Encinitas Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair

Review: While checking a squeaking noise coming from the rear end of my car, rather then pushing down on the trunk to hear the noise, they pushed down very hard on the rear driver side door handle. This caused the door handle to break off. Encinitas Foreign and domestic auto repair did not fix the door handle that they broke off, then said that it was like that when I originally had dropped it off. I use the rear door every day, and am 100% positive that it was not like that, and that it had been broken while in their care. [redacted] (G.M.) told me that they could fix it, but I would have to pay for it.Desired Settlement: I paid 106 dollars for the diagnostics that they had done on my car. They broke an 87$ part (rear driver side door handle). I have a quote at another mechanic for 20 dollars labor plus the 87 dollar part. They broke my car and I would like a refund so I can have it fixed elsewhere. I do not feel comfortable ever leaving my car in their care again.

Business

Response:

I will start by clarifying a few facts. Mr. [redacted] brought his 1993 Mercedes-Benz

400SEL into our shop at 4:00pm on September 26,2013 to be diagnosed on September

27, 2013 with concerns of the squeaking noise in the rear suspension as mentioned and the steering

system leaking fluid and making a growling noise.

On September 30, 2013 after being advised of the recommended repairs for his concerns and

additional recommendations including safety concerns Mr. [redacted] paid the $106 charge and took

the vehicle declining all recommendations.

On October 1, 2013 Mr. [redacted] returned and asked me to his vehicle and pointed out that the left

rear outer door handle was loose though still attached and functioning. While examining the handle

I noticed a black silicone substance behind and beaded up around the handle. When I pointed it out

to him he accused us of putting it there to hide damaging the handle.

I explained to Mr. [redacted] that we have a policy in place to repair any damage to any vehicle if

we caused the damage. I then spoke to the technician that diagnosed Mr. [redacted]'s vehicle and he

confirmed that he did not touch the left rear door handle or any rear door handle for any reason

and stated that he did not damage the handle.

In response to Mr. [redacted]'s statement "rather then pushing down on the trunk to hear the noise,

they pushed down very hard on the rear driver side door handle." Mr. [redacted]'s statement is false

and misleading.

I then explained to Mr. [redacted] that we did not feel that we could have damaged his door handle

therefore would not be responsible for the cost of the repair.

I an effort to help satisfy Mr. [redacted] I did offer to disassemble what was necessary to find the

cause of the loose handle if he was willing to pay for the handle $87 +tax from Mercedes-Benz when

it was then verified that we did not cause the damage. Mr. [redacted] agreed, the handle was ordered

and I contacted Mr. [redacted] on October 2,

2013 to set an appointment for the following day October 3, 2013.

On October 3, 2013 Mr. [redacted] called to let me know that he was not going to return to our shop

to have the handle inspected but was going to take it to a friends shop and have them look at. I asked Mr.

[redacted] to have himself or the other shop call if it was determined that we caused the damage to his handle.

In closing Mr. [redacted] is requesting a refund in the amount of $106. Until we can be shown how we

are responsible for the loose handle we are declining Mr. [redacted]'s request.

Kind Regards,

Manager

Review: After the steering gear was replaced (by another party) on my vehicle, it needed the front wheels aligned and the steering column clocked because the steering wheel was off center by 45 degrees. I obtained an estimate from Encinitas Foreign and Domestic ($79.94), and from [redacted] Alignment Services ($96) in San Diego. In both cases, I explained the situation with the steering column and gear.I brought my car to Encinitas Foreign and Domestic to have the work performed. I explained a second time to the service writer [and also to the manager, on separate occasion] the situation with the steering column, and to estimate appropriately. The written repair order included a note on the steering column situation. I was later informed by phone that it would cost an additional $100+ to align the steering joint. I refused the services, and was charged $40 for 25 minutes of labor, according to the manager, to road test and check suspension.I then brought my car to [redacted] Alignment, where they briefly inspected the vehicle, and completed the alignment and steering column clocking for their estimated $96.I do not believe that the labor charged by Encinitas Foreign and Domestic was justified, given that I emphasized 3 times the issue with the steering column. Further, the estimate could easily and quickly have been corrected by the technician upon brief inspection, without need to expend 25 minutes of labor.Desired Settlement: Refund $40

Business

Response:

April 24, 2013 ·