My wife took her 2010 Elantra to Prime Hyundai South to have a defective valve stem & sensor replaced. It had already been accurately diagnosed by Sears Automotive.
She was charged $119.31 for the valve stem and sensor and an astonishing $99.00 in labor.
I called the service manager to inquire. His response was ""that's what the Chilton's manual says the job should pay"".
I told him that we both know that it didn't take an hour to remove a tire and change a valve stem. He said - and I quote him directly, ""It doesn't matter how little labor time was used. The book says we can charge an hour, so we do"".
I was shocked that he actually admitted to charging more labor than the job required, but I guess that just highlights the galactic arrogance there.
I responded that it is not only grossly unfair to charge for labor time not used, it is also a clear violation of the Consumer Protection Act (MGL Chapter 93A).
I have to say that the service manager remained polite while he was picking our pockets. I suppose that's about the best thing I can say.
As for Tom O'Brien Hyundai aka Prime Hyundai South, I don't know how ripping a customer off for excess labor charges helps your reputation. Fraud doesn't seem like a great way to build customer loyalty.
Don't expect to see us back. EVER.
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