Relevant Information:
car - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
prior service - replaced right drum, front pads and rear pads on 8/99 costing under $300.
Events:
A $99 advertisement on the radio and TV caught my attention so I went to Just Brakes to have my car serviced on 8/11/00. I was the first person there for service. I signed their estimate request form and requested a written estimate. I was told my car needed serious repairs. The estimate was $458.25 for parts and labor on disc pads, brakes shoes, rotor, drum, wheel cylinders, disc hardware, return springs, and a bleed, flush, fill and adjustment of the brake system. I asked if they could just do the "$99 job". They said they could not because the car was in such bad condition that they could be held legally responsible if I were in an accident. With my only options being to pay $99.88 for the estimate without service or pay $458.25 for the complete service, I agreed to the full service. I had already been there several hours and didn't want to spend $100 for nothing in return. The service representative tried to assure that this was a smart choice and that I wouldn't have to worry about brakes for the life of the car because they have a 50,000 mile warranty.
I had to wait over 6 hours for my car to be returned! By looking at the "time in" section on my bill I observed that they started working on my car at 5pm even though I was there since that morning. My entire day was ruined! There were several customers in the office and all were extremely upset at their situation. No one paid just $99.88 and I doubt if anyone has ever been able to do so. Also, although I requested the return of replaced parts in writing, these were not given to me.
I put that day aside. After that, I heard many horror stories about them. I called today to have my brakes checked under warranty and was told that I would have to pay a prorated amount but they couldn't tell me how much until I brought it in. I am going in on Monday, October 1 and pray my experience is not as distasteful.
Summary:
Walking in I planned on spending a few hours at Just Brakes but spent the entire day there. Although their ad was for $99, I paid almost $500. I do not recommend this company to anyone!
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