I was in need to get a clutch and flywheel installed on my wife's Mercedes because I was too lazy to do the job myself. My background, I know a thing or 2 about cars. I called around the local repair shops for the best prices for the labor only because I was going to provide my own parts. I went to Amerikar because the owner, Nick (spelling?), seemed like a nice and friendly guy, even though I could have taken my car to another shop that would have saved me $200. Actually, $300 including the hidden charge described below.
Week 1
Monday, I drop off the car with Nick and got the quote, on paper, for the labor. I was told that it would be a day or 2 as they were swamped with other jobs. Wednesday, I went by the shop to see how things were going. I noticed my car parked in their parking lot and another car parked behind it. I asked if they were done with the job. I was informed by Nick's nephew (don't know his name) that they had yet to start on my car due to someone parked behind it. The nephew told me that they were in the process of locating the keys to that car to move it. Thursday, I call them to check on the car. I was informed by the nephew that the flywheel that I had provided them was defected. So, I went to the shop to retrieve the part so that I could send it back to the manufacturer for a replacement part.
Week 2
Tuesday, I get the replacement part and dropped it off at the shop with the nephew. I was told that it may take a couple days as they were still swamped with other jobs. Thursday, I stopped by the shop to check the status. I was told by the nephew that the car was ready to go. He then told me that he was going to charge me an extra $100 for labor due to the install and removal of the defected part. I told him that that was not the deal I had with Nick, but since it sounded reasonable, I just paid for it. Friday, my wife informs me that the shifter was too wobbly and the car was not going into certain gears properly: 2nd, 4th and 6th gear. They would not go in all the way and when the clutch was released, it would grind the gears. My wife also tells me that the car also overheated and it smelled of coolant. I check the car out and noticed that my radiator cap was mysteriously loosened. I called Nick and informed him of the issues. He told me that he is unsure why the cap was loose and that my transmission may be bad. I told Nick that I fixed the issue with the radiator cap and added coolant. But I also told him he was full of it because my transmission was fine when I dropped off the car. Nick then scheduled me to go in on Monday because one of his transmission specialists was going to be in that day.
Week 3
Monday, I go in and Nick had his transmission specialist check out my car. The specialist's diagnosis, there were bushings missing where the shift linkage bolts up to the transmission. That was the reasoning behind the shifter not going into gear correctly. It was due to the large amount of play the shifter was presenting. The specialist adjusted the shift linkage to the point where the car was drivable but still not perfect. Nick tells me that if I cover the cost of the parts, he would gladly install them free of charge. I'm a little pissed off at this point and tell Nick that my car was perfectly fine when I dropped it off. Nick then tells me that he will do me a favor and cover the cost of the parts and labor, and that he will contact me when the parts arrive. Thursday, I have not heard from Nick yet, so I called him instead. I was told that the specialist was currently in the hospital and that the specialist may have the parts with him. I was then told that I would be contacted when the specialist is discharged from the hospital.
Week 4
Tuesday, I had not heard from Nick, so I called him, again. I was told that the specialist was still not available. And, again, told that I would be contacted for an appointment.
It is now Saturday night as I am sitting here writing this lovely review. I still have not been contacted by anyone from the shop. Because I feel as though I'm getting the run around excuses, I will leave this negative review and rating until my car is fixed. Maybe when they do me right, will I change this negative review and rating.
We will see what Monday of week 5 brings when I call them. Good night. read more