Bottom line - avoid this garage, mechanics and owner at all cost. Repeat. AVOID AT ALL COST! I was overcharged for work (3k), misled and when I tried to get to the bottom of why they charged me 3k only to find that 10 days later, the car was now "undrivable" and that I needed to pay another 3k since "new mechanical issues have suddenly developed after since we took your 3k for work last week."
I have an older Subaru Outback in very good condition, and told Joe and the mechanics that I wouldn't repair the car if it exceeded 3k to fix. Otherwise I would sell it. I was assured that they had gone over the car thoroughly and didn't see anything other than the exhaust that might need work in 12 months. Otherwise with the 3k in repairs, it was safe and good to go. 10 days later, a burning smell and overheating began. I took it back only to be told that I would need to spend another 3k in order for new work to fix the head gaskets which according to them "had never been replaced." I was told when I paid the first 3k for repairs that they had combed the car, and never mentioned anything about the head gaskets leaking. On top of that, they said the CV joint needed to be replaced as well. Why you ask did they not find these rather large and obvious issues the first time when I said 3k is my limit to fix the car? At best negligent, at worst deceptive? You be the judge.
Here is the really suspect part of this now 6k+ "investment." The head gaskets HAD been replaced by Subaru in 2017. The mechanics at Convenience explicitly said the gaskets had NEVER been replaced. They also never mentioned 2 tests that cost less than $300.00 to identify if indeed the head gaskets are bad. Odd right? No verification offered, 3k in charges the first time, now 10 days later, "not their fault for missing the issue the first time" and now another 3k quote to even drive the car safely.
I took my car to Subaru, Ann Arbor, asked the Service Manager to pull up my account. He verified that indeed the gaskets had been replaced along with the timing belt and water pump in 2017, and that I had driven 9k miles since they did the work. I now had all the receipts with the work detailed and took a look under the car. Joe at Dunning offered the compression test to verify if it indeed the gaskets needed replacing. More time, more doubting Convenience is competent. Do I drive the car and risk the transmission and engine failing, do I pour more money testing it, or do I call Convenience and ask them to explain what the hell is going on.
I call Convenience Auto and ask what the hell is going on now that I have visited Dunning Subaru. As always I spoke to Joe, a friendly amiable guy who has led me thru this saga from the start. I was upset and had every right to be. I told him Subaru had replaced the gaskets contrary to what they had told me, and now they want another of 3k for a grand total of 6k to even get me back on the road according to them. And no offer for the 300 test before dropping 3k?
Guess what. He hung up on me. He said he 'felt like he was being blamed, and never call Convenience again." 3 year, 30k warranty on their receipt?
"Never call us again. We did the work. Good-bye." That is Convenience Auto taking my money all along. And hanging up on me when I demanded clarification.
Sounds fishy? Wait there's more.
The mechanic John who worked on my car, offered to buy my car for 1,200 bucks after I said there was no way I could afford another 3k for gasket work, and that I was taking a 3k loss already, with a car that is now underivable according to them.
And -last but not least, because this saga just keeps going - they returned my car with a white paint scrape on the passenger door the second time they looked at it, most likely from a lift. Surprise. They won't honor or take responsibility for it.
The saga continues for me- thankfully not you if you avoid this shop. I bought a new car and the Subaru is parked in my driveway. And I am out 3k and sharing this in the hope that you make a better choice when taking your car to be fixed.
Anyone want to chime in if you happen to have any legal input or advice? And if you want to buy the car "as is" I have attached photos. Maybe you are an honest, skilled mechanic looking for work, or a good deal on my car. read more