Lockhart's Auto Repair, Inc

Review: On Nov 7th I had an appointment scheduled at Lockharts Auto Repair for an oil change and to replace three spark plugs on my car. When I initially made the appointment I asked how much it would cost and I was told it would be $92-$96, that it definitely would not exceed $100.00. I then scheduled the appointment for Nov 7th. I dropped the car off early that day morning and placed the car keys in the drop box. Later that afternoon I received a call from Lockharts stating the car was ready but that it would cost a little extra due to the fact that they had to replace the spark plug wires, that they were in bad condition. I asked if they had already changed the wires and was told they did replace them, I told them I would be there in 10-15 min. When I arrived at Lockharts they told me the total cost would be $152.78!!! I nearly fell over...I asked why they didn't call me before they changed the wires and ask me if it would be ok, they said they didn't know they needed too!! I was shocked they would do this without my ok as I live on a very fixed income...I can't believe they can get away with this and feel its ok to charge $56 more than they first quoted and didn't even call first to see if I'm ok with repairs that I didn't even ask for! I have never been to a garage and have had that happen, I'm always called first if there are any unforeseen repairs or extra costs and then I can decide if I want the repairs done now or in the future. I will never go back to them nor will I ever recommend them to anyone! I thought it would be nice and conveinent to go to them since they are new to the neighborhood and close to my home but I will be fine going elsewhere, where I know I won't be robbed again. I don't know how they can do this to anyone and feel it's ok...I'm still so shocked and disgusted at how this was handled and how I was treated....Desired Settlement: I feel I should receive $56 back due to the fact that no one called and discussed this matter with me. I was not given a choice in the matter regarding repairs with my car and how much I could afford to spend. I am not rich and have to budget my finances very carefully...this really hurt me financially.

Business

Response:

Dear Revdex.com:This is in response to the ID Number #[redacted]. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to addressthis issue.The customer came into the garage for spark plugs and an oil change. When given the quote we wereunder the understanding that she had the spark plugs. The estimate was for 1 hour labor @ $55.00normal rate to change plugs and $35.00 for the oil change. We gave her a reduced price on the partsand labor. Plugs and the wires would have cost $70.00 and we did not charge full price for the extralabor involved with changing the wires.When the car was dropped off the customer didn’t supply the plugs. When the plugs were beingchanged the wire were found to be burnt upon removal of them. They were not able to be reinstalled.The car was rendered un-drivable without new wires. The mechanic installed new wires at cost to makethe care mobile.When the customer came into the office we explained to her that the wires had to be replaced or thecar was not drivable. We offered to show her the burnt wires, to prove that the repair was necessary.She denied needing to see them.The customer did stated that we should have called her prior to the repair, that she would not haverepaired the vehicle. If the call would have been made to the customer, this would have resulted inadditional cost, do the vehicle needing to be towed from our location.If the customer is unsatisfied with the repairs, that were necessary. She can bring the vehicle back forremoval of the spark plug wires, and have the vehicle towed from our shop, and I will return the $56.00.am sorry the customer is unsatisfied with our repair facility, we strive to make sure customers havesafe reliable vehicles.Sincerely:[redacted]