I'm retired and living in Tequesta. I recently had two unfortunate incidents:
First, my car broke down just off Tequesta Dr.
Second, I was towed to All County automotive on old Cypress Rd in Tequesta. I chose All County because I like to support local businesses and it's an approved by AAA for auto repair.
Upon entering the business, I was greeted at the counter by Aedin. I explained the situation and he said he would be happy to help, that they would have to do a diagnostic test on the car and that would cost $173.00. I thought that was odd but did not have a choice but to go forward with this. I was at his mercy.
I got a call a little later and he said the battery was dead, and they would put in a new one. I asked if I still had to pay the diagnostic? He said "I have to take care of my guys". All along he keep saying "we are very honest here, we always tell the truth".
So, they put in a new battery and the alternator started smoking and somehow the new battery had to be replaced. (It has been suggested to me that the battery could have been put in wrong?)
He called after the battery was installed and asked "was I having problems with the car beforehand"? I said no. He then calls me later and says that I need a new alternator and along with the wire that runs between the alternator and the battery. He said it would cost me an astonishing $2200 to fix the car! Three hours for the labor on the alternator and three hours of labor to replace the wire and $400.00 for parts.
After talking to two life long professional mechanics, they said they have never had to replace that wire.
So, I called him back and said I would tow it somewhere else. I asked if he would take out the new battery and he said would cost more in labor to just take it out versus just leaving it in. Really?
I then asked how much to take car away? He says $400.00, after giving me a new customer discount and not charging me the diagnostic charge, which somehow during the process changed to $149.00.
It was $300.00 for labor to put in and take out a battery and $100.00 for the battery?
I took it to another mechanic. To replace the alternator and put in an alternator electrical connector cost me less than $900.00 and not the $2200.00 as quoted by Aedin! In addition, the wire from alternator to battery did not have to be replaced, saving on unnecessary labor charges and parts.
Now, I have no idea where some of the positive reviews came from. They say they are very courteous and try to make you feel welcome, however, this was the worse experience I have had from any auto shop!
Customers and neighbors beware; they may smile and say there're honest, but they are far from it. They are not there to help you, but simply try to steal as much cash from you has they can. There are too many good and honest mechanics in the area to choose from, certainly not All County Automotive!! read more
