Complaint Review: Ulmerton & Starkey Automotive - Jim Mansour

Jim Mansour went check front end while waiting went for 1 hour lunch.returned to find mehcanic installing unauthorized power steering pump.refused to return my original. Charged $281.69 in order to get my car released although I did not authorize any thing but a checkup. As I drove home I had the same problem and called to complain and was told to return it in the morning of the 3rd 07.

Returned 7-3-07 as instructed and after several hours was told to bring it needed a rack and pinon and to either leave the car or bring it back the 6th.The car was broght back the 6th Saturday and was told it would be ready Mon 8th morning befor noon. Since it is a trip of about 40 miles one way I called and was told it might be ready befor 4pm. I called, not ready yet call back in the morning the 9th Tues...called back and was told maye be by 4 pm..called befor 4 and was told it would be ready tomorrow the 10th..I made several calls and was assured it would be ready tomorrow the 11th befor 10 am. I was driven there befor 10 am...Jim Mansour the Owner or whatever his position, has been the individual Ive been speaking to and paid, I wanted to see the car and what work was done. The car wasnot on the lot said he had to send it some where else. I advised him I would be back by 3pm for my car or I would have the sheriff there.

I returned at 3PM..My car was not there..Jim was not there other than 2 other mechanics who did not know where or when Jim would be back. I called the sheriffs office, a deputy responded and demanded the car be back to me within 1 hour or he would file a stolen car report, I have the report. The deputy left and shortly after, my car was returned. I had to pay $270.71 to get my car back. As I drove home I was still having the same problem. I was in bed several days sick and when I recovered, I made severl calls to get some satisfaction, to no avail, I finally went to GoodYear automotive Shop in New Port Richey for diagnostic check up and was given a print out of the findings which were "severe rubbing noise from steering rack: needs rack and pinion"..Jim was advised and told me to go to RPM Repair in Holiday to have them check it. when I spoke to Mark the owner, he wanted to be paid for the check up befor he started. I explained that Jim from Strkey automotive called him and he should pay..long story short..he did not care to do business with Jim Mansour and or Starkey automotive so I left and thereupon filed a small claim suit 8-03-07..

At 78 yers old I can truthfully admit this was the Worst
experience in my life over an automible repair. They accumulated 184 miles on my odometer while in their posession and for that reason also is why I decided to file a complaint, who really knows where or what was done with my car while in their posession. They had no permission to use it or send it any where and they returned my car in the same condition as when I brought it to them minus well over $600 paid for supposed repairs and 5 rips that were each 80 miles going coming almost 400 miles of gasoline and hours of travel.

Sal
elfers, Florida
U.S.A.