Express Automotive Repair

Am having issues with repairs done in this facility and I was told by the receptionist after 48 hours of service that they could no longer assist me.I have been having issues with the a/c in my car and the very first time I noticed it I took my car to Express Automotive Repair in Bartlett, Tn. The first visit I was told that my fan belt needed to be replaced as well as my compressor by [redacted]. He also told me that, since I was working for an auto parts store at that time, that I could just get the parts from my job and bring it in to be fixed. I wasn't told anything about there not being a warranty on the work I was having done. I had the car fixed and within a few weeks noticed the air in the car not working again, so I took it back and [redacted] said there was a valve loose. He tightened the valve and added more Freon. Days later the same problem persists, so I took it back. [redacted] tightened more valves and refilled the Freon again. The air went out completely again, therefore I took it back to that same repair shop. [redacted] was refilling Freon and tightening valves for free at those times. After countless times of them tightening valves and refilling the Freon, they finally noticed that my condenser was leaking Freon as well, I'm wondering why it took them so long to notice such a big leak. So, I make an appointment to have my condenser fixed and a/c recharged at a total of 588 dollars. When I went to pick up my car after repairs, my a/c still wasn't cooling. So I immediately call and was told to bring it back when they tell me that I also have a worn compressor! Why wasn't this all noticed and diagnosed at the time they noticed my leaking condenser. I feel as if I was lied to and as a paying customer, I believe one can imagine my frustration. I asked to speak to [redacted] (the owner/manager) this morning when I called and after holding, the receptionist picks up again to tell me that he was extremely busy and that I could do "Whatever it felt like I needed to do," after threatening to take legal action. I wanted a complete refund from the work that was done on my car by them but was told that's not possible. [redacted] never returned my phone call which is extremely unprofessional since I had spent so much money with them without hesitation since I trusted them with my car.Desired SettlementAs a resolution I would like a refund or replacement at no charge since I wasn't told about there not being a warranty on the compressor repair when getting the parts yourself, and also since I was instructed to do so by the owner.Business Response Based on a conversation the Revdex.com had with the company, Mr. [redacted] states that the consumer, Ms. [redacted] bought the parts from a third party and he does not warranty on labor or the parts when purchased from a third party. Mr. [redacted] has offered as a one-time good faith effort to install the part free of labor charge if the consumer buys the part. Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)I'm completely satisfied with this response. I understand that I have to get the part but labor fees will be waived this one time. Thank you so much for your help.

I took my 1970 [redacted] Galaxie to Express Automotive Repair with the intent of getting the vehicle to safe operating standards as I could move about between restoration shops and be in compliance with ** vehicle operating laws. The shop was recommended by an associate of mine whom had some work completed on an older model vehicle as well. I met with the shop's owner, [redacted], and he agreed to the task and assured me that he was capable of performing such work. The "work" as determined by our conversation was as follows. OPERATING CONDITION = Running and Driving and Safe to operate on public roadways. Achieved by completing the following tasks. Install new gas tank, fuel lines & carburetor. Install rear brakes & shocks. Ensure that basic safety operating functions were working properly - lights, turn signals, horn, etc. Very early into the process [redacted] expressed frustration and admitted that "older cars" was his brother's specialty and showed signs that he may have bitten off more than he can chew (1st red flag). As parts began to arrive, [redacted] would show me invoices with huge mark-ups on said parts. As I had already researched the parts beforehand I had a general idea of costs involved. When I questioned him about the huge mark ups, he stated "that's what pays the lease around here" (2nd red flag). After installing the gas tank and connecting it to the filler neck, I noticed that he did not bother to prep or paint the area or even install a gas cap. He then installed the carburetor without prepping or cleaning surrounding areas (3rd red flag). Unfortunately this would prove to be the type of craftsmanship and quality (or lack thereof) that I would be forced to expect and accept. On several occasions [redacted] told me that my vehicle was ready only for me to arrive and incur another issue. One such instance actually ended with him telling me to take the car and never come back, he was done, and that I did not owe him anything else. Tempting as the offer was, I simply asked that he... PT 1Desired SettlementWhile my vehicle was in [redacted]'s care, damage was incurred. My front passenger fender was dented and the support brace bent, my windshield received severe scratches, and my driver's door no longer opens from the inside. [redacted] suggested that I should be ok with the damages caused while my car was in his care because "it has to all be restored anyway" (wow). Estimated cost of repairs:Windshield w/ install - $365Fender Repair w/ brace - $225Door Latch Repair - $130Total = $720 PT 2...he complete the work to the expectations that I had set forth and payment would be remitted in full. By the time [redacted] actually got the car to run and drive as we agreed, significant damage had been done to various parts of my vehicle. My front passenger fender had been dented and the support brace bent, my windshield had received major scratches, and my driver's door no longer opened from the inside. When I expressed my concerns, [redacted] merely stated "what difference does it make, the car needs a full restoration anyway". Regardless of the condition of my vehicle, this did not give him the right to cause further damage without consequence or restitution. Additionally, [redacted] discussed my billing and payment methods with the aforementioned associate that had referred me to him. This was unprofessional, unacceptable and a violation of my privacy rights. Lastly, I took his written estimate to other shops around town (some very well established), and after reviewing photos of the work performed and crunching the numbers, all agreed that the price quoted / paid far exceeded the quality of work performed. As [redacted] has been fully compensated for the work he completed, I simply want to be reimbursed for the damages caused by his negligence while my car was in his care. Consumer's Desired Resolution: Express Automotive and it's owners shall be responsible for costs incurred to repair damage done to my vehicle while in their care.Estimated as follows:Windshield $250 Dearborn Classics plus $50 S&H (estimated) plus $75 install (estimated)Fender Repair w/ brace - Brace $55 ebay plus $10 S&H (estimated) plus 2 hours labor @ $80 hour / $160(est)Door latch repair - Kit $50 summit racing plus $10 S&H (estimated) plus .75 hour labor @ $80 hour / $60(est)Approximate amount owed = $720 Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted], OwnerContact Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXXContact Email: [redacted]@aol.comI held a postdated check from [redacted] in the amount of $1,000 from Mr. [redacted]. He said it would be good on [redacted] He called me on [redacted] and said not to cash it or deposit it that the funds were not in his account. I called his bank and him for quite some time and could never get him to make good on check [redacted] Fast forward to [redacted] I finally deposited the check as I was preparing my books for the end of the year. It was returned on [redacted] I sent a letter via [redacted] certified mail to Mr. [redacted] see attachment. He entered Express Automotive Repair on [redacted] verbally threatening me to make a payment plan with him or else he would file a complaint against me and get an attorney to sue me. I explained to him he would have to pay the entire amount in full. He then pulls out a wad of $100 bills then says no I am not going to pay it this way. That he would go get a money order or cashier's check. He then left and returned a short time later with 3 money orders totaling $1,000. He wanted copies and a receipt which I gladly gave him. As far as his complaint filed with the Revdex.com, he picked up the car in April [redacted] and he was taking it straight to a body shop to have the body work performed and the car painted. He had no verbal complaints the day he drove off in his [redacted] Galaxie still owing my business $1,000. Again that was April, [redacted] Check not good in May, [redacted] and still wasn't made good until February the [redacted] of [redacted] 3 days later he filed a complaint with Revdex.com. Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)I put a stop payment on the check because in actuality The business had not fulfilled it's obligations as well as had not made any restitution for damages to my vehicle. In my mind it was a wash. The business owner actually allegedly sent the check to the DA's office. I did not have time to go thru due process to resolve the matter as "passing bad checks" is a felony. I paid the business owner with the intention of recouping all monies owed to me. I am willing to seek no further action if the business owner agrees to pay me for the damages. If not, I will proceed with filing a complaint and full investigation with a local consumer watch group affiliated with a prominent news station. This investigation will include recorded statements, videos, and photos including owner's admission to damage and footage of owner walking back to his shop to retrieve his vehicle and tools to repair my disabled vehicle that was "ready for pick up". The investigation shall also produce audio of owner saying that he would actually fund the repairs of the car(s)to be apart of the business venture I was embarking on. This led to a partnership being forged as evident by business cards with said company's name and logo being ordered and received by myself (can attach invoice and card as requested or needed). Unfortunately, the quality of repairs, service, and craftsmanship would not allow this partnership / business venture to flourish. Additionally, I will file a formal complaint with the FTC regarding my privacy rights regarding owner discussing my account as well as payment arrangements. By showing another customer my check, he exposed / shared my personal and financial information. Additionally, by misrepresenting the full scope of the events surrounding nonpayment, the business owner caused the customer / potential investor to opt out of a related business venture. A civil suit may also follow in small claims court. Business owner merely needs to accept responsibility for his actions and issue payment for said damages. Notice the owner did not deny the accusations, he simply stated that I did not mention them the day I drove off. Other than the door latch (which only became evident when I tried to exit the vehicle after arriving home) the other issues had previously been addressed prompting his comment "It all has to be restored anyway". This final act was the straw that broke the camel's back. Between the door, the windshield, the fender, and the other essential components that were still not functioning properly (horn, turn signals, carburetor) I concluded that we were a wash based on the amount of monies owner had previously received and issued a stop payment. I felt no need to seek any real compromise based on owner's previous stance and attitude.Final Business Response