Gateway Automotive Experts (Mount Vernon)
Took my old worn out truck/SUV here for service. Wanted assurance that it would be capable of towing a small trailer from Idaho to my home. Well, the value of the vehicle was maybe worth $600. After they were done, it cost me just over $6000.00!!! A little common sence on their part would have been appreciated. Who in their right mind would spend that amount on a vehicle in that poor of state. If I would have known the costs would more than double, I would have never put that much money into it. The original quote of $1300.00 was a head scratcher, assuming the whole time that would be the total investment. I get it NOW, you never know what can of worms is getting opened up, but I never dreamed the costs could get so out of hand. Yes, they kept me informed as they went along, the original estimate was $1300.00, but I felt like my truck was being held hostage. "We fixed this for x amount but found this. It's not really safe to drive without it, It will cost this much...then a day or two later...same thing, we fixed this for x amount, but found this. It will cost this much"...this happened at the least three different times. I know it's a tuff business and a thankless one, I may be way off, but I would think that being in the line of work that they are, that they could have told me that, considering the shape the vehicle is in, costs could get as high as .....they never even hinted how expensive it could get. I guess you don't know until you dig in and I guess I didn't ask the right questions, or they totally took advantage of the situation. Crazy!! Anyway, spent soo much on the vehicle that I could no longer afford the trailer.....lesson hopefully learned. Humiliating for a man of my age, and to spend this much on a truck I hardly ever drive. Just used for dump runs and recycle runs, and possibly tow a trailer which ain't happening. Hope someone will learn from my experience and ask the right questions or better yet....keep your beater truck maintained. On a positive note, they did offer me a "free" oil change, and thanked me for bringing my truck/suv in. They were very courteous and friendly. Offered to take me where ever I needed to be dropped off, which was nice but not needed. I had already arranged transportation since I'm a good 20 miles away. And I should mention that this work was done 3 or 4 months ago. And yes, it still bothers me that I spent that amount of money.
Gosh, Bubbie! We're very sorry to hear that you have this level of buyers remorse over the work that you asked us to complete on your SUV. I'm glad that you fairly acknowledge that we kept you informed every step of the way, as we pride ourselves on our top-level communication with our clients. As you remember, our consultative style is designed to find out what you plan to use your vehicle for and tailor our recommendations to your particular situation. And yes, proper annual maintenance is the best way to avoid major repairs. We appreciate your kind words, as we strive to be friendly and courteous to all our friends and clients. And thanks again for mentioning our free shuttle service and loaner cars available to our customers while their vehicles are being repaired.
- Gateway Automotive Experts (Mount Vernon)