I moved to NH for first time and was sharing an '09 Murano with my fincee in 9/2014. Within a few days I decided to do her yearly inspection at auto care plus simply because I enjoyed their clever neon sign, and I was unaware yearly inspections are not a fixed price as in my home state and it could be done much cheaper. Jayson and Kevin were friendly, quick, and although I didn't like at all that the inspector road tested the car (I want to be asked before anyone drives my car, but i assumed it was a NH law, have found since it is not.) I was hugely surprised when the Murano failed due to an expensive exhaust leak. Kevin took me out to the service bay to show the issue, and then proceeded to enter calls and work to save me money. His skill and knowledge of an obscure old VW part saved the day and I was thrilled with the staff and bill of just $150.
An honest mechanic is one of the hardest things to find in a new home, and I thought I had really lucked out. Our car didnt need much work except oil changes and a tire rotation after, and although I felt the prices were very high for a non-dealership shop, I was happy with the service and Kev and Jay always got me in the same day. We bought a almost new second car last April and AC+ handled inspection and basic maintenance. I was dissapointed to be charged $66 for my first oil change, but continued to feel good about AC+.
Between visits this summer there was some sort of issue where Kevin and Jayson both left the Merrimack shop, have heard rumors but dont like gossip. They were replaced by a very young woman Chrissy who is sullen and quiet, and dogs and babies all over the waiting room became the norm so I decided to find a new shop, not being confident in Chrissys mechanical skill after many questions and just disliking her partner Curt.
A $29.99 oil change coupon came in the mail for the specialized synthetic oil I use, so i tried again and Curt informed me after they had drained the old oil from my car that my car uses a heavier oil and pointed out the fine print on the coupon. Another $66 hit. A final try at having a very simple chip installed which the pack said can be done in a few minutes with simple tools in August. The woman charged me $150 and said it was a very specialized install that they have to be able to warranty. I emailed the manufactuer who said $10 to $20 is a fair install price. This time I asked for a partial refund and have not heard back. I swore to never set foot there again, and told all I had told how great a shop it was not to go there anymore since the managers had changed.
Money was tight in earlier september, and the endless flood of junk mail kept coming from AC+ and this time had a $19 state inspection coupon, which I studied the fine print and called ahead to be assured was valid. We knew the Murano could have issues this year as it is older and had the exhaust repair last inspection. We agreed anything over $100 and we would get another opinion. The $19 offer was real, and I wasn't too surprised when Chrissy said it failed because check engine light was on and indicated an emissions issue. I was not planning to have anything done, but Chrissy did a little more than usual and seemed to know her stuff explaining the computer codes and quoting $135 to diagnose the issue. It seemed like a ok price, but promising to discuss costs over $100, I decided to have the car fail emmisions and pass safety, valid on road for what Chrissy said is 30 days, NH law actually gives me 60. As my fincee and I made plans for a major expense, she happened to notice Chrissy had written the rejection code my car had reported on the receipt. After a few minutes of Googling and a call, we were both furious to learn how simple and minor a issue causes this code. In our case the gas cap gasket was worn, and $5 at autozone fixed it and the light. I went back for the re inspect and decided at the last second to stay quiet. Chrissy did not ask if any repair had been made, but the inspection was done and passed easily.
I'm still so mad I could spit at the attempted rip off. In the 1980's taxi industry i worked in years ago we had several owners who were ripped off at a shop take extreme action, which is not an option for me but i will provide documents and consider small claims case for the $150 charge on the $20 job. I really don't know WHAT THE HECK WENT WRONG when Kev and Jay left but aviod these con artists at all costs, particularly women. read more