In May of 2012 my vehicle was towed to Hewett Tire & Auto center . I met Bill Hewett, owner and explained to him what had happened to the vehicle and asked for him or a representative to visually look at the motor and give a solution. He proceeded to open the hood of the vehicle and turn on the motor. Oil squirted out the rear of the engine block. At that point he turned the engine off, and told me that I need a new engine. He did not put my car on the lift or hook it up to a computer.
We walked inside of his building, and he proceeded to give me an estimate of $4000.00 (cost of new motor) +$1,123.39 (labor) + $384.85 (taxes) totaling $ 5,516.24. He told me that was the best he could do. I gave him my contact information if he had any questions or needed me to sign any document okaying any type of work. I explained to him that my fianc?e and I are both military service members, and asked if he was sure that I had no other options. He said yes. I told him that I would consult my father and would call him.
I felt that he was taking advantage of the situation because I was a single woman, and wanted to profit off of my distress. I contacted another and found a motor that was guaranteed for $2000.00. At that moment I felt cheated By Hewett Tire & Auto Center. He knew that I was stranded in Panama City and running out of options. I thought he would have worked with military service members because he has a flag outside of his establishment, as well as, ?God Bless America? painted boldly across his automotive Center. I was sadly mistaken.
He was notified within two days that I would receive my services elsewhere. He said okay, and at that time an offer was made to pay for storage. On the following Friday, I went to the location where my car was stored and found the building closed. There were no signs posted, or a non- emergency number listed; however, I was charged a storage fee. I had to sleep on the street because I had no money at the time, forced to stay over the weekend. I could have been raped or seriously hurt.
On the following Monday, I arrived at the location, paid $125.50 (storage Tue-Friday) + $82.50 (labor) + 15.60 (tax) totaling $ 223.60. I left the location upset and deeply disappointed as a customer. I hope that this doesn?t happen to anyone else.
Signed Disappointed Customer,
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