In June 2021, I purchased a used car that unfortunately had more issues than I had been told. The first was that it couldn't pass a smog inspection which was needed to transfer ownership. My regular mechanic told me he doesn't do that type of work and recommended Ray's Auto Repair.
Ray kept the vehicle for a week. I called intermittently to obtain status of what he had found. When I spoke to him at the start of July, he informed m the car needed sensors, a water pump and at my request, inspected the air conditioner and concluded there was no Freon. I also advised him that the car did not drive smoothing and asked if he could inspect the tires and struts. I asked if he could perform a smog check since I did not want to have to take the vehicle elsewhere for yet another inspection. And I advised him that the interior of the car smelled like coolant.
On July 10, 2021, I contacted Ray and was told the vehicle was ready to be picked up. I was elated but on my way home realized the vehicle was still not running smoothly and though Freon had been added the air was still not cold. Also, the interior of the vehicle continued to smell like coolant. However, I was elated that the sensors were repaired and that the vehicle had passed the required smog test. Ray also said there were no leaks to explain the smell of engine coolant.
While returning home on July 10th, I realized the vehicle made a loud grinding noise when I changed gears. The interior of the vehicle continued to smell like Freon. I returned to Rays a few days later and asked if he could again check the tires and struts as the car was not driving smoothly and I informed him about the grinding sound. I also asked that he check the front driver side door because the electric window was non-operational.
I periodically called to obtain status of the repairs. On one of the days I called, Ray said that the vehicle "might" need a new transmission the cost of which is $3,000. He asked that I leave it with him and allow him time to check everything on my list.
On July 24, 2021, Ray called and said the vehicle was ready. When I arrived at the shop he informed me that he replaced the window regulator and that the window was now functional. He explained it needed a new regulator. He also said the vehicle did not need a new transmission. He explained that he removed the transmission oil plan and replaced a gasket, filter, and fluid fill system with ATF fluid and test drove it. He informed me that the car was running "great."
I picked up the vehicle and discovered it was not running smoothly and the interior still had that lingering pungent smell of coolant. The driver side window also stalled when I lowered it and stalled when I closed it. Clearly, it was not a job well done. But the worse was still to come. I got on the freeway to drive from Eagle Rock to Pasadena and when I stepped on the gas peddle, the vehicle actually slowed down and sputtered. A yellow warning light came on the dashboard. I was forced to change lanes and was almost struck by a large truck until I drove off. Once on the streets the car drove moderately better except when I tried to accelerate speed.
Fortunately, the drive was downhill and Ray's shop was only a few blocks away. Ray was surprised to see me and asked me to wait while he inspected the vehicle. While he inspected the vehicle, a man drove drove up in a Honda. He walked over to one of the mechanics and showed them an invoice and advised them that he was again experiencing issues with his car.
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After concluding his inspection, Ray asked that I return it to him on another day adding that he needed to check the "governor." Due to the yellow warning light, he asked me to allow the vehicle to cool and then drive it home. Based on the amount of time the vehicle had remained at Ray's shop and due to the subpar quality of the work, coupled by the man who I observed returning his vehicle to the shop, I decided to find another mechanic.
I found another mechanic who inspected the vehicle and concluded it needed a transmission which would cost $1500 or 50% less than what Ray would charge. He discovered coolant leaking into the cab. He also said I needed all new tires because the tires that were on the vehicle were all cracked and it would be dangerous to continue driving these. The mechanic also noticed that the rear lights were not equally bright and that the left hand signal light was not working.
The repairs were performed and the vehicle has with exception of the air conditioning which remains weak, had no further issues.
Ray is a very nice and polite man as are his employees but the quality of service is so ship shod I could never recommend him to anyone. He is truly a disappointment. read more
