A week ago, suddenly I couldn't start the vehicle. I thought Pepboys would be a good place to fix the car since I had good experience with their 8917 Research Blvd facility. I couldnt get an early appointment at 8917 Research Blvd, so I took it to 13729 Research Blvd, Austin TX. Unfortunately I had a very bitter experience
I was given an estimate of @$300 for tyre change and diagnostics, I didnt hestitate to approve it. The next day I received a call saying that the problem was with the rotor. I approved the estimate as well.
Later I again got a call saying it would be better if i get my water pump and Ac belt replaced. I had faith in Pepboys and okayed the estimate all totalling to $700. I was told that the engine light was on, but it should not cause a problem. I got a confirmation at 3:00 pm that the vehicle was ready.
I went to collect the vehicle and paid the invoice 0797 1150553.
However, when I tried to start it, it stalled after 5 secs.
I had trouble putting it into reverse gear and backing out of the parking lot. I fail to understand why the vehicle was not checked before calling the customer. I complained to the store front desk who tried to start the vehicle but it kept on stalling. He then called the manager and the story was repeated. They could not find the person who had worked on my car. They told me nobody in the shop at that time was competent to take a look at the vehicle. The person who could fix my problem lived 80 miles away and had to leave early every day. I do not understand why the store timings are till 9:00 pm.
The manager then told me that I should have had an engine diagnostic test done. I had no idea what the test was, but he contented that I had refused to carry out this test. When I firmly told him that his set up had done a shoddy job on my car, he relented and said that he would do it for free whenever I wanted. I asked him if he could give that assurance in writing, he refused an instead wrote that " Car is stalling - customer refused diagnostic test". He however gave me a verbal assurance that he would do the diagnostic the next time I got the car
I think that this behavior is very unprofessional. First you handover the car without bothering to test it. Then you refuse to own up the mistake and blame the customer.
I have been driving this car for a week. It stalls at every red light.in Parking it revs to 3000 rpm. It stalls when I reverse it. It has consumed twice the amount of gas that it normally consumes. The engine revs up while in the Drive and I need to put hand brakes on at every red light since the car continues to push forward. At idling the car goes at 30 mph. I am sure I have damaged my brakes as a result of this.
I am sorry to say that this has left a very bad taste. After having spent $700, I am barely able to drive the car.
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