FIND ANOTHER PLACE. I went to Orion last year when my water pump went out on my 2007 BMW and had a decent experience. I went there again this week when my starter failed and it was a completely different story. I feel like they may have scammed me the first time and tried to do it again. Plus the customer service was terrible, they wouldn't even take the time to speak with me when I picked up my car. Below is a full story of my experience.
Last year I was quoted around $1,100 to change out my water pump. When they began servicing my car, they called me and said I had 2 major oil leaks that should be addressed, my gasket and some rings. They said since they were already in the area they could cut the labor costs in half and charge me just $400 more to fix these additional issues. I didn't want a bigger problem down the line with my engine so I said okay. I spent approximately $1500 on that service.
This week my car wouldn't start so I had a tow truck pick it up and drop it off at Orion. They quoted me $850 to replace the starter. After they began working on it, they called me and said...and get this... I had some oil leaks that should be addressed, my gasket and some rings and it would cost about $400. This was the same thing they said to me last time! I waited to hear everything Rodger said before I told him "Rodger, I heard this last time, you guys changed those out last year." Then you could hear a long pause on the other end. That's when he back-tracked and said he would call me back. When he did he said "sorry, he spoke to the mechanic and the leak is coming from the oil filter O-ring which isn't that big of an issue and you don't need to address it right now but we'll go ahead and change out the other ring under warranty." If that isn't a red-flag for a mechanic shop, I don't know what it is. How would I even know if they actually changed it out or actually did the work the first time??
The next day I call up and asked if my car is ready, they said it was. I asked them if they could send someone to pick me up and we scheduled a pick-up at 4pm. At 4pm I left work and waited outside my office. At 4:30 I called back and asked if my ride was on the way, they said he was a block away. At 5pm I called back and asked if I could get the driver's number because he obviously was not a block away. I got his number and gave him a call, the guy had no clue where he was driving to and couldn't communicate well (he doesn't speak English well, I understand completely and I'm not going to knock anyone for that). I gave him directions and as he approached I see his Audi steaming from the engine and steam coming from all the windows. They sent an old broken-down car that over-heats to pick up their customers???? So now I call back to talk to the manager to express my frustration of waiting over an hour for a broken down-car to pick me up. After being on hold for a while, I speak to Marlon to get an idea of whether to wait for another car to arrive and what time they close. Marlon must have had a bad day because he answered in a rude manner and said it's not in his control and that these things happen. With Audi parked outside my office with the hood-up steaming all over the place, I just called an uber and went to the shop (something I would have gladly have done if I was notified of beforehand).
When I arrive at the shop, the only person that was there was a sweet women that had nothing to do with it. I asked to speak to Marlon or anyone in management to discuss what happened and to get a summary of my car but no-one would speak with me. I stayed polite, paid my $850 bill, and took my keys and left.
When I get in my car and press the start button, I listen to the sound when it turns on. With my old starter, when the car turned on it had a distinct sound you would expect from a BMW. With the starter they put in, it sounds like a base model Honda Civic being turned on. I am certain they did not put in a quality OEM part in my car.
They lost my business. It's a shame. I spent over $2k in their shop and I felt completely disrespected and taken advantage of.
In summary, don't trust this place.
Regards,
Alan G.
aagh12@aol.com read more
