We're all seen the stereotype of the sleazy auto repair place that preys on unsuspecting consumers. They really do exist, although sometimes they're in spiffy corporate uniforms.
I took my car to this Firestone for a flat tire in July of 2011. They suggested repairs that were not necessary, lied about the importance of the repairs, had NO CLUE what was really wrong with the vehicle. Specifics? - they told me my sidewall was damaged and the tire needed to be replaced and not repaired (untrue). They then told me that...well...they really couldn't replace just one of them since they would then be an ""unmatched set"" so I should replace both (B.S.) Then he told me that the other two tires were low on tread (true) and he couldn't legally put the car back on the road without replacing them (Lie). My air conditioner wasn't cooling well and they told me that it simply needed a charge (for $150 - high!) So I had them charge it, and it still didn't work. The front end was also making a terrible noise after I left.
I took the car back, and he (Mgr Marty) told me ""Oops, sorry"" they noted that the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced - both of them - but they forgot to tell me when I was in before. He quoted me a very high price to replace both bearings. I took it to my regular mechanic who confirmed that only one was bad - the other was ""like new"" and completed the job for a fraction of what Firestone wanted. Firestone also said it would be $1000 to properly fix the AC - the one they had already charged me $150 for.
By this time I doubted anything they said, I packed up and left after they kept me waiting there for 3 1/2 hours with no repairs made.
The entire time I was there I could listen to them up-selling little old ladies and low-income single mothers, coercing them into repairs that were of highly questionable need and certainly overpriced. Very bad experience, I would NEVER return, and suggest others stay away as well. Buyer beware.
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