disgruntledvirginian
02-23-2010, 03:38 PM
I have just had an experience at the Citgo in Annandale on Columbia Pike that might interest any local NOVA readers.
For major work I take the car to a shop in Baltimore but for minor work I used to take the car to the local Citgo, where I and my family have been happy customers for a few years.
In short, I have a moderately modified 2002 Z28. The engine is stock, but it has a lid, 9'', 4.10s, and a few suspension modifications. It also had Hawk HPS brake pads.
So I dropped the car off with instructions to change the oil and check the brakes because they had become noisy lately. If the pads needed to be replaced I wanted them to replace them with another pair of Hawk pads. At no time did I authorize any work to be done on the car other than the oil change. I just wanted to know where I stood regarding the brakes before I made any commitments.
A few hours later the mechanic left me a voicemail saying that I needed new pads and a few other minor brake repairs. Instead of calling him back, I went down to the shop to make sure they got my instructions regarding the Hawk pads with no misunderstandings.
The mechanic was out of the shop, but I left a written description of the work I wanted done with the clerk, including the specific pads I wanted them to install, along with my cell phone number if there were any questions. A short time later I got another call from the shop and they said that the car was ready, which struck me as odd considering that I wanted special parts installed and I expected that to take some time.
Well, needless to say they went a head and installed stock brake pads that cost almost as much as the HPS pads. Given time constraints and my schedule I didn't have time to throw at the problem so I paid the bill and left.
This entire episode really makes me wonder how many other “mistakes” they may have committed over the years regarding my other vehicles. It really doesn't matter though because I will be spending my money elsewhere in the future.
I have also had problems with Currys in the past, but that is another post.
Are there any NOVA shops that can find their ass with both hands and deliver on time and on spec?
I would love to find a local competent hot rod shop if anyone can point me in the right direction because I am sick of what these other shops pass off as work.
And no, I don't know how to work on it myself yet and I cannot learn because I am too busy and have no place to work on it regardless. I cannot wait to get out of here to somewhere where I can afford a house with a garage. Or a house at all for that matter.
It really seems as though if you want it done right you have to do it yourself.
tl;dr: The shop did unauthorized non-conforming work and I will no longer patronize the establishment. If you need automotive care then based on my experience I suggest you look elsewhere.
For major work I take the car to a shop in Baltimore but for minor work I used to take the car to the local Citgo, where I and my family have been happy customers for a few years.
In short, I have a moderately modified 2002 Z28. The engine is stock, but it has a lid, 9'', 4.10s, and a few suspension modifications. It also had Hawk HPS brake pads.
So I dropped the car off with instructions to change the oil and check the brakes because they had become noisy lately. If the pads needed to be replaced I wanted them to replace them with another pair of Hawk pads. At no time did I authorize any work to be done on the car other than the oil change. I just wanted to know where I stood regarding the brakes before I made any commitments.
A few hours later the mechanic left me a voicemail saying that I needed new pads and a few other minor brake repairs. Instead of calling him back, I went down to the shop to make sure they got my instructions regarding the Hawk pads with no misunderstandings.
The mechanic was out of the shop, but I left a written description of the work I wanted done with the clerk, including the specific pads I wanted them to install, along with my cell phone number if there were any questions. A short time later I got another call from the shop and they said that the car was ready, which struck me as odd considering that I wanted special parts installed and I expected that to take some time.
Well, needless to say they went a head and installed stock brake pads that cost almost as much as the HPS pads. Given time constraints and my schedule I didn't have time to throw at the problem so I paid the bill and left.
This entire episode really makes me wonder how many other “mistakes” they may have committed over the years regarding my other vehicles. It really doesn't matter though because I will be spending my money elsewhere in the future.
I have also had problems with Currys in the past, but that is another post.
Are there any NOVA shops that can find their ass with both hands and deliver on time and on spec?
I would love to find a local competent hot rod shop if anyone can point me in the right direction because I am sick of what these other shops pass off as work.
And no, I don't know how to work on it myself yet and I cannot learn because I am too busy and have no place to work on it regardless. I cannot wait to get out of here to somewhere where I can afford a house with a garage. Or a house at all for that matter.
It really seems as though if you want it done right you have to do it yourself.
tl;dr: The shop did unauthorized non-conforming work and I will no longer patronize the establishment. If you need automotive care then based on my experience I suggest you look elsewhere.