Widows & Widowers Support Group

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Car Repair Scam

praised
praised
I took my 1998 Nissan Altima to the car dealer because my mechanic could not fix my car. The engine light and whatever else that is connected was too complex for him. I took to them on Friday, they supposedly repair it and charged me $1239.91. Four days later the light came back on. I called them and took the car in again. Before he checked the car, he told me if it is unrelated to the engine light, it would cost more. Well, of course when they checked it, it was unrelated and he said it would cost me 700.00 more. After he checked with the manager, he said he would deduct the labor and charge 540.00. This time it was leaking hoses and some other issues. I wondered why they didn't see this when the car was on the rack all day. So I told them I am picking up my car. That night I drafted a letter to the President of the dealership and sent it certified mail. That is my first step. I will see how he responds. I explained to him that I am 74 years and my husband recently passed away. I don't have money to give to them. I wanted to get this done because I have to go to emission testing on the 30th. I know eventually I will be purchasing another car, but they were so casual how they handle this situation and I will not let them get away with this. I cried and cried, not because of the car, but because my husband was not here to help me. They wouldn't have dared to pull a scam like this with him. We have a Elder Justice Law Center and I have the info. Any tips or ideas on where I can go, or what I can do?
Community Leadercliffskat
cliffskat
I had similar problems with repairs to my Maximas (a 2000 and then a 2002) after Cliff died, only it wasn't through the dealer. I was told parts had been replaced, only to have the car fail again. Brought it back to the same mechanics, and they "repaired" it again, only to have it fail as I was pulling out of the lot! Took a week to sort out. Another time, they told me I needed a new battery and other expensive computer parts - Nissan's have a reputation for electrical problems. This time before I had any work done, I took it to Pep Boys to have them run the diagnostics and check the battery. Their report came back as nothing wrong with the battery, one connector was loose, and Pep Boys tightened it and sent me on my way. Cost me nothing as I recall or nearly nothing.

I don't know if your problems would be the same as mine, although Maximas and Altimas are nearly identical under the hood, but my advice would be to get a "second opinion" by taking to Pep Boys and having them run the diagnostics. You can then take their printouts to use as evidence that you are being ripped off, whether you take it back to the dealer or elsewhere. I checked and there are several Pep Boys stores in your area.

I was so upset when it happened to me, so I can really understand how you feel. People take advantage of us at every turn it seems! I lost time from work as well as money, and I just felt so angry and helpless. The folks at my local Pep Boys were great. Don't know about your area, but it's worth a shot. Hope you can get this resolved quickly.

Love and Hugs,
Martha
Community LeaderShrn
Shrn
You could also talk to the owner of the place you are having the car serviced. Having it serviced at the dealer is what I did with my car before trading it in. My car had a problem with brakes and they handled it until the warranty expired. When it happened again they said i would need to cover the cost of new brakes. I contacted the owner of the dealership and he had them replace them free since it was an ongoing problem. Soon after I traded if in for a new vehicle. Sharon
michaelbmanning
michaelbmanning
Lucky you to live where there is emissions testing. Check engine issues can be tricky and many so not relate to the running of the car. The price you paid may be reasonable for the repairs you had done. You have an older vehicle that would be assumed to have more emission related problems. I have had check engine issues of the non serious nature and went to the Auto Zone and had a scan done. I knew exactly what was wrong and what it would take to fix it. I do not think a dealership would give you a hard time because you are a woman alone. You said they would not pull a scam with your husband there. That is not true. There are many men that no nothing about repairs.

Maggie