*see photos below** I had an extremely disappointing experience with Talent Autobody Repair Shop,…read moreand I want to share all the details so others know exactly what to expect before trusting them with their vehicle.
1. New Damage While in Their Care
My Range Rover was in the shop for front-end repairs after being hit by a Duke Energy truck. This was straightforward insurance-covered work, and there was absolutely no reason for anyone at the shop to touch my back seats. Yet, when I picked up my car, I noticed my rear seats had been folded down. Once I put them back upright, I discovered deep impressions in my leather -- damage that was not there before. This clearly happened because someone folded the seats down without clearing items off first, crushing them into the leather.
2. Lack of Accountability
When I spoke with the owner, John, about this, he had no explanation. I asked if he checked cameras -- he said he doesn't have cameras in the repair area because he "trusts his guys." I asked if he spoke to his employees -- he said none of them had any idea why my seats were down. The fact is simple: my car was in his shop, and this damage occurred while it was under his care.
On the phone, I explained that they had intentionally moved my dog's car seat off the back seat in order to fold them down, then placed it back afterward. Instead of owning up, he tried twisting my words, saying "Oh, I didn't know you had a kennel sitting on the seats," clearly implying my dog's "kennel" caused the damage, not his employees folding the seats down and smashing everything. I had to correct him -- it wasn't a kennel, it was a lightweight dog car seat weighing maybe five pounds. Not only was it unprofessional for them to be in my backseat at all (when only front-end work was being done), but they didn't even have the courtesy to move my belongings before folding the seats. The fact that the owner tried to spin this back on me was insulting and unprofessional.
3. Delays and Inconvenience
It took them three weeks to arrange for the leather to be repaired (outsourced to another company). During this time, I asked about a rental or loaner. They said yes, but when I showed up, the only car they offered was a bright blue vehicle plastered with huge decals reading "Courtesy Loaner" and advertising Talent Autobody. I explained that I work with high-end clients and cannot show up in a car like that. The owner's response: "You didn't tell me decals would be an issue." No customer should have to specify that. Offering only a company-branded advertisement car as a loaner was inconsiderate and unprofessional. I had to scramble last minute to arrange my own transportation.
4. Poor Communication and Final Result
After weeks of waiting, I finally got a call saying my car was ready. I asked how it looked -- the owner said "great." I asked if he could send me a photo before I made the trip, but he refused, saying he didn't have the ability. I asked if he had a phone -- he admitted he had a personal phone but not a "company phone." That excuse was absurd. In today's world, any professional shop can and should provide photo updates when asked.
When it came time to pick up my Range Rover, they hadn't even been able to get all the impressions out of my leather seats. At this point, the owner told me he was "done with this" and had already "done more than he should have." That comment alone proves he does not take accountability for damages that occur at his shop. I have clear documentation -- photos of the damage, and a video after their so-called "repair" -- showing the impressions were never fully fixed.
Bottom Line
This shop damaged my vehicle, avoided accountability, wasted weeks of my time, offered me an embarrassing advertisement car as a "loaner," twisted my words to avoid responsibility, and ultimately gave up before the problem was resolved. At every step, I was met with denial, excuses, and a complete lack of professionalism.
And this is just some of what I experienced while dealing with the owner of this company. If you value your vehicle and your time, I strongly recommend you look elsewhere for autobody repairs. Talent Autobody Repair Shop caused me far more stress and frustration than the original accident did.
