Complaint Review: Reiner's EastSide Automotive - Spokane Washington

On January 10, 2011 I had my 2001 Chrysler 300M delivered to Reiner's Eastside Automotive. Prior to this I called several
mechanics in town and was informed that it sounded like I needed an engine rebuild with an over the phone quote of between $3000-4500. After calling Reiner's and discussing the problem I was having with my car, Lane Reiner indicated
to me that based on what I told him it sounded like the crankshaft could be replaced and a transmission service performed with an over the phone quote of $1800. This would work for me as I informed him I could not afford $3000-4000 for a new or rebuilt engine. Had I been forced to make the decision to rebuild and come up with the considerable extra cash, I would have parked it and waited until a later time.

Based on the fact that I purchased another vehicle while this one was in the shop and my Chrysler had less that $3000 left on the contract, it made no sense to spend that much right now.  I told lane that the $1800 was doable but
that I could not afford getting the engine rebuilt. Reiner's required $400 before work could begin after 3 individual deposits totaling $1800 to their business they started repairs on or around May 5, 2011.

I never received any information regarding additional expense or request for authorization to proceed with work
other than that which my vehicle was originally in for. I did receive a call back from Lane on 2 occasions July 9th indicating that they were replacing the camshaft. As far as I knew that was part of the repair work that was being performed on my car since no indication was made to me that this was in addition to. The last callback I received from Lane was September 20th 2011 indicating that he was getting ready to drop the motor back in and the check the transmission for service which he had previously offered to do at completion of crankshaft replacement. According to Mechanics Pride where I had
the 500 mile Break-in Oil Change, no transmission service had been performed; in fact they recommended one within a month from the Oil change.

Lane called described the work on the camshaft and contaminated oil deposit saying it was worse than previously
thought, however HE NEVER INDICATED A TOTAL ENGINE REBUILD OR THE ADDITIONAL $2497.94 I would be looking at after completion. The receptionist called to let me know the car was ready and we needed to go over the bill? I was confused as I had already given them $1800 and was never informed of additional costs or asked for authorization to perform work that would have resulted in further expense. After speaking with the receptionist she indicated the balance was $2497.94 I assumed that that was total minus the original $1800, leaving me with a balance of $697.97 more than I anticipated. I discussed this fact that almost $700 more was going to be difficult for me to come up with. I discussed
this with both the receptionist and Lane neither of them at anytime indicated to me that no that's $2497.94 in addition to the $1800! I elected to sell my Explorer for $1500 to cover this and pay my rent for October. My sister drove me to Reiner's on September 23rd 2011 it was there that I was informed that the total bill was $4297.94 not $2497.94. I told lane there, I never authorized a total engine rebuild. 

 The Case went to small claims  even though the Judge ruled in favor of the Defendant it was a wash and no dollar amount was awarded to Reimer's based on the fact he had no signed documentation from me authorizing the additional repairs. Reimer's in the meantime has called my place of employment and my phone number threatening to repossess the vehicle or take other legal action to get his money or his car, despite the fact that the case has been ruled on and dismissed.

 Conclusion: Do not use this facility for any business whatsoever besides my case, the Original owner of Ram Engine, whom Reiner's was able to secure business by people visiting The Ram Engine Website, filed a lawsuit against Reimer's for non payment regarding the sale of Ram Engines phone number the case went to court Reimer's never showed and the judge ruled in favor of Ram Engine who now has a Lein on Reimer's Property.