Complaint Review: Independence Automotive of Pineville

Brought in for Timing Belt Service. Nothing wrong with the car. It was just time for the service. Engine was making no abnormal noises or exhibiting signs of any problems.

After picking up the car and driving it up the street, I noticed a rattling sound that was not there before. Brought it back immediately. The mechanic who worked on it denied hearing anything, but another mechanic there admitted to hearing the noise. The other mechanic said that it sounded to him like the tensioner was bad. They assured me it was safe to drive, and to bring it in Monday to have that part replaced. Paul Mueller, the owner, emailed me to assure me that the sounds would be fixed, and if it wasn't on Monday, my full purchase would be returned to me.

Picked it up Monday, the noise was still there. Mechanic that worked on it claimed it wasn't. Told me there was nothing else they were willing to do. He laughed at my assertions that he might have made a mistake, and mocked my suggestion that the dealer take a look.

Took it to VW South dealership. Paul said he was ok with me doing that. Dealer confirmed noise, and confirmed that it was coming from the timing belt that I had just had installed. They also confirmed that this was not a normal noise that a timing belt should be making. I contacted Paul, and attempted to obtain the refund promised me, so that I could obtain a proper repair at the dealership and get my car back on the road. He had two chances to do it right at this point.

At this time, Paul Mueller stopped answering his cell phone, refused to come to the phone at his shop, and stopped answering any emails. He has not called me back to offer any way for me to recoup any of the purchase price. I would like what I was promised in email by Paul Mueller. A full refund.