The Auto Connection of Wilson, Inc.

Misquoted/ inflated service prices.April 22nd 2016, My 2007[redacted] would not start. The windows, air condition, dash board lights etc. all worked however the engine would not make a sound when the ignition was turned. Had a mechanic looked into this and he stated that he felt it was the pass key box and suggested we have it towed to the dealer for a diagnostic. Auto connection was contacted and I was told they would charge $200 for the tow if it was not the pass key box. They even suggested contacting my finance company to set up payments if I could not afford this straight out. On 5/14/16 I allowed my vehicle to be towed to the dealership.On May 16th @ 1000am [redacted] the receptionist connected me with the service manager who reported it was not the pass time key but the ignition actuator. I then asked for the total price at this point and was told $250 for the tow and $67 or $69 for the diagnostic. I then contacted a [redacted] dealership for the price of the part and was told $38 which I purchased. I then contacted auto connections to inquire about the price. I was told it would be $262 for towing and parts. I informed them that if I purchased my own parts how could they charge me for it? I was then placed on hold. I then called the actual tow company that towed my vehicle(receipt # [redacted]). I obtained a copy of the bill and they charged $179. I then contacted Auto Connection and requested a copy of the bill and was told the bill had been sent to Va. where the main office is located. I informed the service manager that I was trying to be reimbursed by my insurance company and they requested a bill on the letterhead of the tow company. I was told they would e mail it to me. When I received the invoice dated 5/16/2016(statement # [redacted]; Customer Id: [redacted])it was on auto connection letter head with no mileage or anything except the price of $250.60 and the make & model, license tag # and my home address)On 5/19/16 I went to Auto connect with invoices in hand. I spoke with the "service manager" who told me the prices quoted to me were an estimate only. I informed him that I was told no such thing throughout this entire ordeal. I then asked to speak to the manager. I showed him the tow bill and asked how they had arrived at $260. I was then told that it was at their discretioWn to "mark up". I asked what this was based on and the manager replied "you wouldn't go into [redacted] to purchase something and ask them what they actually paid for it". I replied of course not because their price is already on the item and they don't mark it up at the checkout counter! I asked if there was a list or a board that displayed their prices and I was told no. I again asked how they arrived at this price and was told he could not disclose this with exposing trade secrets. I then just decided to pay the ransom for my vehicle with my [redacted] debit card (as they do not accept cash) and get it away from there. The sales manager left an invoice(order #[redacted]: account # [redacted]) with the cashier that read: $28.50 in stock [redacted] then $39.87 on the other side; $179 tow then $250.60 on the other side; 1 hr diag $65.00; 1.5 part $97.50 which totaled $472.97. This was the price I was quoted when I was going to have my vehicle fixed at that dealership. I asked for and received a copy of this as well.Desired SettlementI would like to pay for just the cost of the tow by the tow company they selected. They did not disclose that they would inflate the price at any time.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted] PMContact Phone: [redacted]Contact Email: [redacted]MS. [redacted] IS AN EXCELLENT CUSTOMER AND IF SHE WOULD GIVE ME A CALL DIRECTLY AT [redacted] I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. I CAN ACT AS MIDDLE MAN BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIP AND HER. I HAVE ACCESS TO THE DECISION MAKERS AS WELL. I CAN CLEAR THIS UP FOR HER ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. THANKS SO MUCH![redacted]