Approximately six months ago our vehicle was experiencing overheating problems and the head gasket blew. They offered a free towing service if they fixed the problem. We took our vehicle to Best Auto. During the 2.5 weeks the vehicle was there, the would call everday and say "Well this didn't fix it, let's try this."
Overall the following things were done.
- Diagnose overheating
- Resurface cylinder heads and perform valve job
- Remove and reinstall cylinder heads
- Smog Check
- Remove and reinstall oil pump
- Head gasket set
- coolant
- Spark Plugs
- Water pump
- Thermostat
- Oil filter
- Oil
- Oil Pump
The total cost was $2962.00.
Additionally, they wanted to do a main bearing job, and we refused at this point.
During the next six months, the vehicle still experienced intermittent overheating problems, especially when the AC was on. We replaced the dual radiator fan during this time, and replaced the thermostat during this time, which did help but not fix the problem, which still existed and the reason the vehicle was put in the shop.
Less than 3,000 miles later, the camshaft snapped on one side with two cylinders being full of oil. Upon calling Best Auto, they refused to offer a free tow this time, since the car was under warranty stating they would have to pay for the tow of $125.00 for a four mile tow. (Mysteriously the towing company is called Best Towing and didn't they have to pay for the tow originally?)
Additionally when asking for the previous mechanic that worked on the vehicle, it was told to us by another employee that he was fired due to drug use on the job and failing his drug test approximately one month after the vehicle was originally there.
Two days later, they diagnosed the problem as a snapped camshaft and stated they could not get the part for the vehicle since the manufacturer does not make it anymore. The only option was to purchase a complete head which costs more than the vehicle is worth. Upon questioning the previous work and warranty, they denied any fault with the issue. Upon questioning them about the camshaft being removed to remove the valves and doing a valve job they stated the camshaft snapping was not their fault. And told us to pick up the vehicle.
Calling a Chrysler dealership to see how a camshaft snaps, the mechanic at a Chrysler dealership stated that if the cylinder wasn't aligned board, yes it could cause the camshaft to snap and it might not happen immediately.
Upon calling Nevada Consumer Affairs Division, it was found that they have had seven complaints against them in the past three years.
Upon calling the BBB of Southern Nevada, it was found that they have had six complaints against them in the past three years.
Do NOT take your vehicle to this garage. They will nickel and dime you to death not knowing what is wrong with your vehicle, and then later if a problem arises from a direct action of them working on your vehicle, they will not honor it.
We are having to purchase an engine from a yard and will have it installed via a different company. The cost of the engine is $800.00 and approximately $400.00 to drop the engine in.
We are filing a small claims action against this company in the amount of $2962.00, plus $800 for the new engine, plus $400 for the labor to install the engine, plus $500 for incidentals, inconvenience, and other expenses. There has also been complains made about this incident to the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division, the Southern Nevada BBB, and the DMV - Compliance Enforcement Division.
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