Description

I dropped my car off at this shop on November 22, 2025. My partner and I clearly explained that we were on a tight budget. We discussed pricing in detail and agreed on a total price of $5,150, which was represented to us at the time as covering the entire repair. We paid a $500 deposit immediately, and shortly after were asked to pay $2,200 for parts, which we did. Over the following weeks, we repeatedly contacted the shop to ask about progress and to confirm whether there would be any additional costs so we could prepare. Despite reading our messages, the shop consistently did not respond to direct questions about remaining balance or extra charges. Pickup dates were repeatedly postponed, and we were told we would be called when the car was ready, which never happened. On December 20, after nearly three weeks, we were suddenly told the car was ready and had been ready for “days” but the previous day we called and were told it was not ready for pick up. When we arrived, we were informed—for the first time—that the previously agreed $5,150 was now only for body work, and that an additional $1,557 was required for suspension parts. This directly contradicted the only authorization document we signed, which clearly stated $5,150 as the TOTAL. After reviewing our paperwork, we attempted to resolve this calmly via text. Instead of addressing our concerns, the shop stated that parts could be removed if we did not pay the additional amount. We returned to the shop and stated that we were prepared to pay only the authorized amount ($5,150 + $580 for a windshield repair we separately approved) and requested our vehicle. Communication remained evasive, with staff relying on vague references to “estimates,” “supplements,” and alleged “oral agreements,” none of which were documented or authorized. The following morning, concerned about the safety of our vehicle, we returned early and found it had been moved into the garage. At this point, the interaction became openly disrespectful and discriminatory. The owner repeatedly attempted to exclude my partner from the conversation, despite him being one of the decision-makers. He repeatedly insisted that “SHE needs to be outside,” using female pronouns to refer to my male partner, even after it was clear that he is a man. This was said multiple times and felt deliberate. As a same-sex couple, this behavior was deeply humiliating and made us feel targeted and uncomfortable. The situation escalated further when staff suggested that we were being “racist” simply for insisting on written authorization and lawful pricing. Shortly after, the shop owner went inside and locked the doors, refusing to engage further. We were forced to request police assistance and waited outside in the cold. After reviewing our documentation and hearing both sides, the officer remained present while the matter was resolved. We ultimately retrieved our vehicle after paying only the originally authorized amounts. In total, this process took nearly one month. Even though we eventually got our car back, the experience was intimidating, inefficient, discriminatory, and completely avoidable. I strongly recommend that anyone considering this shop get all pricing clearly itemized in writing, keep all messages, and do not rely on verbal explanations.