I experienced what can only be called a rip-off attempt at the Herbert Automotive location off Keith Bridge Road (Hammonds Crossing).
I was told by the shop manager that my catalytic converters (2) needed to be replaced. He also told me that my vehicle was misfiring on cylinder 6 but that there was no way for him to truly diagnose that problem until the cats were replaced....to the tune of $1700.
Being the smart consumer I try to be, my husband immediately started calling other shops and Herbert's was about 20% higher than other shops in the area. But luckily a call to a family member who knew a little about cars led us to question Herbert's diagnosis.
Once I started questioning, the manager's tone changed an he started talking to me like an idiot, almost belittling me for not just taking his word for it. He used scare tactics when I told him I'd just take it to another shop, but thankfully I listened to my family member and left.
The sad fact is that Kevin Herbert (owner) actually owns several shops around the Cumming area. I found this out after going to the local Handy Lube to have them take a look at the car - and guess which shirts they were wearing - Herbert Automotive!! Taylor at the Handy Lube told me that he'd already spoken to the shop manager at Herbert's and basically told me that he wouldn't touch my car b/c he trusted the diagnosis that his other location had given.
Thankfully my family member referred me to another shop for a full inspection and that's where I learned that there was NOTHING wrong with my catalytic converters, but I did have a bad coil that was causing the misfire on 6. A simple $400 tune-up completely fixed the issue and my converters are fine. Now, had I left it with Herbert's, I'd have spent $1700 to replace converters that were fine to begin with...and then who knows what he would have charged for the tune-up to replace the coil (which was the problem to begin with)
The only good experience that I had was with the nice lady who answered the phone and the nice service tech that helped me get my car to the shop safely to begin with. To those two employees - thank you for your kindness and for treating my like a human.
To the manager at the Keith Bridge location and Taylor at the Handy Lube (also owned by Herbert) - I pray that you will treat your customers with honesty and not take advantage of women who clearly don't know the truth from the false that you are trying to sell.
All I can say to anyone who reads this post - if the mechanic's shirts say Herbert - Buyer Beware!!!! read more