Pro-1 Automotive, Inc.

On, 1/5/15, I brought my 1995 [redacted] Tacoma truck to Pro 1 Automotive to have them check why the "engine light" came on. [redacted], manager, said they'd hook it to their diagnostic machine to see what the code said and advise me. They kept it the morning and when I called to check on it, [redacted], technician, said they found the following:1. Catalytic Convertor was bad causing engine light to come on; requires replacement, cost $1,000.002. Engine Tuneup needed, reason they gave for catalytic converter failure, cost $550.003. Three (3) Engine Belts cracked, requires replacement, cost $400.004. Transmission Fluid very dirty, requires services and fluid replacement, cost $250.005. Rear Shock Absorbers worn, "truck too bouncy" noted by technician who test drove it, requires replacement, no cost estimate given, because I told them shocks changes just a year ago.I asked [redacted] for my invoice to pay and take my truck. He gave invoice to me for $114.56. I looked at it and told him I thought this was excessive given I brought the truck in to have them check why the engine light was on; not all the other "repair work" they told me the truck required. I said $114.56 seems excessive given other local businesses like [redacted] and [redacted] offer to connect their diagnostic machines up and will not charge to advise what the engine code indicates as needing attention. [redacted] told me that their charges are for the full inspection that they do of the vehicle. But, I reaffirmed with him that I did not leave my truck with them to do a full inspection of my truck, but, just authorized them to determine why the engine light had come on. On 1/7/15, I had another auto service tune my truck, service the transmission, and replace 3 engine belts; cost was $495.85. The mechanic advised me that there was nothing wrong with my catalytic converter and my shocks were fine. On 1/12/15, I also took my truck to [redacted], who replaced shocks a year ago, and [redacted], technician, reaffirmed the truck shocks were fine.Product_Or_Service: Diagnostic of Engine Light OnOrder_Number: Repair Order [redacted]Desired SettlementI request a full or partial refund for the diagnostic services performed that were not authorized. Also, I believe this recent incident warrants the Revdex.com to investigate the business practices of Pro 1 Automotive regarding their recommendations of unneeded repairs and service work when, in fact, these auto parts (i.e., catalytic converter, shock absorbers, and 1 of 3 engine belts) are in good working order. Business Response January 5, 2015 Mr.[redacted] brought in his 1995 [redacted] Tacoma with a "check engine light" on. We had him complete a new customer form, he signed an authorization for the initial fee of $114.56 this is our hourly rate. This vehicle is 20 years old and Pro 1 does a courtesy inspection of every vehicle that comes into the shop. We believe it is our job to make each customer aware of the condition of their vehicle, both for safety reasons and maintenance reasons, there is not any charge or time added for this service.Some Businesses will plug into a diagnostic machine and it will provide a code but it does not confirm the problem. Further diagnoses is needed to track down the exact problem. The issue with the shocks is as follows, the front ones were new but the back ones were old and possibly original. Pro 1 saves all the parts we replace on a vehicle. The customer is free to examine them and take them or we will dispose of them. We have no reason to replace unneeded parts, Pro 1 is an [redacted] approved shop and a [redacted] Center in business for 29 years.Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)No, I do not accept Pro 1's response to my complaint. Their diagnostics to determine the problem with my truck were incorrect. They said the engine light problem was that the catalytic convertor was "spent" and needed to be replaced; a $800.00 to $1,000.00 cost. This was not the root cause of the engine light coming on. The truck required just a minor tune up (performed 2 days later by another auto service), and, to date, the truck has been fine. As to Pro 1's technician's determination that the rear shocks were "old and original equipment," I told them that both the front and rear shocks were changed by [redacted] a little more than a year ago; and they then attempted to change their story.Based on my recent experience dealing with Pro 1, I can only presume that their business practice is to sell their customers unnecessary service work replacing parts that are actually in good working order. I shall be sure to share my recent experience with family, friends, and business colleagues so that they may use this information as they see fit.