$700 Oil Change
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 694
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From: Jersey Shore
Yeah, I've had problems with Midas in the past. There's an awesome R&S near my house that is very good in price and quality work. They actually talk to me like I'm human and not a "dumb woman." Steer clear of Midas, Meineke, Pep Boys, and Goodyear. I've heard too many horror stories about bills and added on goodies.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 981
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From: Richmond, VA
I'd have to agree with Toxic. Goodyear, Midas, and Meineke, are all places that have or have tried to rip me off big time. I say stay away from chains completely, but those are the worst. Not to go off on a rant, but:
I'll never forget when I went to my local Goodyear for an inspection and they replaced all kinds of crap without asking, $35 to change a (brand new PIAA) bulb for some $2 halogen POS, $75 + part cost to replace the turn signal control knob on my steering wheel, which certainly worked fine when I brought it in. If I had known better then I wouldn't have paid.
Meineke had the nerve to replace a leaking muffler with a lifetime warranty with some used takeoff of a different model and try to charge me for it. They didn't get away with that one. Midas I haven't been screwed by, although they sure tried enough. I used to go there when they had coupons for oil changes, and they would always try to sell me a service I didn't need. I can remember waiting for my car and listening to them sucker in other unsuspecting people with the same spiel they just tried on me. Those amazing oil change coupons are nothing more than bait.
Firestone is another place I don't go. Several times I have gone in for free rotating and balancing since I bought my tires there, and--I always number my tires--they didn't rotate or balance. Tires in the same spot, the weights untouched and the same vibration still there. I went back, and they rotated, but didn't balance. When I confronted them, the manager just said "They didn't need the service". WTF. Talk about BS. Not only was it overdue for the service, but they definitely needed it and they lied to me and said they did it to boot.
Those are just a few examples, unfortunately I have many more because it seems that mechanics as a general rule are dishonest at the chains. Maybe they feel justified because they aren't getting paid much there, or perhaps because it's simply so easy to take advantage of the average customer. But my advice is to avoid those places completely and find a local independent shop with a good reputation. You have to pay more and wait longer, but it's worth it. And always put in writing that you have to give permission before any service is performed, and that you require all removed parts to be given to you.
I'll never forget when I went to my local Goodyear for an inspection and they replaced all kinds of crap without asking, $35 to change a (brand new PIAA) bulb for some $2 halogen POS, $75 + part cost to replace the turn signal control knob on my steering wheel, which certainly worked fine when I brought it in. If I had known better then I wouldn't have paid.
Meineke had the nerve to replace a leaking muffler with a lifetime warranty with some used takeoff of a different model and try to charge me for it. They didn't get away with that one. Midas I haven't been screwed by, although they sure tried enough. I used to go there when they had coupons for oil changes, and they would always try to sell me a service I didn't need. I can remember waiting for my car and listening to them sucker in other unsuspecting people with the same spiel they just tried on me. Those amazing oil change coupons are nothing more than bait.
Firestone is another place I don't go. Several times I have gone in for free rotating and balancing since I bought my tires there, and--I always number my tires--they didn't rotate or balance. Tires in the same spot, the weights untouched and the same vibration still there. I went back, and they rotated, but didn't balance. When I confronted them, the manager just said "They didn't need the service". WTF. Talk about BS. Not only was it overdue for the service, but they definitely needed it and they lied to me and said they did it to boot.
Those are just a few examples, unfortunately I have many more because it seems that mechanics as a general rule are dishonest at the chains. Maybe they feel justified because they aren't getting paid much there, or perhaps because it's simply so easy to take advantage of the average customer. But my advice is to avoid those places completely and find a local independent shop with a good reputation. You have to pay more and wait longer, but it's worth it. And always put in writing that you have to give permission before any service is performed, and that you require all removed parts to be given to you.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 0
From: Mass
Vehicle: 97 Tiburon
after working at a GOOD Sears Auto Center for 3 years, i have to say that they are the best when it comes to serving the customer.
Sears has a policy where they cannot perform ANY service unless it is signed for. Meaning they can't add anything on unless you say its okay, and sign for it. Also, you're allowed in the shop while your car is being serviced. you can stay out there the whole time. just need safety glasses wink1.gif
Also, they stand by there warranties. I've seen customers come in and want their tires balanced every 2000 miles, but they had no vibration issues. we still did it, because its part of the lifetime balance warranty.
lifetime strut warranties. does any other auto service place have that? i'm not sure....
but after hearing from customers about being screwed by other places (there was a Firestone right across the street from us), i will always trust Sears.
Sears has a policy where they cannot perform ANY service unless it is signed for. Meaning they can't add anything on unless you say its okay, and sign for it. Also, you're allowed in the shop while your car is being serviced. you can stay out there the whole time. just need safety glasses wink1.gif
Also, they stand by there warranties. I've seen customers come in and want their tires balanced every 2000 miles, but they had no vibration issues. we still did it, because its part of the lifetime balance warranty.
lifetime strut warranties. does any other auto service place have that? i'm not sure....
but after hearing from customers about being screwed by other places (there was a Firestone right across the street from us), i will always trust Sears.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
Ah, I forgot to give credit to Sears! I got an oil change done there, and they informed me that I had some sort of leakage, and told me I could buy the parts and do it myself (even told me how to do it), or I could have them do it at no additional cost for labor, just parts.
Oh yeah, my boyfriend used to work at Goodyear, so please... stay away. All he did was work on cars. His manager TOLD him what to do... and he did it. He never talked to the customers, but his manager would tell him to do all of this shit to cars and most of the shit wasn't necessary. Sometimes if you think the handymans are the ones conning you, just chill. Managers want as much money as they can get, and they will threaten the workers' jobs if they don't do as told.
Oh yeah, my boyfriend used to work at Goodyear, so please... stay away. All he did was work on cars. His manager TOLD him what to do... and he did it. He never talked to the customers, but his manager would tell him to do all of this shit to cars and most of the shit wasn't necessary. Sometimes if you think the handymans are the ones conning you, just chill. Managers want as much money as they can get, and they will threaten the workers' jobs if they don't do as told.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 0
Wow, this really sucks man, but you put yourself into it.
You should never trust them over the phone. They could lie to you about broken parts or not even replace them.
I think you should have done everything yourself and would have saved $700.
You should never trust them over the phone. They could lie to you about broken parts or not even replace them.
I think you should have done everything yourself and would have saved $700.
