In August I took my car to Norman Automotive because my car overheated. They were very nice, friendly and caring - on the surface. They told me I needed a new radiator, water pump, the head gasket was warped to they were going to re-finish it, not replace. Total cost around $1300. Because they seemed so sincere, I let them do the repairs, got a loan, and paid them.
In November I noticed a loud sound coming from the car. So I took it back to them. They told me that I ran over something. They had it raised-up and showed me the gash in the oil pan. They also said I damaged my radiator and would need another one, that something was bent with the right tire - showing me how the tire tilted inward. Also told me some other stuff I needed done, giving me an estimate of $2600. They encouraged me to file a claim with my insurance company. They said to lie to them and tell them that I just ran over a curb or something and that the insurance would cover it since I didn't have the money.
A friend encouraged me to take my car to his mechanic. That mechanic showed me my radiator, pointing out that there was not even a scratch on it. He said all car tires naturally tilt inward when jacked-up on a rack. Said he could not believe how much they lied to me.in reality, the oil pan was dented, but not leaking and the noise was coming from a split in the muffler pipe - a quick welding job. He fixed a couple of leaks here and there and charged me $230. What a relief!
Two weeks after that, I took the car for an oil change. The guy showed me the radiator fluid was brown. I explained that I had just bought a new radiator 3 months ago and the fluid should be new. He looked surprised and advised me to go back to Norman Automotive and tell them to change the fluid for free because they obviously put old fluid in there. I chose not to because I was afraid they would do something else to my car so I would need their services again.
March I smelled oil burning under the hood. Took the car back to my friend's mechanic (who is now my mechanic too). He said oil was leaking out of the head gasket. He said whoever worked on the gasket before (Norman Automotive) had done something wrong and it was not sealed correctly. He said it would cost too much to fix. Told me it was a small leak so I could get away with checking the oil often and refilling when needed OR get a new car.
I know this is long, but if you have read all of this, you will see that I have been haunted by Norman Automotive long after they touched my car. I honestly believe that they caused all of these problems and advise everyone to stay away or get scammed.
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