Uptown Imports - Auto Repair
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 822-6490
02/08/2008 Posted by apoorgradstudent
I took my car in to get a newly noticed leak and general stuff looked at. They found $1800 worth to work on--none of it unneeded (except perhaps for a valve cover gasket replacement--it might just need tightening). They wanted $208 for new spark plugs and an air filter - DIY for $20 and 10 minutes! I rejected $800 worth and trusted them with the big one - new cam seals, plus a new fuel filter. To get at the seals, they have to take off the timing belt. Best practice is to go ahead and replace it and the water pump if it's about that time (why pay again in 6 months?). They did offer this, but their claim that "It doesn't matter to us if we put the old ones back on or put in new ones" is dishonest, because they severely mark up their parts. They charged $72.66 for a new water pump. When I asked where they found a $72 water pump, Steve said, "What do you mean?" When I mentioned that all the ones I'd looked at were under $40, he asked if they were remanufactured (NO! NEW and RETAIL) rather than owning up to the markup. They charged $170 total for individual parts to the timing belt that you can get for $100 in a kit. Fuel filter: $41.18, should be $25. $81.08 for "Shop Supplies" fees! $10-$20 is reasonable, $81 is ridiculous. $43.69 for an inspection that is GUARANTEED to find something wrong, even if you pay for the work! All told, I paid nearly $250 in overcharges--roughly 25% of my bill! They also guaranteed that my car would be ready a day before it was. I made it clear that it had to be done on time before agreeing to the work (which could have waited). When I complained to John on the phone about the car not being done on time, he said he wasn't aware that they had planned on getting it done that day (Steve took the day off). I reminded him I needed the car for a trip, and he said, "I'm aware of that," and hung up abruptly. The delay severely hampered my ability to prepare for my trip--the whole reason I brought it in!
Pros: Repairs were in fact needed
Cons: Dishonest on pricing, not timely.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Write a review and share your thoughts with others
