Complaint Review: Mid City Auto Parts-Salvage

In October I received a quote from Mid City Auto Salvage for an engine with 41000 miles on it as a replacement for the 162000 mile engine in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee. After sending full payment of $895.00 and three weeks later I received an engine.

My mechanic noted several difference between my engine and the one Mid City sent. I called Mid City and was told that it would fit and don't worry about it. I did worry about it and my mechanic and I began doing some checking.

A close inspection of the engine led us to believe we had received high mileage engine the was in much worse condition than the one I hoped to replace. I again went back to Mid City and my call was directed to Shawn Brayden. Shawn insisted that I had received a good engine and it was correct for my Jeep.

I e-mailed him the serial numbers on the engine, engine block and Cyl head. Shawn then demanded that I send digital photos of the serial numbers which I did. I was next told it was my responsibility to prove that the engine was the wrong one.

So I went on line and was able to show that 1991 to 1995 Jeeps used blocks with casting numbers 53008405, the number on the block from Mid City. When confronted with this information Shawn admitted that they had sent the wrong engine and would send the right one. I replied that I no longer needed an engine as I had mine repaired.

Now this is the good part, Shawn then said that there would be a 25% restocking charge and it was my responsibility to return their engine. I have given Mid City until the close of business Friday, December 4, 2005 to return the full purchase price including freight. I also told them it was their responsibility arrange return freight.

Shawn is now back to insisting that he sent the right engine. He also called mechanic and using a lot od foul langauge told him this was all his fault. We will se what happens on the 4th.

Bill
Powell, Wyoming
U.S.A.