Do not bring your vehicle for repairs to Dunn-Rite Automotive. I am currently obtaining a lawyer…read moredue to the shoddy repair work done to my vehicle, which ultimately led to catastrophic engine failure one day after the repairs were "complete".
I brought the vehicle to Dunn-Rite in late November of 2023, again on 12/7/23, and again on or about 1/5/24, and again on 1/26/24. I should also note that I provided the mechanic a Haynes manual which is based upon a complete teardown and rebuild of this vehicle. Their mechanic didn't even look at it as there were no signs of grease on the pages that would be present had a mechanic actually opened the book.
The reason for each time the vehicle was brought to Dunn-Rite was to correct the poor workmanship they performed on my vehicle. That's four times I had them correct their faulty workmanship.
After I inspected the car when I picked it up the first time, I found several damages and unauthorized work. The owner, Donnie Slone admitted to me that he had hired a mechanic whose qualifications they didn't verify upon his employment. This repair occurred on Thursday 12/7/23 and the mechanic who did the work was fired the following Monday, 12/11/23.
The repairs to this vehicle were to install a used, but functional oil filter housing, install a brand new timing belt replacement kit, and install a brand new water pump, which includes all tensioners and gaskets. Coincidentally, the store Dunn-Rite routinely uses to order auto parts for their business is the same company that I am employed.
The damages to my vehicle are as follows:
1. My valve cover was cracked.
2.My vacuum lines were installed incorrectly.
3. There was a broken fuel injector connector.
4. My spark plug wires weren't installed on the Ignition coil packs in the correct order.
5. The vehicle's brand new alternator wasn't even installed completely.
6. The vehicle was leaking engine coolant.
7. The vehicle had multiple engine misfires and ran poorly.
8. The vehicle's engine temperature was running close to the point of overheating after driving it 3-4 miles on the highway.
The total bill for that visit was $500.00 dollars. At no point did Donnie Slone offer to pay for the damaged valve cover, but apologized for the shoddy work.
I brought the vehicle back on approximately 12/5/23 have them fix what I already paid for and I was told by Zane Slone, the owner's son, that the brand new water pump was faulty. No proof of this was provided however, I purchased another brand new water pump. I also had to buy a new valve cover and gasket set to replace the one their mechanic cracked.
When I picked up my vehicle the second time after being told the repairs were complete, the problem with the leaking coolant and loose alternator belt was still an issue. This time they also didn't install the alternator ground wiring harness, and the alternator mounting bolt wasn't even tightened to the appropriate ft/lbs of torque. They did however, install the valve cover I paid for since they didn't offer to buy a new one. The cost for this visit was $450 dollars.
The last time I brought the vehicle to Dunn-Rite Automotive was on or about 1/26/24. The car had just been picked up the day prior, 1/25/24 and it was repeatedly stalling at every stoplight and I was on the way to take it back so they could fix it again when the engine completely failed.
The vehicle sat at Dunn-Rite for a complete work week plus the weekend from 1/26/24-2/5/24. No one at Dunn-Rite even called me during the 5 day period my vehicle was at their location. I drove to the business on 2/5/24 and asked about the status of my car. Zane Slone, the owner's son, told me the engine was "completely locked up".
I obviously knew this on 1/26/24 when the vehicle's engine failed while driving to their location so they would fix their shoddy work. I asked Zane Slone who was going to pay for fixing that and he replied "That would be you Sir". He also said "We can find you a new engine." I informed him that wasn't going to work and that I knew they would try to get out of paying for the terrible repair work they are responsible for fixing properly.
I told him that I would see them in court. At which point he got an attitude and said "We'll be there." I replied " This isn't your business, it's your father's business and have him call me."
As of this review, I haven't received a phone call from the owner, and I don't expect to. The Owner has a group of unqualified mechanics working there, minus one or two. His son is rude, arrogant, smug, and completely disrespectful.
In closing, I will not be taking my business to this shop ever again. I am also employed in the automotive repair industry and I will not refer any of our customers to Dunn-Rite. Also, I feel I should include the fact that I am a retired Soldier, with over 20 years of service in the United States Army. If this business is willing to do this to a former Soldier, they'll do it to anyone. Be warned.
