So had some issues where I thought that my radiator hose had a leak and the Jeep was overheating. I am mechanically inclined but the Jeep was a recent purchase and I am still not 100% up to speed on them (plus it's an old YJ). Either way, I was close to this shop and figured I would stop in to avoid driving it further, and possibly causing some more serious damage. The woman upfront was pleasant and I explained what was going on. She explained that she could have one of her mechanics pop his head under the hood but for a full diagnosis it would cost $80.
She came back shortly after and I followed her into the bay, where she explained that I had a radiator hose leaking and that the mechanic felt that the engine was misfiring. I proceeded to ask him in Spanish since he didn't speak English why he felt the engine was misfiring. He basically spoke in circles, and explained that the radiator hose leak was probably the cause of the engine overheating. I really wasn't buying it but it was evident that their was a leak in the general area of one of the hoses not by the radiator.
Finally, she came back with a quote for replacing the two hoses that probably equaled 5-6 feet in total for $189...I am not a haggler but felt that was ridiculous, so I asked a few questions and explained that the cost didn't make sense to me. That's when the owner Mr. David Perez interjected and reviewed the screen she was looking at. He then proceeded to explain that she had inputted something twice in the system and that the total without using coolant and just water would be $89.95. I agreed to proceed with the repair, and waited till it was done. When it was done I went outside to start the car and to my amazement the car wouldn't turn over at all...already pissed because I had just spent 3-4 hours of my day, I just called AAA and waited for a tow truck to arrive. Being that I was pissed I didn't bother to go back in to speak to the owner because cooler heads prevail. In the interim I tried to start the Jeep multiple times right in front of the garage and in front of the mechanic that had worked on the car. He stared at me multiple times and not one time did anyone stop and walk over to see if they could help...more importantly the mechanic that had done the repair. What adds insult to injury is that he gave me a stupid stare and seemed to be laughing at me:-(!
Fast forward to the next day, I with the help of a mobile mechanic someone recommended the took a look at what was going on. The first thing he did was check to see if their was fuel flow, as he suspected with the sound the engine was making that fuel was not making it's way to the engine. Within minutes we established that the fuel gauge was messed up, and the issue was as simple as me running out of gas. I explained the experience I had at Beacon and he laughed and made a sigh of disgust. For the record David the owner, and the woman at the front were pleasant. However, I have a huge concern with the experience level of his mechanic that day. I usually don't leave comments or ratings but felt this one was warranted. I hope the owner reads this and gets something from it... During these trying times with Covid-19, where many businesses are closing their doors it's imperative, especially in the auto-repair business to go above and beyond. You never know how much repeat business you can get from one satisfied customer, and the more important "word of mouth" business that these days seems to have been forgotten. Not that it really matters or I demand preferential treatment, I did mention that I was in the military to the woman upfront. I just hope none of my brothers and sisters in arms out there have a similar experience like the one I had. read more
