On August 5, 2016, the very next day after purchasing a for sale by owner used car; I took it to My Mechanic, at 9617 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD, to get it MD State Inspected. As an AAA auto club member I searched its site http://midatlantic.aaa.com/Automotive/LocalAARSearch for an AAA approved shop near me that performed MD state inspections, and choose this one being the nearest to my home.
Prior to purchase, the previous owner gave full disclosure of two repair issues that were needed, the brake master cylinder (BMC) and the electric windows non-functioned. With these issues in mind I began to research the availability and cost of the parts for these repairs, with priority on the master brake cylinder as I wasn't sure yet what would be need to repairs the windows. I found the BMC to not only be readily available for my 2003 model, but also to be inexpensive (ranging between $33 for refurbish part and $65 for a new one). The results of the State Inspection was a fail, in need of the following repairs:
* "brake master cylinder with brake fluid flush and bleed all brakes
* "needs parking brake release handle" (worked handle just didn't spring back in place)
* "high mount brake light"
* "windows don't work"
No surprise here. The My Mechanic price quote of $905.00 for these Recommended Services does not include repairing the windows, just a $95.00 charge to diagnose the problem and determine the needed repairs. Subtracting this diagnostic fee, that leaves the repair cost for the suggested repairs, excluding the windows, to be $810.00.
When I questioned the service advisor as to why the cost was so high, stating the cost for a new brake master cylinder is around $65.00, he stated "they told me it cost $375.00." I asked what the cost would be if I purchased the part, new, and provided it? He responded "we don't allow parts to be provided" and dismissed me, refusing further discussion. I felt that I had surly been dealt the proverbial "Woman's Card" not being expected to have a clue when it comes to understanding auto repairs and there cost), being given this ridicules repair quote and their unwillingness to respectfully and intelligently engage me with a proper explanation and an itemized parts and labor cost list, for the recommended repairs and service. I paid the $79.00 inspection fee and retrieved my car. After leaving the shop,
I contacted my local Pep Boys and received a quote to install the brake master cylinder (using my purchased new part) of $150.00 and an additional $45.00 to diagnose my electrical windows issue.
Also, that same day, I purchased the brake master cylinder, on line, from our local Auto Zone ($65.00), and picked it up from the store along with the two bulbs needed to repair the high mount brake light ($3.00), the following day. I removed the old bulbs and popped in the new ones, in less than 5 minutes, and they are working.
Something worth noting, everyone employees) whom I encountered when I bought my car in for service was very friendly and engaging, and I was open to the welcoming and friendly reception, as this is what I expect from all businesses that I patronize. This welcoming feeling could cause one to become unguarded and trusting. However, one should never take it as a given to be treated with fairness and integrity when it comes to receiving fair pricing and quality of goods and services. In other words, keep your guard up and be watchful. There'll be time enough for relaxing, when the dealings done. As for this location of My Mechanic, in the words of Gomer Pyle, "shame, shame, shame!"
Buyer beware,
Natalie L. read more