The front end sold a 208 coupe that I went over in October as a X-mas gift for a girl in school in Syracuse NY. She took the car and drove it up there. Over the next few days it developed a pull and a tire vibration. She took the car to a Indy in the area (no names as of yet) who proceded to tell her it needed all 4 ball joints, a "drag link" and a set of idler arm bushings. The car has 48,000 miles on it however, is out of factory warrenty by time.

I called the shop in question and identified myself. I was told "you can send anyone you want here to look at it, the car is dangerous to drive". Their estimate was a tick over $1000.00. After I tought about it for a few seconds I called the local dealer (Romano Motors, nice guys over the phone anyway) and made arrangements for the car to be towed over there for their inspection. A few hours pass and Romano calls to inform me that they can find nothing loose in the front end and feel all the car needs is alignment with offset bolts. (the factory adjustment method). I call back to the original shop and the guy I spoke with before wouldn't even come to the phone. I informed the gentlemen who answered the phone the findings and told them I felt they were attempting to hose my customer. I also informed them I really did not appreciate it as well.


What do you think? Should I .....

A) drop it now

B) file a complaint with the BBB

C) post the shops name and number here as a "bad shop"

D) deal with it, write it off as a learning experence and advice my client to use Romano for all her service needs in Syracuse



Just a few random thoughts on the subject.

__________________
Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

Option "B" and "C". You will possibly save someone else from being taken advantage of.

I'd be careful about "C". You may not want to set yourself up for litigation in case they hear about it.

I would ask Romano if they drove the car for any length of time before making their assessment and if they agree with the customer's description of the problem first. The more infomarion the better.

__________________
dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

Ask them to pay for the towing charges, since they woudl not let it be driven, and post to the BBB.

__________________
David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

Is your customer happy with the way the car performs now?

If so, I believe your extra efforts towards assisting in this case speak for themselves. IMO, it is up to your customer to determine if a complaint should be filed. DO recommend to your customer that she not return to that indy, however.

She trusts YOU, remember.

If at all possible, guide your customer to this site, and encourage her to post her own comments if she so desires.

I would avoid "shop vs. shop" bashing at all costs.

Good luck!