Eh. Basically your classic hold-the-car-hostage-while-trying-to-sell-you-more-work situation. I went in for the $19.99 oil change special (advertised with a big banner on the front of the building) plus a tire repair. I was quoted $32.95 and 25 minutes. Got out of there for $42.95 after an hour and 15 minutes.
I was happy to see an auto shop open on that vacant corner within walking distance, and the car needed an oil change. Drove over and dropped the car off. Told them I would go home and be back. He said 25 minutes for oil change and tire repair. The place was not busy - maybe 1 other car there with 2-3 guys working.
Came back 35 minutes later and the car's up on the lift with the left rear wheel off. "I was just about to call you," he says. Was shown my brakes and given dire predictions. I knew the brakes needed work, but that wasn't what I was there for. First time at a new garage, they're not doing my brakes. Said not right now.
Apparently they had had to send someone out to get an oil filter - didn't have one on hand to fit my car. At this point was told that the tire was still unrepaired because the guy didn't know how to open my trunk. "But don't worry - once it's down it'll be quick," he says. "How many minutes is quick?" I asked. "Five minutes," he says. Then I stood and looked at him until he said, "I guess I could do that right now." I walked into the garage with him and opened the trunk with the button on the inside of the driver's door so he could get my tire out of the trunk.
Eventually, the guy came back, put the oil filter on, and put oil in the car. I was presented with a bill for $10 more than they quoted. "Special oil filter," he says. Along with the bill I get a quote for the brakes. On my way out, he calls out, "Be safe!" I GET IT - YOU WANT ME TO BUY BRAKES AND INSTALLATION FROM YOU. Not gonna happen. Not gonna see you again. read more