Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 So I just completely wasted $1300. I usually, if not always do the work on my car myself, minus mounting tires etc. But because my upper rear control arm bushings needed to be replaced, and I don't have a press, I took the pathy to what I thought was a respectable mechanic. Francisco's Automotive in Huntington Beach CA if you're curious. So after explaining what the problem was, and going on a ride with Francisco, he said he would replace the control arm bushings after inspecting them. I said alright and left the car with him, along with the NIssan bushings I had bought earlier. So next thing I know I'm getting a call at work saying that I needed to have the front control arms replaced and my sway bar bushings as well. I knew this ahead of time, but was planning on doing the work myself to save the money and know it was done correctly. But then he asks to speak to my father (who was gracious enough to pay for it as a birthday present.) Then my dad tells me the mech is keeping the car overnight, and will be ready tomorrow at noon, which is extremely impractical for me as I have both work and school from 9am to 7pm, but I told him he could deal with it. Anyway, after receiving the pathy again tonight, the marked noises from the bushings were gone, but others persisted. So after returning home, I got out the flashlight and inspected underneath to see. HE DIDN'T REPLACE THE RIGHT BUSHINGS!!! He replaced the rear upper control arms and the front lower control arms, but nothing else. This is despite being billed for rear lower control arms, front "stabilizer bar" bushings, front lower control arms, and having a rear brake service (unnecessary). So he didn't do his job..... nice. And to top it off told me that I was 2qts of oil low. Now that's what made me angry because if there's anything in this world I know, it's that my oil level is perfect. In short, I'm not going to this mechanic ever again, but not until after I tell him where to shove it. PS: My dad's in utter denial about the whole thing, citing that he's had 40 years of experience and tells me he believes the mechanic first and me second. And plainly put, that he doesn't believe a whole community of people who specifically wrench on these wonderful rigs all the time. (You guys) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 is there a better business bureau were you are? or something like it? report him. I'd document the inconsistencies between photos of what's under your truck and your bill and ask for a refund. or the billed work done. don't let this puta get a way with this. because of diligent owners there are now laws in my province that mandate that mechanics only do work agreed upon or what is originally quoted. anything else has to be approved by the owner, That way they can't charge for anything over and above the original quote. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 is there a better business bureau were you are? or something like it? report him. I'd document the inconsistencies between photos of what's under your truck and your bill and ask for a refund. or the billed work done. don't let this puta get a way with this. because of diligent owners there are now laws in my province that mandate that mechanics only do work agreed upon or what is originally quoted. anything else has to be approved by the owner, That way they can't charge for anything over and above the original quote. We have that here too, and that's my next step if they choose not to comply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 My dad's in utter denial about the whole thing, citing that he's had 40 years of experience Tell him jerking off doesn't count! JUST KIDDING! Making a joke to diffuse the tension. That is another joke... So, it sounds like Pops authorized work on your behalf and the mechanic went at it. Did you have to foot the bill? If so, I would have major issues; if not... Yes, it sucks that what you diagnosed and requested to have repaired/replaced, wasn't, but it does sound like you handed things over. Now, if billed items were not changed, that is fraud and should not be tolerated. Go down and calmly call him on it, and see if you can keep Pops from getting ripped off. I don't know your relationship, but I'm guessing he was trying to play it safe and make it easy for you. As for us not knowing our Pathfinder stuff, that is foolish talk. A lone bee may be laughable, but a bee hive is impressive, and some of our bees are professional engineers, mechanics and machinists, not to mention the hard core fab guys, parts shop owners and all the other specialists. Now, don't be mad at foolish talk. B 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Tell him jerking off doesn't count! JUST KIDDING! Making a joke to diffuse the tension. That is another joke... So, it sounds like Pops authorized work on your behalf and the mechanic went at it. Did you have to foot the bill? If so, I would have major issues; if not... Yes, it sucks that what you diagnosed and requested to have repaired/replaced, wasn't, but it does sound like you handed things over. Now, if billed items were not changed, that is fraud and should not be tolerated. Go down and calmly call him on it, and see if you can keep Pops from getting ripped off. I don't know your relationship, but I'm guessing he was trying to play it safe and make it easy for you. As for us not knowing our Pathfinder stuff, that is foolish talk. A lone bee may be laughable, but a bee hive is impressive, and some of our bees are professional engineers, mechanics and machinists, not to mention the hard core fab guys, parts shop owners and all the other specialists. Now, don't be mad at foolish talk. B Hahahahaha He'd appreciate that. And he only paid, I was the one to sign all the docs. The billed items weren't replaced, and yes, I'm on NPORA's side. People here frankly know more about pathys than he could ever dream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebelord Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 I responded on Expedition Portal about this. But yea, complete sham IMO. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 I responded on Expedition Portal about this. But yea, complete sham IMO. I noticed But thanks for the support. Very frustrating, and since I work all the hours this pri** is open, I have to wait until the weekend to deal with it. Plus he seemed to rotate my tires (incorrectly I suspect), and now they make their trademark "Time to rotate" howl. Time for another shop. At least those guys can't screw it up too much, and have always been nice to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferrariowner123 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) Mechanics have been getting away with this crap for years... I took my Pathfinder, about a year after buying the car to a Oil Can Henry's, not only did i get recommended a bunch of things i didn't want, they "stripped" the transmission drain plug and did the ghetto vacuum deal, about 2 years later, i coudl already tell my transmission needs new fluid. which seems rather short for something that should last longer, a lot longer. They also OVERFILLED MY ENGINE OIL!!! i went home and checked because i felt like something was wrong, and it was WELL above the full level, which i know is not TOO big of a deal, to this day the engine still purrs like a kitten, but come on, they do those all day!! So that was one more nail in the coffin and then the idiot who helped with my timing belt who was a "certified mechanic" put that last nail and made me loss all faith in mechanics everywhere. However i do owe him a thank you for inspiring my buddy and i to going into cars more deeply and eventually motivating both of us to get classic sports cars.. But i feel for you man and take the side of everyone here, CALMLY go back with you father and explain that you would not like to be charged for items that were not replaced. if they don't, call the BBB or a local investigator. Our local news agency has this segment named "get Jesse" and you explain the situation and he goes all TMZ style reporter on the business (usually a business). But keep us posted, i wanna hear how this pans out... -Kyle Edited February 19, 2014 by ferrariowner123 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) Mechanics have been getting away with this crap for years... I took my Pathfinder, about a year after buying the car to a Oil Can Henry's, not only did i get recommended a bunch of things i didn't want, they "stripped" the transmission drain plug and did the ghetto vacuum deal, about 2 years later, i coudl already tell my transmission needs new fluid. which seems rather short for something that should last longer, a lot longer. They also OVERFILLED MY ENGINE OIL!!! i went home and checked because i felt like something was wrong, and it was WELL above the full level, which i know is not TOO big of a deal, to this day the engine still purrs like a kitten, but come on, they do those all day!! So that was one more nail in the coffin and then the idiot who helped with my timing belt who was a "certified mechanic" put that last nail and made me loss all faith in mechanics everywhere. However i do owe him a thank you for inspiring my buddy and i to going into cars more deeply and eventually motivating both of us to get classic sports cars.. But i feel for you man and take the side of everyone here, CALMLY go back with you father and explain that you would not like to be charged for items that were not replaced. if they don't, call the BBB or a local investigator. Our local news agency has this segment named "get Jesse" and you explain the situation and he goes all TMZ style reporter on the business (usually a business). But keep us posted, i wanna hear how this pans out... -Kyle Thank you bud, those Jiffy Lube places are the worst of the worst. I'll keep you all posted as this moves forward. Also in other news, while taking the VW out for a little sunday drive, it stalls and dies mid-intersection. Lucky for me my buddy was with me and we got it across with no problem, with lots of people offering to help. I'm going to take a look at the carb the next chance I get. Why can't one of these be made for everything? PS: Wow, that's my local news team! Edited February 19, 2014 by Karmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 And this is why I did my transmission swap myself.... If he doesn't admit to it after being nice, just slowly get more and more stern with him. Usually works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 This forum is an idiot's guide. It's just that the search function doesn't work as well as a Table of Contents. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbley11 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 I have never had problems with my Jiffy Lube, granted my dad goes there and I go to a family and friend (Mr. Buckles) oil exchange right across the street. They both know my family very well, and have never had mistakes or over payed for unneeded work. We've even got shop coupons for half to 3/4 off trans. or diff. oil flush and change. Now I have had problems with walmart, as we needed it done then and there. They forgot to put oil in it.....really, thats your job. But I check every time I get it done so nothing happened. I would walk in and just give him a little bit of a ruffing. Where did he put your UCA bushings anyway? Aren't those made to fit those and those alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 I have never had problems with my Jiffy Lube, granted my dad goes there and I go to a family and friend (Mr. Buckles) oil exchange right across the street. They both know my family very well, and have never had mistakes or over payed for unneeded work. We've even got shop coupons for half to 3/4 off trans. or diff. oil flush and change. Now I have had problems with walmart, as we needed it done then and there. They forgot to put oil in it.....really, thats your job. But I check every time I get it done so nothing happened. I would walk in and just give him a little bit of a ruffing. Where did he put your UCA bushings anyway? Aren't those made to fit those and those alone. I do all oil changes myself personally, but that's just me. And he never even opened the bag, each one was brand new in the packaging, as he refused to even try to press the lower units out, and instead only replaced the entire upper control arms, but not the lowers (which were indicated on the bill and over the phone). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Also in other news, while taking the VW out for a little sunday drive, it stalls and dies mid-intersection. Lucky for me my buddy was with me and we got it across with no problem, with lots of people offering to help. I'm going to take a look at the carb the next chance I get. Why can't one of these be made for everything? That is a helpful book! I've owned 3 old VWs myself with a '79 Cabriolet in the garage. Let me know if you need help with the stall issue, I know them fairly well... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 And this is why I did my transmission swap myself.... If he doesn't admit to it after being nice, just slowly get more and more stern with him. Usually works for me. That's what I'm thinking, I still can't believe in that whole shop they supposedly couldn't press out some bushings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 I took some VW front end parts to a shop and paid them just to press out the old bushings. Two days later I went back and advised them that when they press out bushings, they need to press out the OD sleeves as well, as I dropped them on the counter. Luckily, I have a mill so I offset bored them until break through so I could pull them out (no press). How stupid is that? They pressed the rubber out, but not the OD housing.... The point is, while there are some great (thorough and knowledgeable) mechanics out there, just because they have a cert or a shop doesn't mean they are as qualified as they, or you, think. Sadly, it is the main reason I do my own work (other than dealership prices). I can screw things up myself far cheaper than a professional mechanic can, and I get it right more often. Sadly, the two mechanics I trust have since retired. I'd love to pay then to work on my vehicles... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Sadly, the two mechanics I trust have since retired. I'd love to pay then to work on my vehicles... B Me too, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, aka Car Talk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyC Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 My brother in law, 20yr Chrysler tech with every cert imaginable. Wouldn't even let him detail my car. Luckily local forums can help narrow down dependable help. We've got a few good subie shops around here. The pathy has to put up with me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 20, 2014 Author Share Posted February 20, 2014 So to add to this story, while driving to work today, I realized that this pr**'s supposed "alignment" job left the steering wheel a couple of degrees off. Here's a picture on a perfectly flat and straight piece of road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 I was always pleased when they made it straight, but then I was poor for a long time... That does show lack of detail, no argument about it. Just spread the word. One of the last shops I dealt with tried to screw me over to the point of stupid/dangerous. When I called them on it and declined declined them 'fixing it' (quality of work already established) and promised that I would spread the word, the owner got concerned. Too late, and I have been consistent for the last 6 or 8 years. Just in case: Never go to Corby Auto Body, Santa Rosa. They took weeks to give me a vehicle that was unsafe to drive. By unsafe, I mean the passenger side tie rod end rubbing hard on the firewall. The front cross member was bent, and they spread the front frame cross horns rather than replace the front cross member, even though that was what was agreed upon. Ron, the owner, lies. Corby Auto Body is Dangerous Stupid internet is more powerful than word of mouth used to be. If you don't get satisfaction, don't yell it from the roof tops, follow my lead... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 20, 2014 Author Share Posted February 20, 2014 I was always pleased when they made it straight, but then I was poor for a long time... That does show lack of detail, no argument about it. Just spread the word. One of the last shops I dealt with tried to screw me over to the point of stupid/dangerous. When I called them on it and declined declined them 'fixing it' (quality of work already established) and promised that I would spread the word, the owner got concerned. Too late, and I have been consistent for the last 6 or 8 years. Just in case: Never go to Corby Auto Body, Santa Rosa. They took weeks to give me a vehicle that was unsafe to drive. By unsafe, I mean the passenger side tie rod end rubbing hard on the firewall. The front cross member was bent, and they spread the front frame cross horns rather than replace the front cross member, even though that was what was agreed upon. Ron, the owner, lies. Corby Auto Body is Dangerous Stupid internet is more powerful than word of mouth used to be. If you don't get satisfaction, don't yell it from the roof tops, follow my lead... B See my Yelp review The scumbag downvotes any negative review so all the unsatisfied customers aren't seen. Giving him effectively a 4.5 star rating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferrariowner123 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 See my Yelp review The scumbag downvotes any negative review so all the unsatisfied customers aren't seen. Giving him effectively a 4.5 star rating. My goodness, that's such a joke!! The guy has 6 decent review (most likely from completely clueless car owners), and every other review is negative!! But why does yelp allow owners to effectively remove reviews? Thats gives the owner to do exactly what that guy is doing!! Make his business look like the best place on earth! How is this being allowed!?!?!? Never using Yelp again, proof that common sense is a dying trait among people today... -Kyle 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 isn't shanghaied when you get kidnapped on a boat? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 Or as the British called it, recruiting!! I think he meant that his flagship was handled unethically, a reasonable extrapolation... B 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share Posted February 21, 2014 Or as the British called it, recruiting!! I think he meant that his flagship was handled unethically, a reasonable extrapolation... B Precisely Mr. Precise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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