Auto Salon

Review: On Saturday, June 21, 2014, my car ([redacted]) was dropped off at Auto Salon in New Haven, CT. The contract we had agreed upon was to have my clutch replaced. On the day it was delivered, I received a text message saying that my flywheel needed to be resurfaced and that my car would have to wait until Monday. On Monday, June 23, 2014 I received a call from Auto Salon to come down and look at my car because they could not get my transmission box open. My first question was, "how can you say my flywheel needs to be resurfaced if you cannot get my transmission box open?" I requested that my car be put back together so I could have it towed out of there and get a refund. The manager [redacted] just left and avoided having a full conversation, he just said no and left. A job that should've taken one day, was now going onto its third. I called the police to get my money back, he stated he could not force them to give my money back or put my car together, since the business had just closed. We had agreed that my car would be put back together the next day so I could have it towed out. I was refunded part of my money but not all of my money on that Monday. On Tuesday, June 24, 2014 my car was "put back together" so it could be towed out. When the tow truck brought my car to its new location at [redacted], it was brought to my attention that my car was put back together halfway and there were important parts just placed into the interior of my car. I question the certification of the mechanics at Auto Salon, and I think it is not a credible business. The employees talk Spanish in front of you so you cant understand, when they speak fluent English. My car was barely touched on the days it was there. They had one "mechanic" working on two cars, also prolonging the job.Desired Settlement: I would like the rest of the money I paid back. I paid to have my clutch replaced and the job could not be completed by them. I believe I was wronged because I was given a timeframe that was not met.

Review: On March 23, 2013 I brought my daughters 2002 Chevy Impala to be repaired at Auto Salon. They assured me that all problems would be fixed and charged me 487.18. Upon picking up the car and driving we discovered that the vehicle was not repaired correctly and used parts were put on. My husband returned back two days later and confronted the owner and he was told that we did not ask for certain repairs to be done when they were indeed necessary for the vehicle to be safe. We feel that we were taken advantage of and lied to and charged a large amount pf money for absolutely nothing. Three days later the car was then taken to another garage and we found out there were multiple things wrong with the vehicle after Auto Salon fixed it. We then had to pay an additional 577.00. Now the car runs great. Not only is Auto Salon untrustworthy, they also DID NOT repair the car so it was safe for my daughter and granddaughter to be in. I am requesting that this please be looked into and some of my monies be returned. Thank you, [redacted]

Product_Or_Service: March 23, 2013

Order_Number: invoice # [redacted]

Account_Number: [redacted]

Desired Settlement: I would like this to be looked into and I would like some if not all my money returned. Very nasty people and surly liars.I would like my 487.18 refunded to me asap. Thank you.

Business

Response:

Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2013/04/02) */

On 3/22/13,[redacted], came into our business with her 2002 Chevy Impala for repair. [redacted] told us that she had hit a curb during the time of the snow storm. She said that there is something wrong with her tire and rim. She said that she just came from [redacted] (Used parts yard)and requested a refund on her money because they could not get the used parts until next Wednesday 27th. [redacted] said that she needed her car today! The car was checked and it was found that it needed on the passenger right the lower control arm, tie rod end (outer), wheel bearing, tire, and rim to be replaced. Customer authorized all repairs with the exception of the wheel bearing. We felt she was going by what someone else had told her to replace, possibly [redacted] but not sure if they did.

After checking with our parts distributors we were informed that in order to get new parts we had to wait until Monday. All they had [redacted] new parts were the Tie rod end. We were able to find used parts [redacted] Auto Parts, Berlin, CT (Lower Control Arm, Tire, and Rim). We informed [redacted] what was said to us about the used parts. [redacted] told us that she did not care because she wanted her car today!!. With [redacted]'s authorization we then ordered the new part from [redacted] in Hamden, and I sent a driver all the way to BERLIN, CT to pick up the used parts that they had in stock (We did this because she wanted her car today!). The car was repaired and [redacted] was called to pick up her car. [redacted] then informed us that she will not be picking up car until the next day, SATURDAY. When [redacted] picked up her car she was informed again that she had to replace the wheel bearing to make her car run 100%. She informed us that she will come back in 2 days to do the repair. Two days later her dad showed up complaining that the daughters car was not running right. We then told her dad, did your daughter tell you that she needs to replace the wheel bearing to make her car run 100%? His response was "huh, what?" We then asked the mechanic to explain to her dad what we found broken when we checked the car. He also explained what we had replaced on the car.

We have copies of what was purchased new and used. If you need a copy we can provide one.

Thank you,

Auto Salon

Review: In July, 2013, I took my 1966 Cadillac DeVille convertible to Auto Salon garage to remove and reinstall its engine. I requested that my classic car be put in one of the garage bays to protect it from the harsh elements and to protect the integrity of the work I had performed on the vehicle prior to dropping the vehicle off. The vehicle has since sustained extensive damage as a result of their negligence because of failure to properly secure the vehicle in addition to poor workmanship on behalf of the technician/mechanic. The vehicle was left outside without having the convertible top closed or properly covered, which resulted in extensive water and rust damage to the interior. The convertible top well liner is sagging due to the weight of the rain water. The vehicle has moisture damage in addition to the exhaust being broken during repair and is hanging underneath the vehicle, and the starter and flywheel needing to be replaced due to the technicians negligence and errors, all of which had to be replaced at my cost. In speaking with the mechanic regarding repairs and progress of the vehicle, he admitted to his negligence.Desired Settlement: I am asking that my vehicle be restored to its original status as it was when I delivered it to Auto Salon garage. Additionally, I am asking to be refunded for the parts I paid for in order to replace as a result of your technicians negligence in addition to labor costs I paid for the shoddy work.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern:

On August 5, 2013, [redacted] dropped off his 1966 Cadillac Deville and asked if we can remove the existing engine and install back into the car once the engine gets a complete overhaul from an [redacted] who will be performing the work that would take a week to be completed. We agreed on a set price of $500 plus tax. This price was provided to [redacted] because the mechanic technician, [redacted], that he speaks highly of in his complaint is his UNCLE. At first, I was against charging the $500. but after speaking with [redacted] and he asked if I can charge him this amount, I went along with it. I did tell [redacted] that he could be making a big mistake working on a families car as it can end up in bad situation. Well here we are! as I predicted.

After a week past we called [redacted] asking for the engine. We continued calling because the Cadillac was taking up a bay inside our garage. We have a two bay garage that we work out of. This meant we were unable to take in any other cars on this side of the bay because of the one bay being utilized for the engine swap that was supposed to be in a week.

On 8/16/13, at 4:40pm we spoke with [redacted] asking again about the engine. [redacted] told us it will be another week. We continued to leave the Cadillac in the same bay as it was unable to be moved because it did not have an engine.

On 9/5/13, once again we called [redacted] asking for the engine. He then told us to call [redacted]'s at 203-865-2031 to ask him when the engine was going to be completed. We then spoke to [redacted]s asking about the completion of the engine. [redacted]s informed us that the engine overhaul was not started yet as he was behind in some of the jobs, but that it should be completed by next week.

On 9/30/13, three weeks after speaking with [redacted]s that the engine would be done in a week the engine was delivered. [redacted]s Uncle, began installing the engine back into the car. [redacted] called [redacted] on 10/8/13, that the starter and the flywheel was bad and that he was unable to complete the engine install with out the starter and flywheel, as he wont be able to start the engine with out these parts. [redacted] then told [redacted] that he would buy the starter and flywheel himself because he orders them through the internet. After calling [redacted] and speaking with him on 11/22/13, we told [redacted] that we were unable to wait for the parts (Starter/Flywheel) as this engine swap that we had anticipated to be a week has taken up a bay for all these months and we can no longer wait and that we will purchase parts and ask for him to pay us for these parts. [redacted] refused and told us that he will drop the parts on Monday 25, 2013. [redacted] dropped off parts on 11/25/13. The car was then worked on, parts were installed and the engine started. Our work was completed, we were asked to remove an engine and once the engine arrived to install back into the car. Once the engine started there was an exhaust leak that [redacted] wanted [redacted] to fix for him. I then said that we will repair the exhaust but that he will have to pay for the repair. [redacted] refused to pay for the labor for the exhaust and also refused to pay for the labor for installing the starter and flywheel.

On Friday, 12/6/13, the car was released to [redacted] then removed the car from our lot and possession and parked the car across the street from our shop at curb side (see pic) he told us that he would be removing from there as he would need a ride to move to his destination.

We did what was asked of us to do and much more. We never got paid for the starter and flywheel install. I feel that [redacted] wanted more of his uncle and his uncle some how realized that he was being asked to work on a car and not get paid for the extra repairs that had nothing to do with removing and installing and engine. The car at all times when it was in our possession was kept in a safe and dry environment with the top closed. It wasn't until 12/6/13, that [redacted] picked up his car and parked it across the street in a space. On 12/10/13, there was a snow storm and it was he who left his car in the inclement weather and as of today, 12/19/13, he continues to leave out in this weather. See pics of where the car is parked.

Sincerely,

Auto Salon

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Review: I [redacted] do understand that the contracts states refunds are unrefundable. I am not declining on original arrangements; I am concerned about the time length in which it’s taking to process vehicle and not returning or taking my calls. I was told at the time I added the vehicle to my insurance that I had been approved already; I’m paying insurance on a vehicle that I am not driving. On May 21, 2015 I was informed that the vehicle had been registered and now I have to wait on financing. How can a car be registered before confirmation of financing? If Auto Salon cannot put me in the vehicle (’[redacted]) than am I not initialed to the rights to my refund. If I am incorrect as far as refunding is concern, please correct me, this is too confusing and frustrating at this time.

I took the time since we spoke and visited the Ct [redacted] to gather more information on the vehicle actually being registered in my name or my daughters. I was informed that the car was not registered under my name, or the VIN #given for Insurance April 16, 2015 able to be found as of May 27, 2015. I have cancelled the insurance and was informed that I could always re-instate. Now they are asking for personal information on my daughter, such as social security number.

My daughter was assisting with the registration since I hold a [redacted] Drivers License. My need for transportation is greatly needed not just for myself, also to assist with the care of my elderly mother which I am care giver and in CT to handle her affairs before returning to [redacted]. I would transfer when I return to [redacted], when I return with my mother. Why would information on my daughter to check her credit for registration? That’s when I started getting suspicious, when I was under the understanding from [redacted] (Auto Salon) that I had already gone through processing and approved by their Financial Institution when given the VIN# for Insurance. I have not received any documents concerning a loan of any kind, since I was financing. Does this not mean that technically since they were not able to put me in a vehicle of my choice therefore entitled to my refund and the insurance paid?

Over the course of April 18, 2015 and May 1, 2015 I gave a deposit totaling $3,680, as of today I have not received a car and my calls are being ignored, nor returned. Please help me with this issue.Desired Settlement: Refund of $3,680 deposit given for [redacted] and Insurance money paid $250