Precision Auto, Inc.

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Regards,
*** ***

[redacted]
Revdex.com
Re: ID Number [redacted]
Dear [redacted]:
Here is the timeline of events.
5/23/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle to Precision Auto
stating that the check engine light was on, the vehicle...

sounded
rough, and the engine was recently replaced at another shop with a
used engine. Our technician found a detached vacuum hose. We
reattached the hose and the customer picked up the vehicle.
6/2/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle in for repairs that
were previously recommended during the May 23rd visit.
During this visit [redacted]. [redacted] made no mention of any problems with the
engine, nor was the check engine light on.
7/2/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle in and stated that the
check engine light was on, and the engine was running poorly. The
technician found that the engine was misfiring. The technician
replaced the spark plugs. The technician also performed a valve
adjustment to the engine to ensure that the valves were adjusted
properly because it was a used engine.
7/9/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle in stating that the
check engine light was on and the engine did not want to accelerate
at times. The technician found that the engine was misfiring on one
cylinder, and there was now a new problem. The technician found that
the variable valve timing was not advancing during acceleration. The
technician replaced the valve timing actuator because it had been
contaminated with metal shavings inside the engine. The customer was
advised that metal shavings in the engine could be a sign of internal
engine damage.
This is a used engine and it had multiple problems. The ignition
coil that was replaced by the uncle could have corrected a problem,
but the repairs that were made at Precision Auto were undoubtedly
necessary.
However, I must apologize to the [redacted]s for the fact that my
husband, Bud, did not respond to them as promised. We have been
dealing with some major health issues, and while this is not an
excuse, it is the reason why he has not responded. For this reason
alone, we feel that we need to make an effort to resolve this issue.
We believe a fair approach would be to divide the disputed amount
evenly at $375.14.
Sincerely,
Jackie W[redacted]

Precision Auto
12811 Middlebrook Rd.
Germantown, MD 20874
[redacted]
Revdex.com
Re: ID Number [redacted], [redacted]
 
Dear [redacted]
Here is the timeline of events.
9/22/14 – [redacted]...

[redacted] brought his vehicle to Precision Auto for a MD State Inspection. The inspection was performed, all items that failed inspection were noted on the ticket and explained to [redacted], and he was charged $106.00.
9/26/14 – [redacted] brought his vehicle back to Precision Auto for a re-inspection of the items that had failed on his original inspection report. [redacted] stated that all the repair work had been completed at another shop. Our technician put the vehicle on the lift, removed the wheels and did an inspection to insure that the brake repair work had been completed. [redacted] was provided with the MD State Inspection Certificate and charged the re-inspection fee of $45.00.
9/29/14 – [redacted] returned to our shop 3 days later insisting that a friend told him we had done something to his vehicle. He stated that this friend had taken the brake drums off the vehicle to check it out. He was very accusatory and very agitated. We immediately put the vehicle back on the lift and removed the wheels. What we found was the brake adjuster lever pawl was missing from the passenger side. There was also a spring that was bent. [redacted] removed a distorted piece of metal that he had in the trunk of his vehicle, which looked like it could be the missing brake adjuster level pawl. We advised [redacted] to take the vehicle back to the Service Center who had just done the brake repair four days prior since it was their parts and the parts would be under warranty.
In an attempt to get this matter resolved quickly for everyone, here is our question--
Did [redacted] have the passenger side rear brake adjuster lever pawl and spring repaired after his 9/29/14 visit to our shop? That is what it sounds like from his letter.
If so, then we are willing to reimburse him for the cost of the second repair. Please ask [redacted] to provide the second repair bill showing that the passenger side brake repair was completed. Also, the parts replaced should be detailed on the invoice.
If [redacted] replaced the brake adjuster lever pawl himself, or had his friend do the repair, then we are willing to reimburse him for the costs of the parts. He will need to provide the parts receipt. 
Sincerely,
Cornelius W[redacted]

Review: To Whom It May Concern,

In the summer of 2014 I sent my [redacted] to Precision Auto in [redacted], MD. After 3 failed attempts to resolve the issue I was told I would need a new engine or would need to buy a new car.

My car began shaking extremely hard continuously from the moment I turned the key until I would turn the car off. At some points while driving the car would lose power and start to slow down and other times it would shake so violently I thought the engine was going to fall out. I took the vehicle to Precision Auto (I have been there before as well as friends and relatives). They initially stated a vacuum hose was disconnected and once they reconnected it the engine vibration stopped. I paid the bill and picked the car up. That night the problem started again. I took the car into Precision Auto a 2nd time. They replaced the camshaft spool valve assembly. I again promptly paid the bill and picked the car up. The car again, began to do the same thing. I, for the 3rd time dropped the car off. I got a call from the shop and they informed me that I would have to get a new engine or get a new car.

I took them a their word and started shopping for a car. My husband and I decided to take the weekend to decide what car we should get. During that weekend my Uncle from out of town came to visit. As the car came up in conversation he asked to take a look. He was able to locate the problem within minutes. The ignition coil needed to be replaced. He then went to the store and found the part needed and replaced it. My uncle added that any mechanic should have been able to see that problem right away.

I thought to myself "There is no way the fix would have been so simple." I waited 2 weeks, driving the car daily, thinking the problem would come back for sure -- but nothing. The car ran stronger than ever. At that point I knew I had been taken advantage of by these mechanics.

I called the shop and spoke to Bud (Shop Owner). He said I had to speak to the individual that worked on my car. I got no call back. I had my husband call he was told he needed to talk to Bud. We got this same message of "You need to speak to the manager, Bud" for over a month! Bud was never available and never returned our phone calls. When my husband finally demanded to speak to Bud once and for all, the person on the line said "I spoke to Bud and we will not reimburse you any monies" This was very upsetting especially since we were willing to compromise and pay for the unneeded parts that were installed in the car. We were only asking for the labor cost to be reimbursed.

After all of the lost time, money, headache, frustration and inconvenience I am left with a very bad experience. Precision Auto basically threw darts at a board to try and figure out a solution to my cars problem and at the end came up with nothing and I was left paying the price. I expected better from them and expected to be valued as a customer.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of the labor cost I paid to Precision Auto. The total cost of labor is $750.28.

Business

Response:

[redacted]

Revdex.com

Re: ID Number [redacted]

Dear [redacted]:

Here is the timeline of events.

5/23/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle to Precision Auto

stating that the check engine light was on, the vehicle sounded

rough, and the engine was recently replaced at another shop with a

used engine. Our technician found a detached vacuum hose. We

reattached the hose and the customer picked up the vehicle.

6/2/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle in for repairs that

were previously recommended during the May 23rd visit.

During this visit [redacted]. [redacted] made no mention of any problems with the

engine, nor was the check engine light on.

7/2/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle in and stated that the

check engine light was on, and the engine was running poorly. The

technician found that the engine was misfiring. The technician

replaced the spark plugs. The technician also performed a valve

adjustment to the engine to ensure that the valves were adjusted

properly because it was a used engine.

7/9/2014 – [redacted]. [redacted] brought the vehicle in stating that the

check engine light was on and the engine did not want to accelerate

at times. The technician found that the engine was misfiring on one

cylinder, and there was now a new problem. The technician found that

the variable valve timing was not advancing during acceleration. The

technician replaced the valve timing actuator because it had been

contaminated with metal shavings inside the engine. The customer was

advised that metal shavings in the engine could be a sign of internal

engine damage.

This is a used engine and it had multiple problems. The ignition

coil that was replaced by the uncle could have corrected a problem,

but the repairs that were made at Precision Auto were undoubtedly

necessary.

However, I must apologize to the [redacted]s for the fact that my

husband, Bud, did not respond to them as promised. We have been

dealing with some major health issues, and while this is not an

excuse, it is the reason why he has not responded. For this reason

alone, we feel that we need to make an effort to resolve this issue.

We believe a fair approach would be to divide the disputed amount

evenly at $375.14.

Sincerely,

Jackie W[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Review: On Sept. 22nd,2014 I brought a used vehicle I had recently purchased into Precision Auto for a Maryland State safety inspection. I was told that the vehicle needed upper and lower engine mounts, a lug nut for a wheel, a battery hold down clamp and new rear drum breaks. I was charged $109 for the initial inspection. I took the car to a trusted mechanic that I have used for years to perform the work. The lug nut, battery hold down clamp, upper and lower engine mounts and rear brakes were replaced including new drums and ALL new hardware. I Returned the vehicle to Precision Auto on Friday Sept. 26, 2014 for a reinspection after driving the car nearly 300 miles with no problem. I was charged $45 for the reinspection. A mechanic at Precision Auto checked the car and passed it agreeing that all work was done properly and within Maryland State safety guidelines. In doing the reinspection the mechanic removed the rear drum of the breaks. Immediately after pulling out of the parking lot at Precision Auto I heard a "clanking" noise coming from the rear of the car. I thought it might have been something in the trunk and didn't pay much attention. On the evening of Saturday Sept. 27, 2014 I got in the car and began driving and soon the "clanking" became worse so I drove the car to a near by friend to look at it. He removed the drum and a ball of metal fell out. It was the adjuster clip. The spring in the break assembly was also bent. First thing Monday morning I returned the car to Precision Auto claiming that when the inspector removed the drum he knocked the adjuster clip off and that adjuster clip is what bent the spring. The mechanic and owner refused to fix it stating it wasn't their fault. He agreed that the adjuster clip was in place at the time of inspection and that the spring was already bent like that. Blame was then put on my mechanic for doing a poor job and not replacing the spring. I called my mechanic and he again verified that ALL hardware in the brake assembly was new and there is NO way that spring was bent. My mechanic told me that it would not have passed the reinspection if the spring was bent. I called Precision Auto again with the hope of resolving the matter but was told again and again that it wasn't their fault.

1. The reinspection verified that the breaks were done properly and to Maryland safety guidelines.

2. Precision Auto verified that the adjuster clip was there at the time of reinspection.

3. Precision Auto told me that the spring was already bent but it passed inspection anyway. My mechanic says it would not pass with a bent spring so either they passed a car that they shouldn't have or when replacing the drum after verifying the work was done right the mechanic at Precision Auto accidently knocked off the adjuster clip and while driving it rolled around in the drum damaging the spring.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of either the cost to repair the breaks AGAIN $190 or a refund of the cost of the inspection $154

Business

Response:

Precision Auto

12811 Middlebrook Rd.

Germantown, MD 20874

Revdex.com

Re: ID Number [redacted], [redacted]

Dear [redacted]

Here is the timeline of events.

9/22/14 – [redacted] brought his vehicle to Precision Auto for a MD State Inspection. The inspection was performed, all items that failed inspection were noted on the ticket and explained to [redacted], and he was charged $106.00.

9/26/14 – [redacted] brought his vehicle back to Precision Auto for a re-inspection of the items that had failed on his original inspection report. [redacted] stated that all the repair work had been completed at another shop. Our technician put the vehicle on the lift, removed the wheels and did an inspection to insure that the brake repair work had been completed. [redacted] was provided with the MD State Inspection Certificate and charged the re-inspection fee of $45.00.

9/29/14 – [redacted] returned to our shop 3 days later insisting that a friend told him we had done something to his vehicle. He stated that this friend had taken the brake drums off the vehicle to check it out. He was very accusatory and very agitated. We immediately put the vehicle back on the lift and removed the wheels. What we found was the brake adjuster lever pawl was missing from the passenger side. There was also a spring that was bent. [redacted] removed a distorted piece of metal that he had in the trunk of his vehicle, which looked like it could be the missing brake adjuster level pawl. We advised [redacted] to take the vehicle back to the Service Center who had just done the brake repair four days prior since it was their parts and the parts would be under warranty.

In an attempt to get this matter resolved quickly for everyone, here is our question--

Did [redacted] have the passenger side rear brake adjuster lever pawl and spring repaired after his 9/29/14 visit to our shop? That is what it sounds like from his letter.

If so, then we are willing to reimburse him for the cost of the second repair. Please ask [redacted] to provide the second repair bill showing that the passenger side brake repair was completed. Also, the parts replaced should be detailed on the invoice.

If [redacted] replaced the brake adjuster lever pawl himself, or had his friend do the repair, then we are willing to reimburse him for the costs of the parts. He will need to provide the parts receipt.

Sincerely,

Cornelius W[redacted]