Complaint Review: Ron's Automotive

I took my 1996 Plymouth Voyager to Ron's Automotive. I had a engine stalling problem. Also I wanted a transmission leak addressed. Only two items.

Chris Reid wrote the order. When asked if the check engine light was on, I said yes.He told me a diagnostic test for the engine stall would have to be done. Also a dye test for the transmission leak I signed for both tests.

When I came back to see the results of the tests, Chris had a recommendation list: 

Timing Belt , Cam and crank seals, water pump, coolant flush Transmission diagnosis kc rc 100399. when I asked how that was going to help my stalling problem, he really couldn't give an answer. When the cost he rplied $1,200, plus $235.00 for the diagnostics plus $675.67 for ??? I responded with you want me to spend over $2,000 a $1500 car. I said no to all, and asked that two problems that I brought the car to them be fixed.

When I picked my car up they had a bill for 888.92. The two diagnostic tests and the transmission gasket, plus R&R of the valve cover gaskets - $334.80. I spoke with the operations manager and asked why the R&R of valve cover gaskets? He said I asked for it. I told why would I have you redo a job I had done 4 mos. earlier and only had 1,010 miles. Also I was satisfied with the job. He said codes. All I heard from the manager an d Chris was codes etc. I said I didn't want to rebuild a car that I drive less than 5,000 miles a year. I just wanted some value for $888.92