When I brought my Audi A4 to this shop yesterday for its 140k mile service and an oil change, I was prepared to like Packard Auto. Throughout the day I was updated on my car's progress, as well as the cost of unexpected repairs. The staff was competent, knowledgeable and communicative. They offered me reasonable prices. I thought that I was being treated with respect, which is hard to come by as a woman bringing my car in for repairs.
Then came the catch. As I was reviewing and paying my bill, the man named Casey behind the counter took it upon himself to tell me an anecdote that started with, ""Women know nothing about cars."" He said this to my face after I had just paid him $800. This is seriously bad customer service.
First of all, being told I know nothing about cars because I am a woman was extremely insulting. Second, it was completely unnecessary and uncalled for - I thought we had been having a civil conversation up to that point. Third, it was flat-out wrong. I know more about cars, and my car in particular, than your average driver. I am a car enthusiast. I know, for instance, that Audi began manufacturing the A4 in the US in 1998 and that my car is from the first generation (B5). I bought the 2.8L V6 because it has a more reliable engine than the smaller version. I know that I will need to replace the timing belt soon (at 60k miles) because the A4 has an interference engine that causes the pistons to crash into each other and possibly destroy the engine if the timing belt breaks. I know that changing the timing belt involves taking apart the entire front end of the car and takes several hours, and that it's worth changing the serpentine belt and water pump at the same time because it doesn't make sense to disassemble the car more often than you need to. Need I really go on? I know my car inside out, and I am extremely offended that I was subjected to that insult based on my gender.
I wish I could recommend this place. I really do. I was excited to have found a mechanic that didn't overcharge me and kept me well informed throughout the day. My car is running better after having taken it there. I would have loved to come back to this shop. But I can't, because I'm not willing to put up with BS sexist insults being thrown in my face.
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