I've decided that I have to start trying new garages in order to find one that fits my personality and my wishes. The first I tried, Gary's Automotive, is about 3 blocks away from my work, so I called them up and brought my car in for an oil change and an inspection as I knew I had at least some brake work to be done.
Gary's did the oil change and inspection over the course of the afternoon. They are very thorough, which I liked a lot. They also emailed me the detailed estimate, which was nice. The estimate came to $2600, which isn't really their fault (most of the work needs to be done), but was a bit higher than my liking. They are very careful, professional, and I bet they do quality work... but I wouldn't know.
Two days later I decided that out of that estimate I needed one item done immediately. I called Gary's in the morning and was told "no problem, bring it in at lunch". When I brought it in at lunch and told the guy I only wanted this one item done all of a sudden the story changed: they were now too busy to service my car today and I should come in tomorrow.
I do not take kindly to people who I'm paying for a service trying to put me into a dependent situation like this. I'm not going to wait for your shop until you have time to spare for me. If you're busy, that's fine, it's a sign of a good shop. But if you tell me you're free to work on my car this afternoon when I talk to you on the phone, you better set an appointment for me so you don't waste my time while I'm trying to pay you money to do your job. What's wrong? You don't like being paid to work on cars? Because I was going to pay you money to work on cars.
Thankfully the garage next door is happy to do so. See ya.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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