Date written: 04-02-2014 08:00am pst
On 4-12-2014 we had the car towed to Mikes Small Engine repair. We informed him we felt that it was the fuel pump that may be bad. We informed him to call us as soon as he can to give us an estimate on repair and what needed to be done.
He asked us continuously how soon do we need it? We informed him that it can be as soon as Tuesday. He called later that night to inform us as to the problem but we were not available.
We returned the call the next day (Monday) to find out what was wrong and he informed us that it was the fuel pump and it would be 947.49 to repair. We did research to find out that on this model (BMW 330xi) the fuel pump is replaceable within 20 minutes and is located under the seat it should take an estimated 30 minutes for a knowledgeable mechanic.
We confronted Mr. Mike about the charges and he indicated that he replaced the fuel filter $98.87 w/o our consent, purchased the fuel pump for $497.00 and ran a diagnostic at $35.00 w/o our consent. We informed him that we needed the car because of my medical condition and these costs we cannot afford. I must get to my dialysis appointments and i need a vehicle. He informed us that he would remove $100.00 of labor and $35,00 off diagnostic but we informed him that his total cost Is more than it should actually cost.
We found the same fuel pump for highest at $256.89 and additional parts totaling $347,00. We were concerned that the additional costs in labor were padded. The cost for the Fuel filter at highest would be $99.00
We found from other NAPA Mechanics indicate that the computer states it is a 2.5 hrs labor charge but with more investigating for this particular sedan it Is actually a 30 minute procedure vice a 2.5 hrs procedure.
Because we had problems with the cost we asked for assistance to get the costs lowered because of my health. We asked for assistance with the VFW, the Salvation Army, and the St. Cyril's Church who called the Mechanic and he indicated that the cost went from $777.69 for us to SS47.00 when the assistance individuals called. This makes us look bad for us because they feel we were lying about the amount. So, we asked for an invoice which we received 12 hours
later, and the amount was $756.69 (which we were told was only for us to see for if it was anyone else who asks it will
be more). We were told, "I am working with you to try to make the costs easier".
When we called a Veteran's representative who is also a NAPA mechanic he was the one that informed us that the job via "the computer states it is a 2.5hrs Job but when I looked at it and the type of car you have it is actually at 30min job".
We decided to take the car to the Veteran's NAPA Mechanic who indicated he can have the car fixed in 45 min, because
it is hampering Mr. Stewart from getting to his dialysis treatments.
This complaint is being filed because this mechanic (Mikes Small Engine Repair) is charging an additional 100% for a job that should only cost an exact amount. The complaint is also because no written estimate was agreed upon as to what was needed to be repaired as well as what the customer can afford to have repaired.
We never received an estimate on the cost or repair, what was needed to be repaired, or storage price. We were told he went ahead and repaired items that was needed without our consent,
04-04-2014 09:14am
At the time of writing the complaint to the DOJ of Oregon, which was 10:00am 4-2-2014. Every thing was thought good and going to pick up the vehicle without any work done. But when the tow truck finally arrived at 5:00pm the owner Mike had locked up the shop sent texts that he was going to “rip out” any parts he put in the car without authorization or approval and he was going to do damage to the vehicle and wanted $100 for his parts.
The results was that the Veteran (me) had missed my fifth kidney dialysis treatment which put me in the hospital the next day for emergency dialysis and the dialysis center which I normally go to had called around to try to find me a chair because I couldn’t make it to a normal scheduled appointment. All of these he Mr. Laundry was aware of with no regard for the peril that he put me in.
To date 4-4-2014 we have no car have contacted the Oregon State Patrol, Sherwood Police department, Sheriff’s Department about the lawfulness of this mechanics actions. Every day that goes by I am not able to get to my kidney treatment because at this time he wants $100 for work that was not authorized or contractually agreed upon.