Complaint Review: Skinner Meineke Inc - Medford Oregon

I am writing to express my complete dissatisfaction with your company’s recent service on the exhaust system on my 1997 Subaru Outback. I wish to formally and respectfully request that you refund all monies paid to you to date, $200 for such service as well as full and complete reimbursements of all monies paid to others who performed work in order to correct the many errors that occurred and were made regarding parts and workmanship in the amount of $900. Cancellation and revocation of any credit agreements made between your organization and myself as I do no0t consider the work performed as being complete or to expectation. A reimbursement of late fees and penalties as was paid to the State of Oregon due to being late in registering my vehicle due to not passing QED as a result of the work done and not done by your organization. Furthermore, I expect a complete written apology for the manner in which I was treated by you and the people within your organization.

I am prepared to pursue the requested remedies through legal means if necessary and I am quite prepared to report you, your company and all involved employees to such entities including but limited to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Department, the Better Business Bureau for Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington in order to have a report on file (with the understanding that they are not an enforcement agency but a reporting agency), Meineke Car Care Franchise Management, Meineke Corporation Management and Corporate Executives,  local media, and etc.

I have a prepared a chronological recap of all occurrences as involves this situation. I Have had to have to car repaired elsewhere and I have a detailed report describing what can only be called “shoddy and unprofessional” work done by your shop on my car and I have photos which document such work.

Among the many things that have led to this is the very rude manner in which I was treated when trying to ascertain exactly what had been to my car and the disrespect shown to me by your employees that included insults, laughing and threats.

I have prepared a partial list of what I feel are important points as regards the way your company handled the situation from the start as well as descriptions of the work that was found by another shop.

• According to State of Oregon law, a written estimate was required and was to be signed before any work was to take place on this or any automobile. Meineke failed to provide such and commenced work. Under Oregon law, vehicle repair shops must provide consumers with a written estimate for vehicle repair costs, and receive the owner’s approval based upon the written estimate, prior to repairing or tearing down their motor vehicle.
• Parts used appeared to be non-conforming to auto manufacturer’s specifications for new or replacement parts
• Parts that were used were modified or installed incorrectly and in some cases appear to have presented current or near future safety issues. For example:
  • Catalytic Converter did not fit properly was modified
  • Hanger was cut and re-welded resulting in mid-pipe to hang lower than what is considered normal
  • Front O2 sensor interfered with passenger side CV axle at which point it was purposely relocated resulting with the sensor being in contact with the transaxle
  • Rear converter gasket flange was not lined up properly and was “pinched” at the top resulting in exhaust leak
  • Front O2 sensor was damaged and was taped to auto wiring harness resulting in check engine light being on

I do have photographs showing these issues as well as the very shoddy work that was done including unprofessional welds, installation of parts and etc. Please see examples of such photographs further in this letter.

In addition, I am in possession of all parts that were installed by your mechanics as further evidence of the quality of work performed by your company. These parts will be returned to you upon any settlement either directly or through the courts.

I am in hopes that you and your company will realize that I have been wronged in many ways as a result of my experience with your company and that you are professional enough or at least concerned enough about the well-being of your business to do the right thing.

While I await your response, I will continue to document the details of my experience in preparation of moving forward as aforementioned in this letter.

Sincerely,

Sherri Tygret