Wolbert Auto Body & Repair

Review: I had my car towed to Wolbert's Auto Repair, assured they could repair the vehicle. I left a written description of the problem as requested & the surrounding events for the repair shop in the car. The description did not provide approval to complete work. A couple of days later, I gave authorization for bodywork which was not affiliated with the mechanical repair.I originally asked the shop to let me know what was wrong with the car and would call to for updates periodically. After 25 days the shop sent my car to the dealership to complete mechanical repair without my approval or knowledge. I was not given an estimate of work to be completed. I was told "it MAY need to go to the dealer" as in I would need to take it. I had never given approval to fix or move.I immediately called the dealership and stated I did not give approval for this.I was told I could pick up my car even though the body work was not complete and I would have to come back when I could for the final parts. They had my car for over 30 days and were given approval within the first few days to do bodywork which they never completed. I was being charged daily for the rental. I have not signed anything and have only given oral approval to find out what was causing the problem. The shop and I have only spoke on the phone. The mechanic, manager, owner is saying I knew this was going to take place even though I never gave authorization to complete repairs. I am capable of repair just needed diagnostic.The bodywork was covered by insurance other than the $100 deductible and part of the rental car. The bill was $788 + $100 deductible. Wolbert's would not release the car until I paid in full. I signed my receipt "paid under protest & duress". I was offered they take the part off if I wasn't happy but I needed my vehicle or I would not have transportation to work. I was out of town starting a job the next day. I explained I understand that this was a misunderstanding and communication fail when I was yelled at in the store.Desired Settlement: I would appreciate a refund. I only asked to find out what the problem was of the vehicle for poor running. After I spoke with the shop and told what the problem was; the same day I received a quote with shipping for $201.67 for the MAF sensor from [redacted].My rental cost came to over a dollar a day + another $30 for the 31st day.I would like less than half of this back because the of the length of time the car was held and the repairs still were not completed.for a total of $175.Thank you.

Business

Response:

This complaint was filed 9 months after service was provided.

Mr. [redacted]’s vehicle was brought into us on 12/17/13 for auto body repairs. Attached is a signed Authorization To Repair and copy of ft bumper replacement paid by [redacted]. At the time Mr, [redacted] left his vehicle he had also asked us to check a mechanical issue he was having with the vehicle, no power/acceleration. After body work was complete we had our mechanical department check acceleration issue and detertermed it was not accident related and would need to be taken to Mercedes dealership and scanned/checked.

At that time Mr. [redacted] was called and was given the information. He had given us a verbal ok (as confirmed in the complaint) to take to [redacted] Mercedes and have it scanned/diagnosised. We then had the vehicle towed to [redacted] (free of charge). Mr. [redacted] was charged our cost plus tax. I’m not clear on why after 9 months Mr. [redacted] is asking for compensation on a repair he approved and was knowledgeable about.

We also have fender liners that are owed to him that we have tried to contact him several time to install.

Thank you,

[redacted] Office Manager