We took our 2004 Kia Rio in for diagnostic at Pepboys. The car was stuttering when it was at a stop sign. It just had an oil change; radiator was flushed and cleaned out. There had never been any prior issues with our radiator, it never leaked, nor over-heated. The timing belt needed to be inspected, and all we asked was that PepBoys run diagnostics and check the timing belt. The following day we received a call from PepBoys stating our estimated charge for repairs was over 1100 for the following:
79.96 removal and replace radiator
58.77 remove and replace thermostat
293.69 new radiator
15.73 stnt blister pack 195f super stat thermostat
29.98 remove and replace spark plug wire set
49.98 remove and replace spark plugs
179.00 auto light resistor plug
66.50 spark plug wires
500.00 timing belt
29.99 oil change
Meanwhile, we told PepBoys to hold off on any work. We called and got a second opinion and decided to pick up the car from PepBoys all within an hours time. Once we dropped it off at the other mechanic, we noticed that now the radiator was leaking, it appeared to have been removed. The lining that braced the radiator to the car was torn, and the brackets that held the radiator in place were loose. The radiator had NEVER been removed from the car before.
We went back to Pepboys and confronted them, and asked for the manager, but conveniently no manager was available.
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