On Monday, July 2, I had my 1958 Porsche Speedster Super 1600 sent to Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. To investigate a linkage/shift issue. The Porsche was shifting into 1st gear but would only go back into neutral or 1st gear, no other gear. Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Stated they would look at the car and determine the issue, then give an estimate for the repair. They clearly stated that once the cause was determined they would allow me to decide if I wanted them to repair it or have it taken to a different shop of my choice to have it repaired.
I did not receive contact from Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Until Thursday, July 5, when "James" informed me that it was not a linkage issue, it was an "internal" transmission issue and they would require $1200 to begin repairs on the transmission if I wanted Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. To repair it.
I quickly responded with very basic questions such as asking SPECIFICALLY what IS the "internal" transmission issue needing repair, how much would the maximum amount of the supposedly needed repair cost, and what guarantee does Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Offer on the repair. The response I was given is that they "... Have no idea how much the total cost would be but it could possibly be as much as $5500.00, it all depends upon how much work needs to be performed and how many of the parts need to be replaced." I stopped James from going further into the discussion, politely telling him that I will make other arrangements for the repair of my car and find a different repair shop to perform the work. James quickly informed me that no other shop would be willing to do the repairs due to the rarity of the Porsche 356 and the extremely high cost of the part or parts possibly needing replacement. I then informed James that I had already called on a few shops that were willing to do a complete transmission rebuild, in a worst case scenario, at a much lower amount than what Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Is willing to begin the work for. James began to argue with me, stating that no other "legitimate" shop would be willing to do the "needed" repairs for less than Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. James then proceeded to tell me that I "... Simply do not understand what is involved in the repair of transmissions, most transmissions cost between $3500 to $5500 to repair." Again, I asked what was WRONG with the transmission that requires such extensive repairs? Again, James stated that he would not know what exactly needed to be repaired, only that the cost would be between $3500 to $5500, no matter what repair shop I take the car to... IF the shop is a "legitimate" one. Again, I told James, "I will take my car to another facility to have the repair made."
The shocking response I then received was that I would first have to wait until they put my transmission back into the car, they had already begun preparation and dismantling of the transmission for the "needed" repair. I then quickly REMINDED him that I did NOT AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR TO BE PERFORMED on my car. James then responded that he understood that and the transmission would "... Be put back together and reinstalled into the car and ready to have the car taken to a different shop." James added, that Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Needed me to pay them $87.50 for "... An hour of labor, having pulled the transmission and prepared the transmission for repair. Only then will the car be released to be taken elsewhere." This, even though I did NOT AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIR TO BE PERFORMED.
I went to a business aquaintence with a very high standing within the community to assist in the mediation. After the mediation, Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Agreed to release my Porsche so that it could be taken elsewhere for the needed repair. At least, that was our understanding.
The mediator called Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. To ask when the car would be ready to be transported to another facility. James informed the mediator that the car would be back together and ready for transport by Tuesday, July 10. When the tow service was dispatched to pick up the car, they were told the car was not yet ready for transport, Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Was not able to reinstall the transmission due to time constraint. James then informed the tow company the car would not be ready to be picked up until Thursday, July 12. About noon on that Thursday, I called James at aproximately noon, asked if the car was ready for transport. I was told the car was at a different facility. I then demanded to know WHERE IS MY CAR?! James later proceeded to tell the mediator that the car was at a different facility (though I was never told WHERE) but to have the transport company return to Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. On Friday, July 13. Again, Friday evening before the end of the business day, the transport company was turned away, being told the car was not available that it was too late in the day and the employees were leaving early because of it being a Friday. The transport company was told to return on Saturday, July 14 to pick up the car for transport. Once again, the transport company returned on Saturday to transport the vehicle only to be told the car would not be released.
Not knowing the transport company was refused release of the vehicle on Saturday, I called the second repair facility for the status of repair on this Tuesday, July 17 only to learn of Saturday's events. I then contacted the mediator who called Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. The mediator was then told the car would NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL I PAID FOR 19 hours of labor!!! The mediator reminded Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. That NO AUTHORIZATION FOR WORK HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THEM! Then, the mediator told Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. That I would likely litigate if they did not release my car. Apparently, Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Realized they were possibly open to a lawsuit and released the car immediately afterward.
HOWEVER, Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Not only had taken out the transmission, the transmission was completely disassembled and many parts are now missing. The facility the car has been transported to is "Trans For Less" in Chicago and they have just informed me and the mediator that the transmission will have to be replaced due to all the missing parts that Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. Had taken out and conveniently did NOT include to send to the second repair facility.
I am seriously contemplating litigation against Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc. For possible damages resulting from their highly unscrupulous business practices.
I have never before dealt with a repair shop that has attempted to force me to use their services, held my car for ransom, and caused undue damage to my vehicle in retaliation for using another service provider before I made the poor choice of dealing with with Guss's AUTO PLUS, Inc.
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