Complaint Review: Purrfect Auto - Las Vegas Nevada

BEWARE, Purrfect Auto on Durango and Russell will deceive and overcharge you if they think they can get away with it! And if you complain they will disrespect you.

I went to have my AC recharged before it got hot in April, 2006. I asked how much would it cost and was told that an AC inspection would have to be performed and that was $9.95. I signed and authorized the inspection and told the cashier if he knew how much it would be and he said "not until the inspection was finished".

I waited and waited and even commented to my brother that I thought it took a long time. Then the mechanic/manager came into the waiting area and asked me to come to the garage. He pointed out that the AC was working and told me to feel the cool air. Then he went around to the front of the car and showed me an invoice or worksheet with the amount totaling $299.

He proceeded to explain that it cost $89 to evacuate and recharge the system; $50 for a special dye which checks for leaks, and $160 for 2lbs of freon. I asked if there were any leaks and he said "No. That is what the special dye is for." So I asked what needs to be done and he said "Everythings done. It's ready."

I was surprised when he told me all the work was done, and I was also surprised at the cost, but I don't know much about car repair costs. The work was already done and I assumed I was liable for the work so decided to just pay,

Couple days later after talking with some people, I find out that since I had asked for an estimate Purrfect Auto was obligated to give me one, which they never did, so that I could have had the option to accept or decline the work. Ignorance may not be an excuse but this business had to have known that. I was unhappy and called the shop to let them know that I thought the way they conducted their business was deceptive,and dishonest. Two days later the AC stops working. I go back to the shop to complain.

They tell me they will warranty the work so bring the car back in. After thinking over how they treated me I decided that taking it back there would not be a good idea. They may tamper with the car out of retaliation towards a difficult customer, so I stopped payment on the check. They called to tell me they would start charging a storage fee on the vehicle.

I then took the car to another Purrfect Auto (Sunset between Pecos and Eastern) near my work. I asked what it would cost for a recharge and they told me they wouldn't know until an AC inspection was done but they were able to tell me that on average the cost to evacuate and recharge would be around $80, oil dye around $20 and freon for my type of car would take around 1.5lbs at a cost of $60 per/lb. I felt comforted that they had no problems on telling me prices upfront and decided to let them do the AC inspection. It turns out there was a bad shreder valve ($10) which caused the leak, and the car required 1lb of freon. I paid a total of $179 vs $299

I wrote the Consumer Advocate of the Attorney Generals Office and they responded in writing telling me that they have forwarded it to the Department of Business and Industry Consumer Advocates Office. I have also forwarded the same information to this branch.

Since then I received a phone call by a gentleman who is the GM for this chain of Purrfect Autos. He was very professional and courteous and pointed out that he regrets I was unhappy with the service I received but that I was still liable for the charges. He then said he would discount the bill to $200 instead of $299 and would waive the storage fees. I told him again why I thought what they did was wrong but decided to pay the $200 and made arrangements to see the new manager, Mike at the Durango/Russell

shop.

I paid the bill and was told "...don't want this kind of s**t happenig again" I responded that there was a reason for this "s**t" and was told "I don't give a d**n." I left and called Bob, the GM and informed him of what took place. I told him that the manager was most unprofessional and I didn't think I should have been treated that way regardless.

It is bad enough that most consumers, women in particular are clueless when it comes to car repairs. This has been financially an expensive lesson for me. But now I know that when I ask for an estimate the shop is obligated to give me one so that I have he option to accept or decline the work. They knew better but did the work and presented me with a bill. They figured I didn't know any better and took advantage. This shop has shown itself to conduct deceptive trade practices and I would not recommend the Purrfect Auto on Durango and Russell to anyone. The manager, Mike should be relieved and not have contact with the public.

Teresa

las vegas, Nevada
U.S.A.

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