I've done business with these people previously. Probably spent a few thousand dollars on repairs with respect to my daughter's car. Head gasket was replaced and other sundry items. I used them because they are a local, established business with a decent reputation . . . until today!
Called early in the week and spoke with John. Strange, despite significant transfer of money, he had no recollection of me. Furthermore, I was an employee in the community for 28 years and Mr. Rhino is a public figure as well.
The purpose of the call was an inquiry concerning my daughter's car with respect to ignition wiring replacement and a much-needed timing belt. For those of you that are not mechanical, the failure of a timing belt will potentially destroy the engine.
My daughter called and made an appointment for today assuming that work would be accomplished. The arrangement called for me to act as the agent and I would act on her behalf with respect to work and cost. She had given me a budget limit, but it was not unreasonable.
Consequently, I fully anticipated a call this morning and a discussion concerning repairs and costs. I DID NOT receive a phone call until 2:00 PM which I find to be absolutely unreasonable. Second, I was told that perhaps the electrical system should be left as-is because no trouble was being experienced. I said, "I want you to change those plugs!" "That vehicle has over 100,000 miles and the plugs have NEVER been changed." I have seen plug electrodes almost eroded totally with that much mileage. He agree, but was somewhat reluctant.
He agreed that the timing belt should be replaced and gave a reasonable estimate. However, that's not a project to start at 2 PM on a Friday afternoon. Therefore, this ludicrous delay necessitates arranging for another appointment next week. It's inexcusable because the garage was given all this information in advance.
These events mark the last trip to John and Ed's Garage. This decision is further punctuated by the events that occurred at the end of the day. I received a phone call at 5 PM, closing time. I was was informed that nothing had been done and we would square the account when the timing belt was changed. Wrong! The timing belt service will not be done there and there will be no payment. Try to collect and we enter the world of the Chapter 93A, consumer protection, letter. read more
