Trust the Middas touch.....not really

[Klits562]

So my friend took her PT cruiser into middas a week or two ago for a strange grinding noise that was coming from the motor when she accelerated past about 20 mph and the car would bog when she hit the gas. She was also getting a check engine light and she just picked up the car.She took it to middas and left it over night. They call her in the morning and tell her that she was using to low of an octane fuel causing detonation and that they had to change her spark plugs drain the fuel and clean the motor all for the amazing price of 800 dollhairs.I cant possibly imagen how those 3 things would cost that much, they didnt have to rebuild the motor the pistons were fine the rings were fine compression was fine valves were fine, just the spark plugs were damaged.....So she gets her car back and it still has a check engine light and barely any fuel in it(it had 3/4 a tank when she took it in)

Middas you blow

[Otto.]

... try the Chrysler dealership next time?

[Klits562]

pfft i told her to let me take it to class but she couldnt wait as we were on spring break.

[Infinitiguy19]

I wish I was surprised.

Thats why never trust ANY shops!

[troskinatior]

My mom told me her friend brought her suburban to one of those franchise shops and they charged her a thousand dollars to change the fuel pump. Ironically my brothers fuel pump went out the same week.

[nissangirl74]

So my friend took her PT cruiser into middas a week or two ago for a strange grinding noise that was coming from the motor when she accelerated past about 20 mph and the car would bog when she hit the gas. She was also getting a check engine light and she just picked up the car.She took it to middas and left it over night. They call her in the morning and tell her that she was using to low of an octane fuel causing detonation and that they had to change her spark plugs drain the fuel and clean the motor all for the amazing price of 800 dollhairs.I cant possibly imagen how those 3 things would cost that much, they didnt have to rebuild the motor the pistons were fine the rings were fine compression was fine valves were fine, just the spark plugs were damaged.....So she gets her car back and it still has a check engine light and barely any fuel in it(it had 3/4 a tank when she took it in)

Middas you blow

Your friend needs a lawyer. Just out of curiosity, does she have the turbo model? Oddly enough, premium fuel is recommended for it. If it's the non-turbo model, regular octane fuel is all that's needed.

[nissangirl74]

So my friend took her PT cruiser into middas a week or two ago for a strange grinding noise that was coming from the motor when she accelerated past about 20 mph and the car would bog when she hit the gas. She was also getting a check engine light and she just picked up the car.She took it to middas and left it over night. They call her in the morning and tell her that she was using to low of an octane fuel causing detonation and that they had to change her spark plugs drain the fuel and clean the motor all for the amazing price of 800 dollhairs.I cant possibly imagen how those 3 things would cost that much, they didnt have to rebuild the motor the pistons were fine the rings were fine compression was fine valves were fine, just the spark plugs were damaged.....So she gets her car back and it still has a check engine light and barely any fuel in it(it had 3/4 a tank when she took it in)

Middas you blow

Your friend needs a lawyer. Just out of curiosity, does she have the turbo model? Oddly enough, premium fuel is recommended for it. If it's the non-turbo model, regular octane fuel is all that's needed. What octane was she running?

[MaximA32]

Your friend needs a lawyer. Just out of curiosity, does she have the turbo model? Oddly enough, premium fuel is recommended for it. If it's the non-turbo model, regular octane fuel is all that's needed. What octane was she running?

This.

Have her go into the shop and use the magic words. Those words are, "Bureau of Automotive Repair" They should hop to it pretty quickly. If they don't get their BAR number and call 800-952-5210 and get the complaint process started.

[krimsonviper]

I wish I was surprised.

Thats why never trust ANY shops!

<This guy agrees with ^this guy! Yeah!

[RCA]

Your friend needs a lawyer. Just out of curiosity, does she have the turbo model? Oddly enough, premium fuel is recommended for it. If it's the non-turbo model, regular octane fuel is all that's needed. What octane was she running?

It isn't worth one hour of lawyer fees. Next time take pictures of the gauges for proof.

As for the $800, it's BS. Before I purchased any tools, I send my S14 to have the HKS cat-back installed, they charged me $95 for it. It involved 3 exhaust hangers and 4 bolts, from that day on, I spent $1000 in tools and have been loving it ever since.
Modified by RCA at 3:13 AM 4/6/2010

[MinisterofDOOM]

As much as I hate it when shops try (or succeed) to take advantage of non-car-people, I have trouble feeling any sympathy when she couldn't even be bothered to use the tools her car provides for free. The check engine light is there for a reason. When it comes on, the FIRST step should always (always) be to get the car scanned for DTC codes. Check engine light means check for codes. That's why it's there. The codes will tell you what's wrong, or at least give you a general idea of what's wrong. Then, even if you're a complete automotive ignoramus who can't tell a distributor from a brake pad, you can at least have some idea of whether the shop's claims and the DTC code are on the same page.

Check engine light? Check for codes.

Repeat until it sticks. Someone should run an ad campaign for it. If your car is acting weird CHECK FOR FRIGGIN' CODES. The system is there. Use it.

It requires no driver knowledge. Go to Autozone. Tell pimply cashier your CEL is on. Become more informed. You're done!

[marlin29311]

I have a hard time believing a national chain auto repair place charged $800 to change spark plugs and drain the tank.

[Eikon]

Wow.. $800?!?!They could have bought a couple bottles of octane booster and added it to that tank for like $8.00

But, unfortunately the auto repair industry is built on taking advantage of stupid people who will pay $800 for an $8.00 repair.

What a shame.

[vocationalzero]

I have a hard time believing a national chain auto repair place charged $800 to change spark plugs and drain the tank.

There is a chain here (in tx) called Car X and they charged my work (advance auto parts) $1400 to change the pads and rotors on one of our trucks (08 colorado).

BTW, that's a bit naive on your part for not believing it. Send your wife/girlfriend into a shop and see what she comes out with for a price quote.

[marlin29311]

There is a chain here (in tx) called Car X and they charged my work (advance auto parts) $1400 to change the pads and rotors on one of our trucks (08 colorado).

BTW, that's a bit naive on your part for not believing it. Send your wife/girlfriend into a shop and see what she comes out with for a price quote.

I've sent my fiancee into several different shops many a time before...not once have I seen an issue with overcharging/misdiagnosing. The only iffy thing I ever saw was one small shop told her that her transmission pan was leaking, but it was like a $50 fix. Everything else has been on par, and I in fact recommend to anyone to go to at least 2-3 shops to look at the same repair.

I also agree with MOD in that if your light goes on, you should have that checked first.

Overall, from a nationally recoginized repair place with locations in pretty much every state is most likely not going to do something that egregious. I do understand that Midas' are franchised, but even if it's the case, something like that should be reported to the parent company, and I'm sure it would be dealt with swiftly. A large corporation like Midas cannot deal with having complaints of overcharging to national, as it would destroy their business.

[Alfador]

Anyone going into a chain, be it a Midas, Super Lube, whatever, and not expecting to have to fight tooth and nail to get treated fairly deserves to get fleeced, honestly. Maybe it's harsh but people won't learn if they don't get burned by it.

So, the guy who owned my car before me did a s***ty job (or rather the people doing the work) on the catback. The welds were all rusted, probably because they weren't using argon to when they welded it. In any case, the pipe broke at the entry to the muffler and literally just dropped and started dragging. I took it into a Midas because it was the physically closest place, just to get a patch job. They actually tried to extort a $700 exhaust system out of me, telling me I couldn't drive it away like it was.

Midas makes a business out of trying to rip people off, and fortunately for them 95% of drivers have combinations in some form of stupidity, ignorance, and laziness to make it all possible.

[Infinitiguy19]

There is a chain here (in tx) called Car X and they charged my work (advance auto parts) $1400 to change the pads and rotors on one of our trucks (08 colorado).

BTW, that's a bit naive on your part for not believing it. Send your wife/girlfriend into a shop and see what she comes out with for a price quote.

Car X is properly named because with the prices they charge they will make sure you are the X owner of your car.

It would be nice if we could make a list of places not to visit for people who don't want to be wallet raped. Seriously that would make a big dent in all those places that higher High school drop outs and use the cheapest parts.

But I do feel sorry for the people that over pay because they don't know any better.

[plateu]

Did your friend sign a blank work order? They can't just magically spring an $800 repair on her unknowingly without her consent. They legally can not do any repairs or teardowns without her consent.

Here is some information:

----DOING THE PAPERWORK

By Law, the auto repair shop must provide a written estimate before doing any work. Ask if there is a charge for the estimate. After you have received the estimate, feel free to go to another shop for a second opinion.

A written estimate must include the total estimated price for parts and labor for a specified repair or service. The estimate must also itemize the parts to be used and the method of repair. The repair shop must stick to the method of repair and the parts listed unless you agree in advance to any changes.

In addition to the total amount, the estimate may itemize the parts to be used and the method of repair. If so, the repair shop must stick to it. They may not legally substitute parts or change the repair method without your consent.

The technician will ask you to sign the estimate/work order, which gives the shop permissionto proceed with the work. If you want any of the parts returned to you, be sure to say so when the technician gives you the estimate.

Before you sign, be sur eyou understand the work the technician will do. Your signature means you agree to pay for the repairs up to the amount specified. Do not sign a blank work order.

Newer cars often need a diagnosis before repairs can be done. A diagnosis uses procedures established by the auto manufacturer to determine the cause of the malfunction. The estimate may cover the cost of the diagnosis alone, or the cost of diagnosis and repair.

If some of the work will be done at a different shop, it must be noted on the written estimate or work order. For example, auto body shops sometimes have auto glass shops replace damaged windshields. If so, the shop must get your permission, unless you cannot reasonably be notified.

------------

Diagnosis, Then Repair

After the technician finishes the diagnosis, the shop will call you to describe the repair work that is needed and to give you the estimated cost of the labor and parts. The shop representative will ask for your permission to do the work as described.

You do not have to give your authorization over the phone, but if you do, the shop must make the following notations:On the invoice

The name and telephone number of the person who gave the approval, and the date and time it was given. After the repairs are completed, you may be asked to sign or initial the following statement on the final invoice:

"I acknowledge and oral approval of an increase in the original estimated price."

Instead of verbal authorization, the shop may use fax or e-mail approval. If so, a copy of your e-mail reply or fax authorizing the repairs and/or cost must be attached to the final invoice.

----------

When the repairs cost more than the estimate

If the technician later determines that it will take additional work and will cost more to fix your car than the original estimate, someone from the shop must contact you, describe the additional work and cost, and get your permission to proceed.

You may designate someone to authorize additional parts or labor for you. The approval must be noted on the estimate and invoice.

------------

The Teardown Estimate

For some complex problems, such as a transmission failure or an auto body repair, the shop may have to take your vehicle apart to give you an accurate estimate. This is called a “teardown.” Be aware that there may be a charge for a teardown, even if you don’t have the vehicle repaired.

A teardown estimate must include the following:

* Notice that the vehicle may not be able to be re-assembled. * The cost, which includes reassembling the vehicle, and replacing gaskets, seals, and other parts destroyed in the teardown * How long it will take the shop to reassemble the vehicle

After the teardown, the technician must write a revised estimate for the repair that shows:

* The estimated cost of the parts and labor for the needed repairs * The parts needed for the recommended repairs

The shop will then contact you for permission to do the repairs. If you decide not to proceed with the work, the technician must reassemble the vehicle within the cost and within the time stated on the teardown estimate.

-------

If You Have a Problem

If you are dissatisfied with the repair work, ask to speak to the service manager. It is often easiest and quickest to resolve the matter directly with the repair shop.

Keep these tips in mind:

* Know your rights, as defined by the Automotive Repair Act * Remain courteous and calm. * Explain the problem accurately, and explain what you think would be a fair settlement * If you are willing to negotiate, say so * If the problem cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, tell the manager you intend to file a complaint with the Bureau of Automotive Repair

Source : http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/8....html

Honestly, if Midas did everything by the book that huge bill should not have come as a surprise. If they just overnight did the work and never informed her of the cost, time, or parts to be replaced then she can not be legally bound to anything she did not approve ahead of time.

Read through that link and have her understand her rights. However, if she signed a blank work order or gave them permission ahead of time by signing an $800 estimate work order then she's screwed.

Good luck on getting this sorted out and let us know how it turns out.

EDIT: Also, unless your friend is driving a turbo PT Cruiser GT their low octane fuel use theory won't apply.
Modified by plateu at 1:54 AM 4/7/2010

[Klits562]

Did your friend sign a blank work order? They can't just magically spring an $800 repair on her unknowingly without her consent. They legally can not do any repairs or teardowns without her consent.

unfortunately she did sign the work order after i told her to get an estimate then get back to me before she signs anything or even tell them its ok to work on the car, but she did the opposite because she thought she wouldnt get her car back unless she told them to fix it.

We took it there to get the codes checked, she has the n/a model and she had just got the car and this was the first time she filled it up and im guessing she used 87 octane as thats the cheapest you can get in cali.She got her car back yesterday and it still had a check engine light....i wasnt suprised. I had class today so i told her to bring it in but she took it back to midas cause they said they'd fix it for free seeing as they already got 650 off her(they gave her a discount when she took her daddy to yell at them lol)

[dusred]

Dave Ramsey would call the money spent on this situation "stupid tax". Your friend should not have left his/her car at a shop with a blank check. Always get a quote or else have them call you if the repairs will be over $100.

Take some personal responsibility. I've had this happen to me at least 4 times (yes I'm a little slow) before I found a mechanic that I could trust. If you sue you will surely lose. Those shops have more money than you do.

[Klits562]

she left the car over night because we came in right when they closed but they let us in n she left the car n they said they would call her tomorrow.They called her tomorrow and gave her the estimate and she gave them the ok because she thought that was the way it was spose to be.

I told her to get the quote then contact me with what they had said and i would tell her if it was reasonable or not, but she completely skipped me on this one and went straight to giving them the ok.

[nissangirl74]

unfortunately she did sign the work order after i told her to get an estimate then get back to me before she signs anything or even tell them its ok to work on the car, but she did the opposite because she thought she wouldnt get her car back unless she told them to fix it.

We took it there to get the codes checked, she has the n/a model and she had just got the car and this was the first time she filled it up and im guessing she used 87 octane as thats the cheapest you can get in cali.She got her car back yesterday and it still had a check engine light....i wasnt suprised. I had class today so i told her to bring it in but she took it back to midas cause they said they'd fix it for free seeing as they already got 650 off her(they gave her a discount when she took her daddy to yell at them lol)

She still got ripped. She needs to view this as a learning experience. She also needs to pull her head out of her butt and listen to you when you give her sound advice. When you don't know what the hell you are doing, it's OK to let someone else do the thinking for you!

[Klits562]

Ya i hate when people dont listen when you try to help.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

When you don't know what the hell you are doing, it's OK to let someone else do the thinking for you!

heh, I bet she cheats on tests in school, but didn't follow that rule where it really counts.

Still sucks though, you shouldn't have to be on the lookout to get screwed.

[Klits562]

foreals i read about your prelude now thats a shame.sometimes its just best to do the work yourself n i told her i could of done it but she couldnt wait a week.

haha everyone always coppied off me in highschool.

[nissangirl74]

what codes were you getting?

[Klits562]

It's not my car and I haven't done any work on the car because her dad insists on taking it to a shop but let's look at were that has gotten them

[crakin]

I haven't had much luck at an old place I took my first 240 to to see why it wouldn't start. Turns out I had to figure it out for him and still pay...