I arrived at Midas after calling earlier in the morning to ensure there was time to perform the oil change on my car. Upon arrival I was greeted in an acceptable manner but the staff seemed a bit disorganized. It was fine. Next the female at the counter took my name, address and phone number. She then went out to check out the make/model of my car. She then claimed, "I'm surprised but I don't think you will need the synthetic oil..". I took this as a good sign considering it was more inexpensive but I was slightly concerned about her statement because I had read online and in my manual that the oil should be Castrol formulas but I trusted her expertise. She then asked me to sign the form where she had inputed my information and the car information.. but did NOT quote a price. I should have taken this as a red flag but once again trusted her experience.
I was told it would be ready around 1-1:30pm (approx. 1.5 - 2hrs after I dropped it off). I was called at 12:30 to say that they did not have the filter that was required so it would probably be 2-2:30pm before the car was ready. Then she called again at 1:30 and said the car would be ready in 15 minutes. I returned to Midas at 1:45 as instructed. The male now in the front office said the car would be another 15 minutes give or take. I sat down confused as to why the female had bothered calling to give incorrect information (red flag #2).
Finally, I am told the vehicle is ready and we can settle up. The male says the total is 93 something. He shows us the 79 + tax on the form I had previously signed... but that was filled in AFTER I signed the form. I then proceed to tell him that upon leaving the shop the female had said that she didn't think we would need synthetic. She also did NOT quote me a price, NOR did she give any indication she knew better. Therefore I was surprised at the cost. Even if it had been synthetic I would assume they would use the cheaper option (56.95). He quickly said, "okay I'll give it to you for that price". He then said it would be 71 something including tax. I agree to pay. However I am NOT happy. This is obviously a ploy that this shop uses to make more money and trick the customer. By not quoting a price they avoid customers leaving due to the price given. The female conveniently plays dumb to get the customers to think it will be cheaper. Additionally, the quoted signs on the wall (36.95 for the basic, 56.95 for semi-synthetic, and 79.95 for the synthetic) do not include the 5.95 recycling fee (or maybe this was made up for me). Nowhere does it say ANYTHING about this fee. Also, convenient that the female gets you to sign the form PRIOR to putting the price on here. This is absolutely unacceptable and a total breach of the customer's trust. The ease with which the male employee changed the price for me also shows that this either happens a lot or that they got caught.
Car repair shops already have a terrible reputation. Midas has helped today to maintain this reputation. I refuse to use Midas service again. read more