Paid $745.94 Toward an Ignition Problem -- Left With the Same Problem
I brought my 2002 Dodge Ram to Coastal Car Fix for a very specific problem that I documented before the repair: the ignition could leave the accessories powered with the key removed and drain the battery.
I paid $150 for diagnosis, then authorized the repair they recommended. The ignition-cylinder/key job was another $595.94.
The new cylinder felt better, but the actual problem I paid them to diagnose and address never went away.
When I returned, Coastal told me the tumbler was working properly and that the fault was actually the ignition switch, which they said was likely the underlying issue that caused the original tumbler problem. They then wanted another $280.51 for that repair.
I even offered to pay for the additional $58.64 switch part plus tax if they would cover the repeat labor. They declined.
Instead of standing behind the original diagnosis and getting the problem resolved, their response eventually became that the truck is 24 years old with nearly 250,000 miles and even included a comment about "budgeting."
The truck's age wasn't a secret when they accepted it, diagnosed it, recommended the repair, and accepted payment. We can afford another $280. We refuse to pay twice to resolve the same problem.
There is also a separate $216.59 charge on my original invoice labeled "Program New Keys For The Vehicle IMMO." I was never provided new keys--I left with the same key I brought in. I have requested an explanation and documentation for that charge.
Their invoice advertises a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on repairs, yet I'm taking the truck somewhere else with the same malfunction I originally brought it in for.
I paid for professional diagnosis and a recommended repair. The specific problem remained. Based on my experience and how the return visit was handled, I absolutely do not recommend Coastal Car Fix. read more