The worst experience I have ever had with a mechanic.
TLDR-I believe they pad the bill as much as they can and exaggerate any issues a vehicle might have.
During some icy weather my vehicle had struck a median and thereafter the steering was wonky.
Austin at Mechanics Pride told me they could inspect the vehicle. We had insurance, so he told me they would charge an “Admin fee” of $135 (one shop hour) to deal with insurance.
He told me I needed new tires, the metal was showing, a new battery, and the brakes were almost due to be replaced with only 20% left. I told him to not address any of these issues. The exposed metal tread was concerning. However, Austin blatantly lied about the exposed metal tread. The rear brakes are less than year old, the front brakes are probably at about 40%. We disagree, but Mechanics Pride exaggerated how dire this additional work was, I think to add to the cost of the repair bill.
I considered consulting an attorney but decided to just pay the “ransom” and get my vehicle back. After I picked up the vehicle, it made a rattling noise whenever I accelerated, and a window had a sensor issue where it would open after being closed. I was told they reprogrammed the window sensor before giving me the car. The rattling was a misaligned motor mount. They took the car back, fixed the motor mount and tried to fix the window sensor for a 2nd time. The window still did not work. I chose not to let them try a 3rd time. The steering is sloppier now, and there is still minor noise. I rate the repair as mediocre to adequate. I spoke with the owner about the issues I had, but he offered no help. I feel that management of Mechanics Pride has a false veneer of customer service. In my opinion, Mechanics Pride Tire & Automotive, is a shop that contributes to the negative stereotype of dishonest mechanics. So, for a used rack and pinion, and 1 used wheel I paid $2,576.13 for a 2018 Subaru, decide for yourself if this was a fair price.
more