1-Star Review -- Extremely Disappointing Experience…read more
I run a hotshot transportation company, and was stranded in hillsville Virginia August 22. Had a radiator leak and had to call wytheville auto and truck repair to get a tow, due to other companies not being able to help.
When the tow truck driver arrived, there was no greeting or explanation--he simply handed me paperwork to sign and hooked up my truck. Once we arrived at the shop, I waited over an hour before anyone looked at the truck. I was then told that I needed a radiator. I was quoted approximately $900 for the radiator, even though I later found the same type of radiator available for significantly less. I was also charged four hours of labor for the diagnosis/inspection. Because I was stranded and needed to get back on the road, I reluctantly agreed to the repair.
I was told the radiator would arrive Monday and was given the impression that my truck would be repaired and ready to go that day. Because there was no Uber or taxi service available in the area, I also had to spend the weekend in a hotel. The shop wanted to charge me $75 for transportation, but fortunately a very kind man named Ronnie helped me get to the hotel for $50.
Monday morning around 9 AM, I received a call saying that they had my truck torn apart, but the radiator was still about two hours away. I was told that once it arrived, they would install it and hopefully have me back on the road. The radiator apparently did not arrive until around 3 PM. I waited the rest of the day without receiving an update and eventually called the shop myself. I was then told that they didn't think the truck would be ready that day because the shop closed at 5 PM and they weren't going to overwork their mechanics.
I understand that mechanics have working hours and that unexpected delays happen. However, I run a transportation business and had customers waiting for their vehicles. When I explained the situation and how much the delay was affecting my business, the conversation became unprofessional, and I was called a "bitch." That was completely unacceptable, especially when I was simply trying to get information about my truck and get back to work.
I ended up spending another night in Wytheville and finally called the shop Tuesday morning. Shortly before lunch, I was told that my truck was ready. What bothered me again was that nobody from the shop contacted me to let me know it was finished--I had to call them myself.
When I arrived, my final bill was approximately $2,700 for a tow and what was supposed to be a radiator repair. Considering the amount of money I paid, I expected the truck to be properly repaired and for someone to explain exactly what work had been performed.
Unfortunately, about two hours after leaving the shop, I had to pull over and refill the coolant because it was still leaking. Another two hours later, I had to stop again and refill it. I had just paid $2,700 and was experiencing essentially the same problem I originally brought the truck in for.
When I picked up the truck, nobody properly explained what had been repaired, what they had replaced, or what I should watch for after the repair. It felt like I paid the bill, received my keys, and was sent on my way.
I understand that breakdowns happen and that repairs can sometimes take longer than expected. What I have a problem with is the lack of communication, the way I was treated, the price I was charged, and most importantly, paying approximately $2,700 and still having the same coolant leak shortly afterward.
As someone who depends on my truck for my livelihood, this experience cost me not only a significant amount of money, but also several days of work, hotel expenses, and additional time dealing with a truck that still wasn't properly repaired.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend Wytheville Auto & Truck Repair. I sincerely regret using this shop and would encourage other drivers and business owners to get a second opinion and compare prices before authorizing major repairs here.
