Story starts off that I call A1 Engines to see if they have my engine in stock. I have a 1991 Toyota MR2 that came with factory turbo (3sgte engine). I explain that I'm looking for a '91-93 3sgte, either from a celica or mr2. Though they don't look identical, the longblocks are interchangeable. Employee explains they don't have mr2 engine but do have a 91 celica engine on hand. We agreed to a price of $1100 and I went to their shop to inspect condition of engine.
They had 2 engines, 1 about 20ft high on a shelf that they would not bring down for me to inspect and another on the floor. I am not an engine expert nor a celica expert. After being pointed to the motor on the floor, I visually inspected for necessary parts to be present and that the motor had no damage. I asked again for details on the engine. I was told that it was from a 91 celica with unknown mileage.
I made the purchase and advised them I would call back later with a delivery date. After getting home later that evening, I jumped on line to browse my regular MR2 website. After visiting a Celica site I realized that the engine I purchased did not look like the engine pictures shown for 91-93 Celicas.in fact, it looked identical to the first generation of 3sgte's in the 86-89 Celica. I called A1 immediately and explain what I found and told them not to ship me the engine. They advised me they would double check and call me back. I received a call the next day and they asked for pictures and web links supporting my findings. That evening they emailed me explaining that the engine I purchased was indeed the generation 1 3sgte not the generation 2 that I was told it was. The generations differ in head design and power output, the 2nd gen being the superior motor.
I requested that they find the correct engine for me. Over the next 4 weeks of consistently following up with them through phone calls, I am finally told that they have the engine I needed. Except, they would have to charged me an extra $500 for it. I refused and asked for my money back. The employee told me he'll see what he can do and would call me back.
After 1 week and no call back I called A1 again and spoke to the same person. Finally he told me they'll cut me a deal and only charge $300 more. I still declined because why would I pay $1400 for an engine that we agreed would only be $1100, and furthermore other local shops were selling anywhere from $900 to $1295. I only chose A1 because I had heard positive feedback about them.
I requested a refund. I was then told that they would refund my money less a 20% restocking fee. The engine was never delivered, never "unstocked" and never would have been purchased had they not lied about it, so NO I was not going to pay a restock fee. After being blatantly told that I bought it so I'm stuck with it, I told them I'll handle it with my bank / credit card company. We are still in progress with getting my full refund.
They lied about the product. Never delivered the product. And want to unfairly charge me a restocking fee. I will tell everyone I know not to do business with them.
Here is a link to pics of the 3sgte engines: Generation 2 MR2 Engine:
(ROR REDACTED LINK FOR SECURITY PURPOSES)
Notice how it differs visually from the same generation celica engine. Because I am not familiar with what the Celica engine looks like I had to trust A1's "expertise".
Celica Generation 2 engine:
(ROR REDACTED LINK FOR SECURITY PURPOSES)
Here is what I was told was the 91 Celica engine, but actually turned out to be from an 86-89 Celica:
(ROR REDATCED LINK FOR SECURITY PURPOSES)
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