Please see my previous review on the Manhattan East Auto Repair which was renamed Active Auto Repair: https://www.yelp.com/biz/manhattan-east-auto-repair-service-inc-new-york?hrid=JB079TkxAweNpxr4k_rn6A&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) The person I dealt with was the same Josh from Mahattan East aka Active Auto
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Full disclosure, I do have a good understanding of vehicles; although it is not my profession, it is my hobby to work on cars.
Act I: Foreplay
My wife's car was stranded off the bridge on her way to work because the alternator died. She called me at 6AM frantic because the car suddenly just died flat out. She told me the battery light stayed lit but ignored it and kept driving. I told her she will need a tow because the alternator died, there is nothing I could do at the moment, even if I picked her up.
So she finds a tow truck service on Google and a guy name Paul shows up. He wanted $90 to tow to this specific shop, or $243 to bring it to a local shop that I am familiar with. Already, its a red flag. She had to hurry to work, and made a quick decision to go with Paul and Active Auto. Boy did the fun begin here.
Act II: Bend Over
So after a couple of hours, wife calls me from work saying they're quoting $500 to change out an alternator. What in God's name?! A quick search of Autozone, says it cost $183 for the alternator, so its a $300/hr labor charge. I quickly called the manager, Josh, and asked for an explanation. He goes on telling me, "listen its a $500 part alternator is burned out, and the best I can do for you is $450 cash, its the best". I asked if I could pick up the car instead but Josh said theres a $125 diagnostics fee, and $75 storage. I said it was the same day, actually something that happened few hours ago what exactly is he storing. He said $200 take it or leave it; basically taking the car hostage. So I reluctantly agreed to the $450 charge, boy was that a mistake to haggle.
Act III: Deeper Penetration
About an hour or so later I get another call, he wants ANOTHER $250 for a 'broken pulley'. It's amazing how a burned out alternator also means pulley is 'completely broken'. I asked how did a broken alternator become $700 job, he responded with another rude tone "listen buddy, pulley is broken do you want to do the job or not". I offered to take a look first hand look, and he started yelling at me "there is nothing to look at, either you want me to fix the car or not, $650 is the best price cash for you".
Okay.. he knew it doesn't make sense to pay for another towing fee to another shop because he can have me for the $200 for doing nothing since I diagnosed the car myself by just hearing about the symptoms. I agreed.
Final Act: Money Shot
An hour later Josh tells me the car is ready and I owe $650. Okay. I agreed that I would go to get the money because the ATM will probably not allow for a withdrawal that large. He said he will close up shop and have the original tow truck guy open the door for when I arrive (kinda working together now aren't they?) I arrive to the city, and proceed to call him but another partner picks up. He said that tow truck person will be there soon.... 15 minutes nothing. I said that I was waiting outside and cold, his partner proceeds to berates me with "listen, stop rushing me now, I told you the tow truck guy is coming so wait!". About an hour later Paul arrives to release the car.
Basically after getting butt hurt, AND waiting to pay for it I still get berated by these guys. Guess I am doing THEM a favor by giving them business.
TL;DR: Got highway robbed by Active Auto Repair, get AAA premier insurance if you have a crappy car. They will tow you 100 miles to any destination of your choosing.
If you're ever stranded in the city and a guy named Paul with with a flatbed is going to tow your car to Active Auto Repair. Think about a dropped soap in prison, run don't walk away. read more
