Took my MINI Cooper in for a water pump replacement (~$700). Unable to consistently start my car after getting it back. Had my car towed back the next day to see what the problem was. It started for them and they claimed it was the immobilizer. Once back home, it would not start again. Had it towed to Autotech a second time. After 4 days, they could not determine the problem and admitted that they did not have the proper tools to diagnose. They recommended I get it towed to a dealer.
Had it towed to another mechanic that was able to identify the problem: the wiring harness that passes over the water pump was crushed (tool marks pressed into the insulation) and torn. All of the wires were bright copper (i.e. no dust or oxidation = new damage). There has been no other engine bay repairs for over 18 months.
I presented documentation to the owner, Tony Solorio, including my request that he refund the original Autotech repair costs, which totaled less than the harness repair and towing fees. Tony claimed that the wires appeared to have been chewed and that there was no way Autotech could have been responsible for the damage. He refused my offer to look at the harness in person. Autotech has opted to allow third party arbitrators to decide.
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