Import Auto Works

been using this shop shop since they opened (many years ago).
never a problem.
excellent service.
very knowledgeable.
fair, honest, more than reasonable pricing on parts and labor.

Review: Gave garage detailed description of symptoms.Clearly stated that 1.No repairs are to be done without my approval 2.I require a written estimate before repair work begins once problem is diagnosed 3.All internal engine parts that are replaced I wanted returned. Once diagnosed, I was told "it wasn't as bad as it could have been, only bent a few valves". Garage looked for low mileage engine as possible replacement, but found none. Decision to repair was made. No estimate given when asked again. Calls to check status were not returned promptly and was given vague update. After a significant time elapsed(nearly two months), was informed via message that the engine needed more work than they imagined, and "couldn't really give an estimate". Asked two people with similar repairs done at same business how much they paid and was told one paid less than one thousand, the other slightly over two thousand. Recieved phone call that repairs were complete, and bill was $5958.68. Talked to owner about the very large bill with no notice. Was told that he was willing to accept a partial payment to pick up the car, with the balance being billed. Called and made $3000 payment only to be informed that one payment was made that owner changed his mind and total balance due before pickup. After speaking at length, Mike said he would accept a total of $5000 to settle balance in full. Paid bill and picked up car. Upon leaving was informed that "the air conditioning isn't working and the machine shop didn't return any valves". Air conditioning was fully functional when car was dropped off, and the invoice shows no charge for any valves. The next day the car leaked coolant all over the exhaust system due to a shoddy glue repair to a plastic part and a hose. The replacement part that should have been used was a $10 part. I missed a day of work and had to make this repair one my own and the air conditioning doesn't work anymore.Desired Settlement: I would like my day of missed work compensated for plus the $10 I spent for the part. My day's wages are $256.00. In addition, I would like to know why the air conditioning wasn't repaired or why I wasn't asked if it worked when I brought the car in. I would also like to be compensated for the cost of the air conditioning repair once an estimate is received.

Business

Response:

I am responding to complaint ID 9735657 by Mr. [redacted].

Mr [redacted] had his car towed to Import Auto Works on 6/17/13. At that time,

the vehicle did not run.

Mr. [redacted] knew, of the extensive damage to his car, we had even considered

an engine replacement with a “USED" engine ($4000-5000 for part) but instead

decided to rebuild his existing engine. In doing so, we explained that we would

have to tear down the engine to see what damage was done and proceed from

there. I was not 100% sure what was going to need replaced so the price would

change depending on the findings. As work progressed, I left Mr. [redacted]

messages about the work.

I received a phone call from a recovery agency stating that his car was up for

repossession. I had already talked to Mr[redacted] about making payments but

this all changed after the phone call. I gave Mr. [redacted] a $958.68 discount so

that he could pick up his car and satisfy some of his issues.

When he picked up his car, on 9/6/13, we talked in detail about his air

conditioning and he said that it worked “occasionally”.

At this point in time, I am not willing to do any more for Mr. [redacted].

If you have any questions, please call ###-###-####.

The most awful company that I have ever encountered. They stole $140 from me for an illegal tow. This company should be audited and disbanded. Not to mention their fake reviews on google. If you look closely no one has ever been satisfied with anything this company has done. They give car shops and towing companies a bad name. They deserve to be in prison.