I Called Pep Boys in Tamarac to get a quote on an oil change and to repair my tire which had a screw wedged in the tire tread. The guy on the phone (I'll omit his name as I am sure he is just following his manager's rules) looked up the year, make and model of my vehicle and told me it would be $22.99 for the oil change. I also told him about the tire, which he replied that if it was in the center of the tire, he would do it for free. I was expecting to pay $22 at the dealership plus $20 for the tire repair, so I felt this was a great deal and went to the repair shop immediately.
The guy at the register was the same one I spoke with on the phone and I reminded him about our conversation. He said he would take care of it. He printed the estimate which showed an oil change for $37 and Tire Repair of $20. He told me to ignore the pricing, that they are only estimates and would not reflect the actual price.
I Left the car and said I would be back @ 5PM. About an hour later, he called me and said I would need my air filter changed and that would be $32. I told him to hold off on that, and I also mentioned to him that the oil change on the estimate was incorrect and he told me my bill would be $42 total for the oil change! I reminded him about the $22 quote he gave me over the phone. He denied that and said that they don't do oil changes for that price. I told him that I even have a coupon that I printed that states $24 for basic oil change. He challenged the coupon, by stating that it doesn't say Pennzoil oil on it. Did I ask for Pennzoil oil?
When I got there I again reiterated the quote he gave me on the phone, and told him I would have had more respect for them if they had charged me the $22 for the change and $20 for the tire repair
than to lie to me over the phone to get me to come in there. The manager came out and I explained to him about the typical "Bait and Switch" pricing that Pepboys is known for. He showed me the estimate I signed, and I reiterated that his rep told me to ignore that, and it would not reflect the actual price. "Who would charge $42 for an oil change?" I would have taken it down the street or the dealership for $19.99.
After going back and forth, the manager used a rewards discount and the final bill was $34. I have learned my lesson with this company once again, and now I read on the internet how the staff is working on part commission, based on pricing and sales so it all makes sense.
I learned my lesson... Stay away from Pep Boys!!!
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