On December 18th, I brought my car into USA Express for an oil change and estimate as to repairs pertaining to some minor performance issues.
They issued an estimate for several issues, totaling $643.18. Of these I requested all but two occur - the fuel filter and coolant flush.
A few days later, I was notified that my vehicle was ready for pickup. I noticed an unusually low total as I was paying Chris the manager, and figured he was offering me a courtesy discount for the number of referrals and regular patronage I've given them over the last year or so.in any event, I got into the car and noticed that only two of the requested services had been completed.
I went back into the office to speak with Doug, the originator of my request and real problem in this whole issue. I explained to him that I wanted BOTH radiator hoses replaced and the brake fluid flushed, serpentine belt replaced. This was my request when I brought the car in after receiving their estimate and 'suggested services'.
Well, they conducted an acid cooling system flush which should NEVER be conducted on a car this age and blew my head gasket and possibly my head. They failed to complete the other work requested. I was notified to pick the vehicle up again, assuming all was well.
As I drove out of the lot, I noticed something very wrong, along with large billows of white/blue smoke pouring from the rear exhaust of the car. I immediately drove it back into the garage and handed the keys over. Doug avoided me for over a week, then called me as I was leaving town iat an airport to suggest that I pick up the car and find an independent mechanic to put sealer on my now defunkt engine.
I almost fell over in horror!
He confirmed that the head gasket was definitely blown, and there was a chance that the head cracked too for this foolish 'mistake'. I requested refund and was denied. I would like to take legal action!
I've been without a car for over a month, jerked around, lied to, and royally screwed by people I've sung the praises of and trusted with my business and the business of friends and associates. No more! No way! This is completely sleezy and unacceptable, especially when they were well aware of the fact that I wanted only a few minor necessary repairs and NEVER asked for a cooling system flush to a 1996 Audi. Unsettling the sediment is almost sure to blow something in that old gal's engine & that's just what they did, thinking me to stupid a girl to figure it out, too dumb to check it out with other mechanics. Gross!
Please do not patronize this business.
DC
Laguna Beach, California
U.S.A.
0 comments