Complaint Review: Columbia Pike Texaco

On January 5, 2010, I took my car Columbia Pike Texaco for State Inspection and Emission. They told me that my breaks are completely done and that I need to replace them completely for a price of $350, or they will place a FAILED sticker on my window. I agreed, but because this was an unexpected expense for me, in the work order agreement, at the method of payment question, I checked the Credit Card box. While waiting I got some phone calls from other local auto-repair shops and realized that Columbia Pike Texaco was overcharging me. As a consequence, I decided to never take my car to Columbia Pike Texaco. After 40 minutes, when I went back to get my car, I asked for a breakdown of all costs, I found that they have not replaced all the breaks but only FRONT BRAKE PADS, FRONT BREAK ROTORS, and said that they did not need to replace everything because it looked fine (such as rear pads, shoes, or drums). Nevertheless, they still requested me to pay the amount they quoted for all the replacements ($350). I agreed, but I told them that I will never bring my car here anymore. Then the manager started shouting at me and asked me to produce cash to pay, and not pay with credit card as we had agreed in written when I filled out the work order. He lifted my car up again in his service and threatened that he will not give me ma car back until I produced the cash. I did not have that amount of cash with me, my bank has a limit on my daily withdrawal, it was already 5PM, his ATM machine was broken. I reminded him that we have an agreement in writing that I will make the payment with my credit card, but he said that he has the right to change his mind. I asked for a copy of that agreement, but he refused to give it to me. I was trapped there so the only solution for me was to call the police to resolve the issue. The police came but told me that this is a civil case and that I need to file a lawsuit, but that they will try to get my car back. The manager of the shop agreed that I pay in cash up to my bank limit, and the rest in credit card, but his ATM was broken and the nearest 7-eleven that had a Citibank bank ATM was at least .7 miles away. I had to walk in subzero temperatures to the 7-eleven and get $200. I borrowed from my sister another $200 because at this point, I was did not want to pay with my credit card because I was afraid they will take my credit card numbers and sell them or use them for other purposes. My next step is to file a lawsuit in the Small Claims Court.