Very mixed experiences. One good, where they fixed their mistake. One bad, where they quoted me over $400 just to replace a battery. The good experience: they accidentally put a hole in my radiator while doing an oil change (the hood closed unexpectedly because the struts were old and it smashed a tool into the radiator). They replaced the radiator at no cost. I was grateful and impressed. But then... The bad experience: took my full-sized passenger van in because it was having trouble starting. I thought it might be the starter (battery was only 2 years old). Turned out it was the battery. Randy quoted me over $400 to replace the battery ($193 for the battery and $200+ for labor). I was astounded. He claimed the van required a "special" battery that was difficult to access. He claimed there were "covers" that had to be removed. When I told him that the battery had no covers and was not difficult to access, and that I could replace the battery myself, he said he would "check with his technician." He quickly called me back, apologized, and acknowledged that it would be only $50 in labor to replace the battery. He then took the entire day day to replace the battery, claiming they were "having trouble getting the right battery delivered." The van had been there since 9:30 a.m. I got home and discovered that they installed a basic battery that retails for $120. I returned the next day and questioned why he charged me so much for the battery. He started to tell me that the battery was "special." When I told him the retail price for my "special" battery, he questioned me. After I looked up the battery on a local auto parts dealer's website and showed him, he told me he would "make it right." I'm wondering why this didn't start out "right" from the very beginning. To his credit, Randy did refund me the difference between the retail price of the battery and the price he originally charged me. But I had to research the battery myself and return the next day to question him about it. Had I not asked any questions, I would have paid over $400 to have this place install a basic battery in my vehicle.
Chris, thank you for talking with me on the phone. As we discussed, I'm very sorry for the extra hassle we cause by misquoting your battery replacement, but I am very happy that we were able to get things straightened out. Please give us another chance and let us prove to you that we're always willing to do whatever it takes to make our clients happy and to do the right thing, especially when we really mess as in your case, thanks again! - Richard (Manager)
- Steve's Automotive Specialists