Dear consumer,
Think twice before considering to use this auto service! I am taking the time to write this is an effort to share our experience and to hopefully help save some other unwitting victim. We broke down and had to be towed. This was a 8 mile tow each way; 16 round trip. The time was before 5PM on a Friday. The tow fee was for 24 miles and totaled $159. OK so they padded a few miles after all it was in a canyon and the driver was apparently not comfortable turning the truck so he drove a couple miles past a few spots before he decided to turn the rig around. We were happy for the tow so no argument.
What began as a very nice experience however, quickly became a nightmare. We told them we knew the issue and would fix it ourselves; it was our fuel pump. They said that was good because they could not do the repair for three days. As the discussion progressed we were told that if the repair were as easy as my husband told them it was; i.e. no need to drop the gas tank, they MAY have someone that could do it the next day. Either way we would get a call with an answer and an estimate the next morning...
True to their word we got a call from a man with the shop, I'm withholding names, and was told they could fix it and that the rate would be right at $1000! Had I been the unwitting female that he apparently thought, I may have choked out a whimpering OK. Instead I asked for a breakdown of charges? Among other things he was going to clean out the fuel filter... I know most men are giggling now as this is somewhat akin to adding blinker fluid! I let that one slide and questioned the cost of the fuel pump? I was told $450! I was shocked and told him the last one I purchased was $300? He immediately chuckled and clearly pointed out that I must have been dreaming as he had no idea where I could get one for that price!
Determined not to be duped for this highway robbery I told him I would discuss with my husband and get back to them. With one call I was able to purchase the GM fuel pump model two hours later for $316. Yes this was a brand new fuel pump unit and not OEM. I called back and kindly thanked them for their time and asked that the truck and bill for towing to be ready and we would pick it up that afternoon. Upon arrival to quite the welcoming committee; I guess we are more intimidating then I thought; we were handed a bill for $305! Seems in my stupidity a free estimate is not free. "Oh but honey she says, you did not think diagnostics were free did you?" Hmmm I should have countered with, "When did I ask for a diagnostic to be performed or better yet give you approval for one? Oh and by the way walk across the street to O'Riley hand them your license you will get the computer diagnostic tool needed to get the same diagnosis; for free." Odd isn't it? This invoice also includes the labor involved to test a fuel pump. It's a simple test really, turn on the key listen for a pump. No sound means the pump is not working. Rewind to yesterday when we called for a tow; that test was performed then...
Since our practice is to turn the other cheek rather then to fight, coupled with this "audience", we took the peaceable route and just paid the bill and exited. Perhaps this audience of 5 was a tactic to intimidate, not sure why else a state trooper needed to be present? Oh yes I'd like to also mention their recommended service notes that an oil change is due immediately. Funny they did not notice the new tag in the window for the one I just had done...
The very dishonest practices being employed here are sickening. I hope this helps some other innocent, perhaps mechanically naive traveler to avoid such a miserable experience. It is a sad commentary on humanity these days.
Our heartfelt thanks and indebtedness goes to Craig at Anderson Jeep Rentals. These people are truly honest people that uphold integrity and know what it is like to be in a predicament and at the mercy of others. With their kindness, hospitality and tools we repaired the truck and were on the road in a few hours. In my opinion use A1 as your steak sauce not your auto service center. read more
