I called K&S Automotive on the 29th of Sept. 2004 to get an estimate on a repair I needed done on my car. I needed a new water pump, and a timing belt, and a hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt. I asked how much it would be and I was told $550. When I asked for the break down I was told $207 was labor and the rest was parts. I asked if I could bring in my own parts and was told yes I could, if I wanted to save some money. I had been a loyal customer of K&S Automotive for a year and a half and never had a problem before and I trusted them enough not to get the estimate in writing. I had never brought my own parts in before. I had to barrow money from my sister and brother-in-law because, I needed this done ASAP and didn't have the money.
I dropped my car off on Fri. Oct. 1 and brought the parts in Sat. Oct. 2. I was first told my car would be done that day. It wasn't done until closing time Mon. Oct. 4. When I picked my car up I was told it was going to be $451 after taxes. I had all ready spent $232.91 on parts so I was not happy about this. I asked for a detailed breakdown this is the breakdown: $365.00 for labor, $39.99 for a coolant flush, 17.00 for shop supplies, $27.00 in state taxes. I was told I was only charged $60 an hour for 3.5 hours of work which would have been $210 the other $155 was his (the mechanic) mark up on parts. Even though I brought my own parts in I was still charged a mark up on parts!
I don't believe this is at all ethical. Especially since I wasn't told this was going to be done. They are NOT members of the BBB however, they have two plaques in their customer waiting room saying they are members. I also don't think that is ethical. Something needs to be done about their unethical business practices. I will NEVER use them for my service again. I'll find a new mechanic. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bereau and the company has until October 27th to respond before further action is taken.
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