ABA was recommended to me by a trusted friend, so when my classic car wouldn't start, I had it towed 13 miles to the shop. Upon arrival, I nearly had the driver turn around to take my car elsewhere. The lot was crowded, in full sun (it was near 90°) and nothing but dirt and gravel. A giant dust cloud drifted by as someone drove past. Not exactly the environment I expose my car to, but I eventually decided to leave it after I was assured it would be well taken care of. Ben could use better customer service skills, but Michelle (?) was great. My apologies for not remembering her name.
Turned out the starting problem was just a battery, which I thought had been ruled out by AAA, so ok, fine, get me a new battery. They told me I needed a new power steering pump and that they had found some other leaks (transmission seal, valve covers) and that I could use new brake hoses. These old cars take three hoses: one each side on the front, and one on the back. I was charged for FOUR hoses, and they did not work on the back. I didn't say anything before I paid the bill because I'm not well-versed in the subject. I have since checked with another mechanic to make sure my story is straight.
I knew I needed tires, and Brian assured me it was rare that anyone could beat his price, so I went ahead and agreed to let him get me some BF Goodrich Radial TA's, even though there were closer tire shops to take it to for any rotations or warranty service. I was told this would all cost $1750. I ok'd the repairs and was told that they'd send me an email with details. I never received an email. I was later contacted and told that my water pump was leaking and the price would bump up to $2000. I wasn't expecting to pay so much to get my car going, but said ok.
I went to pick up my car and was told it was clean and ready to go. "Oh, they washed it?" "No, but it looks good." In all actuality, it looked worse than when I brought it in and needed a complete interior and exterior detail because of all the dust and fingerprints. I removed the paper floor mat and plastic sheeting from my seat to throw away and it looked like they put the paper mat down AFTER they noticed they were getting my floor mat dirty.
I was skeptical of the "new" power steering pump because of all the dirt and oil on it. They told me it was blow-by from antifreeze after they installed the water pump. Sure.
I later learned that I could have gotten my set of tires at a (closer-to-home) Discount Tire location for $79 less. My total bill came to $2093. Nearly a hundred dollars more than what I was told after it bumped up to $2000.
Besides all that, my invoice has my last name misspelled, my address wrong, the year of my car wrong, and the engine wrong. I can only hope the parts they ordered were the correct ones. Of course, when they don't actually put them on, I guess it doesn't matter.
I absolutely got ripped off and won't be going back to ABA, but it most likely won't matter to them. They'll just get another pile of suckers to take my place. read more