My car's engine began knocking on November 11, 2024, with no dashboard warning lights. Advised to replace the engine, I brought it to the shop on December 13, 2024. The cost was estimated at $4,000, with completion expected by month's end. Leaving a $2,000 deposit, I traveled abroad. Upon returning on January 3, 2025, the car was unfinished. On January 22, 2025, I was told a new clutch was necessary, delaying completion. After researching, I selected a clutch, which the mechanic agreed to order. Weeks later, I discovered it had not been ordered.
Numerous delays followed: lack of shop heat, prioritization of other vehicles, awaiting an oil pump, and medical emergencies. By March 7, 2025, I was informed that only engine installation and test-driving remained. However, on March 17, 2025, the mechanic admitted the engine was incorrect and opted to rebuild the original, increasing costs. Finally, on April 15, 2025, I was told the car was ready for pickup.
On April 16, 2025, I retrieved my car after 123 days. The remaining balance was $3,400, which I planned to pay on Friday. Before I test drove, the mechanic noted that prior dashboard lights persisted, the inspection was incomplete due to a plenum spacer, and the aluminum under shroud was missing. The odometer reflected three additional miles since being dropped off. After driving about 50 miles, the check engine light activated, showing code P0300 for multiple misfires. The mechanic promised to investigate this on Friday.
The next day, my regular mechanic uncovered several issues: reused coil packs, loose screws, cracked belts, missing intake pieces, and glued-together components. Using a borescope, he found no evidence of new pistons or cylinder head machining. Some cylinders had leaking valve guide seals, contradicting the invoice, which claimed new pistons, rods, crankshaft, timing accessories, clutch assembly, spark plugs, ignition coils, and more. Additional discrepancies included unperformed machining and damaged parts that were supposedly replaced. read more