Complaint Review: Express Tire Temecula

2013-06-25   04:34:24

Express Tire in Temecula is a RIP-OFF Automotive Repair Station.  In December of 2011 I went in to get a price on four new tires.  I got the price from the front end guy and I approved the purchase of the new tires including balancing and front end alignment for about $600.  About an hour later I was approached by a different employee with a verbal estimation of various items that needed fixing or replacing.  I discussed the work needed and he replied with an estimate of less than $1800 including the tire work I previously authorized.  At this point I had no reason to believe they were less than honest.  I spoke with my mate about our finances and told her it would be less than $1800 as I was told.  I knew I did not have enough of a credit line with Goodyear to make this large of a purchase so I called and spoke to my credit card company to get a credit line increase.  The Express Tire rep was next to me listening to the conversation with the credit card company the whole time.  I was authorized by Goodyear for an immediate credit card increase of $2500. After I hung up the phone he asked me if the credit line was approved and I mistakenly told him "it's no sweat, they gage me a $2500 limit".  He grinned and asked me to give him a verbal OK for the less than $1800 estimate in which I gave him.

After almost 4 hours at Express Tire my car was finally ready.  I went to settle up with Express Tire and they presented me a bill in which I almost fell on the floor.  The final bill was almost my entire credit limit of $2500 and at that moment I knew I was being ripped off. 

I paid the bill and left very angry.  I called a few hours and spoke to the manager Jerry Russell and told him how I felt I was being a victim of automotive fraud.  He stated at the time he would look into it.  As I waited for a call back from him I went to other Automotive Repair Station in his immediate area.  I blacked out Express Tire in Temecula name from the invoice I received along with parts and labor I paid Express Tire in Temecula for.  I showed the invoice to 3 dealers and received estimates from $1390 to $1601.  Now I had proof my feelings of being RIPPED-OPP were confirmed.

Instead of waiting for the manager Jerry Russell to call me back, I called him.  I told him what I found and he asked to call me back again after he called the corporate office.  I waited a few days and he called back to offer me $500 back to my credit card in which I told him I believe I was overcharged about $1000.  He asked to call me back after he called the corporate office again.  Several more days rolled around and after no call back I called him.  He stated the corporate office would only authorize $500.  They wanted the other estimates from the three other companies and told I would not surrender them to Express Tire and suggested they also do this blind estimate with the other area Automotive Repair Stations.  He stated he would and I declined to accept the $500.  I threatened civil litigation and will file just before the statutes expire. 

I HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF SEEKING JUSTICE!