An addendum (because I cannot reply to the owner's response) it is necessary to EMPHATICALLY state I was NOT given any estimate, despite the owner's claim I had. After posting my review, he phone me at work and on my personal phone and when we were able to talk, he said "We called you with a quote and you said to do the work. I was standing next to the mechanic when he called, so I know you were given an estimate." In his written response in this forum, he declares a text was sent. Neither is true. Had I been informed up front of the costs, I would have said to not do it because I could not afford it. In hindsight, I should have refused to pay because work was done without an estimate and authorization. I am unsure what is worse: performing unauthorized work at the consumer's expense, or trying to change the reality of the situation to save face. My frustration has turned to insult as he is trying to spin a narrative that I'm being dishonest with my experience. During the brutal heatwave at the end of August, the AC in my car kicked out. I made an appointment to drop my car off while I was at work, and I asked to please be called with an estimate prior to moving forward with any repairs. But, rather than receiving a call with an estimate, Paul's Integrity did the repairs and presented me with a bill that was nearly $400. Additionally, the AC isn't actually fixed (because the parts weren't in stock) and I was told it should last the rest of the season and I would need to bring it back in before next summer. $400 is a lot of money to pay to not have something fully repaired, and I certainly wasn't prepared to pay that amount. I have a very narrow budget - hence my request to be contacted with an estimate first. Had the garage honored my request I would have had the option to say "let's wait". I'm very disappointed and very angry. I feel I was taken advantage of, and I would not recommend anyone to use this business.
Hi Alyson, so your 2016 Jeep Renegade was in our shop for an A/C Service on August 27th. Now your refrigerant is the new type-1234yf. This new refrigerant is more then 10 times the price to purchase not counting the new machines needed to perform the service to these new vehicles. The new machines cost around $8,000 to purchase. So the way it works, and for those reading this post, before we do any service we have full approval from the customer or we do not do any repairs. I myself, spoke with you in person before the A/C Service was performed and explained to you that we would need to perform the service and that it was not a gurantee that your vehicles A/C System would work properly, especially if you have a leak,but we have to start with the service. We sent you a text with the price of $379.99 for the A/C Service and the other needed overdue maintenance items on the vehicle. I received your approval via text message to do the A/C service only and that you did not have the money to do any other repairs, so I am very confused about your words ""and I asked to please be called with an estimate prior to moving forward with any repairs. But rather than receiving a call with an estimate, Paul's Integrity did the repairs and presented me with a bill that was nearly $400.00" When we do any A/C work, we hook the vehicle up to the vehicle and perform an A/C Service. This service includes charging the A/C System, checking temperatures, checking condition of the serpentine belts, introducing a dye into the system and looking for leaks. Now we performed this service and found that you had a leak on your plastic line @ your A/C Condensor. Where it was late in the Summer season and you did not have the funds to repair, we agreed it would be better to revisit the repair before the coming 2022 Summer. So again, I am not sure how you feel taken advantage of , when we had open communication with you and your approval for the A/C Service via text message to perform the service. One more thing, I understand these are trying times, but going after a small, local business is frowned on especially after so many of us have not survived this pandemic. I am one of the blessed individuals that survived and I am thankful I was able to. To those reading this post, PLEASE BE KIND TO YOUR SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESSES! I would gladly work something out with Alyson, as far as putting a credit towards your needed A/C repair in the future or even the other repairs that the Jeep Renegade needs. I am a very resonable person and I care about all my customers. Have a great day!
- Paul's Integrity Auto Repair LLC.