicle should have working emission control devices such as catalytic
converters, oxygen sensors and unleaded gas restrictors.
From: *** *** [mailto:***]
Sent: Monday, April 28, 1:PM
To: *** ***
Subject: ID *** attn *** ***
The *** family brought there Nissan into our shop for a NC State inspectionThe car didn't pass because
all the readiness codes hadn't been cleared by the cars computerWhen this happens you have to drive the car more (drive cycle) and the cars computer checks the not ready system and either passes or fails***, the inspector didn't hear any type of noises from the engine nor see any type RED FLAG to keep them from driving itThe *** comment of feeling that a experienced good mechanic should have noticed is so so off base because there were no visible issues and can easily be directed back at themANY person buying a car putting out black smoke should know that things aren't right which are indications of a motor issueAlong with there issues of not securing a clean title as anyone would have done
After the *** unfortunate motor locking up they called us to tow and then we gave them an estimate for a motorWe priced them a "long block" motor price around $This is important because a long block is a partial motor of all the main operating parts, heads,pistons, crank, etcIE engine block and head but dosen't have alot of the other parts like oil pan, intake, exhaust manifolds, valve cover etc.that you have to take off the old motor and transfer to the long blockIn this process there were two issues of bad partsHer valve cover that has built in seals and were leaking and a variable valve timing solenoidThey were called and wanted to buy used in the valve cover and new in the variable valve timing solenoidThey approved both extra prices and the work was doneEven went further finding used to help them in that price reduction it gave them3700+300=
The exhaust issue was a rusted resinenator which is located halfway under the carThe exhaust was no part of the engine and a complete lie that another mechanic indicate we are responsibleIt was rusted from ageThe windshield issue we never sawJust as all the issues that THE *** never saw in there purchase of this car and are now trying to make there problems mineI have been a self employeed business owner of auto repairs in Clemmons since and am in this business to help people not hurt them and these accusations are way way off base
I advised *** to tell them to bring the car back here so we could address those two issuesThey never brought the car back
Kind Regards
*** ***
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:First off [redacted] doesn't know the details of the car purchase without or without a title so that is not a topic that he should be discussing nor should he say things like "ANY
person buying a car putting out black smoke should know that things
aren't right which are indications of a motor issue. Along with there
issues of not securing a clean title as anyone would have done." But since he brought it up this car was purchased by my 16 year old from a "friend" the car sat for one year as we fought the seller in court for the title that her "friend" failed to give to her, yes it was silly and it was a hard lesson learned for her but the car did not need a new engine nor did it have engine problems, it never blew out black smoke until the day at his shop. My ex who is a mechanic looked the car over numerous times before the car was bought and after it was bought and making sure this car was perfect for our daughter but unfortunately we were unaware of the title issues that they were having and since it sat for a year (which was told to the mechanics at Alexander automotive several times) I guess that didn't help the situation, but upon speaking to several mechanics they stated that with that knowledge of knowing that the car sat for a year that the oil and other lubricants were probably not in the best shape and the black smoke came WHILE it was being inspected by Alexanders mechanics and it was making a noise that my daughter reported and it didn't have a lot of gas in it , so that should have clued them into possible other problems to at least check the levels of oil, or ask more question but maybe I am use to the shop I always use as this was the first time that I had been to this shop and the only reason was because we had a 10 day permit from the DMV and we didn't want to drive it far at all to risk getting pulled over for not having a tag (the dmv was issuing us the tag later that day once we got it inspected) and Alexanders is right around the block. Also as you will see later in the letter another shop reported several items that caused it to not pass inspection such as the tire, a light, etc so I guess Alexander's missed a lot of items or failed to mention a lot to us. I could not take it to my ex at the time but I wish we could have and after Alexander's inspected it, but told us to drive it around the block we thought how simple no big deal when it quit working on the side of the road a few blocks away and she was panicked so the first person my daughter thought to call was Alexanders because they looked at it last and from the moment it happened I felt upset but felt like what could we do, they were the last to look at it, they tow mine as well see if they can fix it.
Next they never mentioned "This is important because a long block is a partial motor of all the main operating parts, heads,pistons, crank, etc.", we chose this option because of the warranty and they knew we were particular over the warranty and they should have mentioned this too us. If they had we would have possible went elsewhere or chose a different option.
"Her valve cover that has built in seals and were leaking and a variable valve timing solenoid." They called us and said the valve cover was an easy fix for a used part but kept having issues, they gave us the option of used which was cheaper so of course we wanted to try and save money and the variable valve they left a message stating "they were going to try and clean it out and that they WOULD GO AHEAD AND ORDER THE PART" I have the message, they never asked they went ahead and ordered it, which is fine because he said we had to have it for the inspection. Again have the voice mail.
The exhaust and windshield: The exhaust is whatever I was told it should have been mentioned to us in the least but should be part of the engine repair, it wasn't even mentioned. The windshield was not broken before, it was not broken when we took it for inspection it was not broken when they towed it. I called and left a message and I have the voice mail response, he doesn't say to bring it back up there for them to take care of he says there is no way it happened on their property and IF it did they are not responsible. I have the voicemail, he goes on to say that he can fix both a the exhaust and a order new windshield and if I like for the cost but he doesn't say to bring it up there for them to take a look at and since he said it wasn't their responsibility but could repair for charge I didn't take it back up there. It was damaged in their possession they should take responsibility for that and pay to have it fixed. I have numerous witnesses that can state the fact that it was not cracked prior to them having the car.
Instead I took it to another shop and they did the inspection and told me of HOW DANGEROUS THE TIRE WAS, HOW THE FRONT LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DANGEROUS AS WELL, how did they see these things and Alexanders who had the car for days on end didn't once mention them. The items that were mentioned at the new shop were partly why the car wouldn't pass inspection and it was a mechanics visuals such as the light, the tire, none of which were brought to my attention from Alexanders which again is why I feel like I was taken advantage of. So if they visually noticed these items did Alexanders not even look at the car at all, were they going to let it pass with the tail light out and the tire in bad shape?
The repairs from the other shop were and cost me another amount and NONE of these things were mentioned by Alexanders.
USED GDYR REGATTA, ALLOY WHEEL WEIGHTS, BULB MARKERLAMP, FRONT LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM,REPAIR HOLE AT RESINATOR, 4 WHEEL TOTAL ALIGNMENT INCLUDES CASTER,CAMBER AND TOE RESET, REMOVE AND REPLACE DRIVERS LOWER CONTROL ARM TO INCLUDE BALL JOINT, INSTALL BULB TAG LIGHTSEMISSIONS STICKER & N.C. EMISSIONS INSPECTION.
I would really appreciate the window in the least paid for as it was damaged on their property, I feel like I should be refunded some money as well since I had to take it elsewhere after I felt the way I did because of their response to my complaints and I did not feel comfortable with their shop, just like now I have a warranty on the engine that I do not feel comfortable ever returning to their shop, I do not feel like they were upfront, honest, or helpful with me. I am not a mechanic, I do not know everything as most people do not so I feel like they took advantage of that. I have every voice mail and can furnish to anyone who needs it, I wish I could upload them. But from my understand they should have also mentioned the tires and should have told us that the exhaust should be fixed in order to pass inspection and the tires were bad, but they never did. Did they not see these things, care to look, or was it going to be an endless battle with them over what the car needed to have done to it with more and more money coming out of every direction. Which is why I don't trust their information or their work.
If I am not mistaken the following are part of the inspection and if I am right then they failed to mention several items:
Along with the OBD / Emissions:
Brakes Function as Intended - If they are checking the break fluid did they not notice that their was no oil or junky oil and they did know the car sat for a year without being driven, I know checking that isn't on the requirement but would they not notice it???. Especially since he himself said black smoke would indicate a problem and that happened during the inspection.
In order for brakes to pass inspection, the brakes must
apply even force to each wheel equipped with brakes. Additionally, the
brakes must have pads so that metal is not grinding against metal.
Further, there should be no signs of leaking brake fluid. Handbrake cables must be in good working order and the handbrake must function properly.
All Lights Work Properly - NOPE but wasn't mentioned
Headlights must be either yellow or white and working bulbs must be installed on the vehicle. Additionally, lights are checked
for brightness--low-beam lights should not be as glaring as the
high-beam lights. Further, the lens of each light should not be cracked.
Stoplights must display when brakes are applied. Additionally, the
vehicle's directional signals must signal properly and the lenses of
each turn signal cannot be broken.
Horn, Steering Mechanisms and Windshield Wipers Function
Vehicle horns must not be too loud and it must work
properly. The steering mechanism in the car must properly turn the
wheels of the car. Additionally, the actual nuts,
bolts and rivets of the steering system must be in good repair and in
place. Windshield wipers must function properly--the arms must move, the
blades must not be frayed and the blades must be sturdy enough to
remove rain, snow or other material.
Tires Are Inflated and Tread is at Proper Depth - Nope but wasn't mentioned
All tires on the vehicle must be properly inflated and must
be able to hold pressure. Additionally, there can be no signs of damage
or bulges on the tire. Further, the tread must be measured to ensure
that each tire has enough tread to clear away rain, snow, and other
material as the car drives.
Mirrors Are Not Broken or Loose
Vehicles must be equipped with mirrors that provide a clear
view of the highway from the rear and on either side of the car. Mirrors
cannot be loosely mounted, cracked or difficult to adjust.
Exhaust System Meets Emission Standards - Another mechanic told us about the exhaust leak
North Carolina requires that cars have a muffler and a tail
pipe. These parts must not have holes or patches. Additionally, the
vehicle should have working emission control devices such as catalytic
converters, oxygen sensors and unleaded gas restrictors.
Read more: [redacted]
Regards,
[redacted]