Took Car to Neighbors Shop and His Employees Screwed it Up!

[Style]

So basically what happened was that I originally had brake work done on my car by these guys around a month ago. Everything seemed ok but the brakes never stopped making noise and had a metal on metal rubbing sound even when I didn't apply the brakes.

I took the car back today for them to check it out and they said everything looked ok and that they tightened everything down. So then one of the motherfuckers decides to take off super hard on my car right when he leaves the shop for a "test drive". He spun the wheels and everything! It takes him a while to come back so I walked outside and waited for him. Then, I see the fucking asshole WALKING back!

By then I'm PISSED because I knew he screwed something up. I go up to him and the other employee he was talking to because the dude looked freaked out. They tell me the fucking car won't go into gear! Then I blow up and start questioning him and asking why the fuck he would drive a car that ISN'T his so hard. They called my neighbor to the shop (he's the owner) and then when he shows up he goes to check out the car and claims the Slave Cylinder wen't bad and that it isn't their fault because that doesn't just go bad from one moment to the next.

I went over to where the car was and checked it out and it really did seem like that thing was fucked. The clutch pedal had NO pressure/tension when being pressed down. So I was like maybe it's just a coincidence that it gave out during the test drive and it really isn't his fault. THEN, I start the car and it refuses to go into any gear as obviously the clutch pedal isn't doing crap. BUT, there's this really ROUGH rumble when I lightly rev it and give it gas (I didn't rev it past 2K). It shakes the ENTIRE car.

The car had NO problems when I took it in. It felt 100% perfect! I even had my girlfriend in the car as a witness. What do you guys think went wrong?? I figured MAYBE he forced it into gear after the Slave Cylinder went out and fucked up something transmission related? I told them I wanted them to fix whatever was wrong with it and all my neighbor said he would do is check it out and SEE if it was something they did. If not, I'm fucked. It falls back on me. They're going to check it out tomorrow morning. It sucks because I really feel like my neighbor isn't one to screw someone over. If they refuse to do anything, is there anything I can do court wise to get them to pay for my car to be fixed? Aren't shops supposed to have like insurance of some sort?

[skeeter149]

No help from me on this, but dude that sucks Ass. Best of luck and I hope its some little gay crap and nothing major. Good luck bro... Valet mode on ap ftw!

[BLAKK]

The shaking of the car might be a broken motor mount? I could be wrong.. but if he molested it like you are thinking.. he could have broken a mount hence the rough idle and shaking of the vehicle??

This happened to my wife's WRX.. May want to take a look..

Regardless good luck and fuck those guys.

[Voltwings]

Probably going to have to be able to prove the vehicle was in good working order when you took it there, however a witness statement that he was driving your car like an ass hat would probably help ... although the fact its your GF probably won't ... tough situation to be in man :/. im currently involved in a small claims suit with a guy that hit my car january 10th ... still dont have a set court date.

[Style]

Originally Posted by skeeter149 No help from me on this, but dude that sucks Ass. Best of luck and I hope its some little gay crap and nothing major. Good luck bro... Valet mode on ap ftw!

I really regret not putting it into Valet mode... I just didn't have my AP when I got out of school

Last time I took my car there, it was a different guy working on it and he actually drove it calmly. I didn't expect all this shit to happen...

[Chron]

If things start going south with the owner I would give BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) a call and report the shop.

[jdm5596]

Originally Posted by Chron If things start going south with the owner I would give BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) a call and report the shop.

Don't let them brush this off... I probably would of already called as soon as I heard the owner tell you that.

[Style]

Originally Posted by Voltwings Probably going to have to be able to prove the vehicle was in good working order when you took it there, however a witness statement that he was driving your car like an ass hat would probably help ... although the fact its your GF probably won't ... tough situation to be in man :/. im currently involved in a small claims suit with a guy that hit my car january 10th ... still dont have a set court date.

But he left the car in a condition where it can't even be driven. It's currently sitting down the street from the shop on the road they use to test drive the cars they work on. Would the fact that the car was driven into the shop, backed out, driven down the street, and left in a position where it was obviously already on its way back, be a good argument?

Originally Posted by Chron If things start going south with the owner I would give BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) a call and report the shop.

Is there one of those for Texas? I tried looking it up but all I found was a Cali site :/

[jdm5596]

Originally Posted by Chron If things start going south with the owner I would give BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) a call and report the shop.

Originally Posted by Style But he left the car in a condition where it can't even be driven. It's currently sitting down the street from the shop on the road they use to test drive the cars they work on. Would the fact that the car was driven into the shop, backed out, driven down the street, and left in a position where it was obviously already on its way back, be a good argument? Is there one of those for Texas? I tried looking it up but all I found was a Cali site :/

I just did sum research... sry bro

Texas has no comprehensive statute specifically governing auto repairs. However, the Deceptive Trade Practices - Consumer Protection Act includes some sections that deal with auto repairs.Under this law, it is illegal to:Knowingly make a false or misleading statement about the need for parts, replacement or repair service.State that work has been done or parts were replaced when that is not true.Represent that goods are original or new, when in fact they are second-hand or refurbished.Advertise goods or services with intent not to sell them as advertised.

What's the name of the shop?

[Style]

Originally Posted by jdm5596 I just did sum research... sry bro Texas has no comprehensive statute specifically governing auto repairs. However, the Deceptive Trade Practices - Consumer Protection Act includes some sections that deal with auto repairs.Under this law, it is illegal to:Knowingly make a false or misleading statement about the need for parts, replacement or repair service.State that work has been done or parts were replaced when that is not true.Represent that goods are original or new, when in fact they are second-hand or refurbished.Advertise goods or services with intent not to sell them as advertised. What's the name of the shop?

Kremko Car Care
4703 S. Congress Avenue
Austin TX 78745
(512) 441-8889
Kremko Car Care

[jdm5596]

They have good rep from what I've read. But this is def a bad situation already

[Style]

Originally Posted by jdm5596 They have good rep from what I've read. But this is def a bad situation already

I know that's what sucks. I don't know why they'd try turning this onto me when the car obviously ran fine when I took it in. They were pretty mad about my attitude but really? Who wouldn't be upset when an employee obviously goes out for a joy ride in their car and messes something up...

I know it isn't some super official shop that has all their shit on lock but it's not some trashy shop in the middle of a ghetto neighborhood. They have nice equipment and everything.

[keymaster]

Don't let them touch it again without you being there. They should have had it towed back, leaving it on the street is completely wrong. If you can, get it towed to a friendly Mazda dealership and evaluated.

The car was driving fine when you took it in, your girlfriend can vouch for that, as can the shop staff (whether they want to or not). The guy took off in an abusive manner, and the car broke. Depending on what is wrong, it could be that it was just time, or the guy fucked something up...you need an independent evaluation to determine that. If they get their hands on it, they can claim they found whatever doesn't implicate them.

And, grinding metal is a bad thing...sounds like the guy missed a shift and messed something up, presuming he didn't floor it at low RPMs and break something in the engine...

[86AmishMs3]

These stories are all too common. Good luck, once you get it fixed try to do your own work.

[Scribbles]

Don't know much about this, but start writing everything down inside a notebook to the best detail you can(employees names, their attitudes, time entering, time leaving, ect). Trust me, it'll help out in a few weeks when you start forgetting shit.

[Style]

Originally Posted by keymaster Don't let them touch it again without you being there. They should have had it towed back, leaving it on the street is completely wrong. If you can, get it towed to a friendly Mazda dealership and evaluated. The car was driving fine when you took it in, your girlfriend can vouch for that, as can the shop staff (whether they want to or not). The guy took off in an abusive manner, and the car broke. Depending on what is wrong, it could be that it was just time, or the guy fucked something up...you need an independent evaluation to determine that. If they get their hands on it, they can claim they found whatever doesn't implicate them. And, grinding metal is a bad thing...sounds like the guy missed a shift and messed something up, presuming he didn't floor it at low RPMs and break something in the engine...

But last time I took my car to my local Mazda dealer, they refused to work on it because of the modifications... I don't know if it's worth trying again. Plus, I'd have to pay $120 for a diagnosis from them what if it turns into a waste?

Say the dealer did look at the car and determined that they did mess something up, would it be the shops responsibility to pay the diagnosis fee?

Originally Posted by 86azms3 These stories are all too common. Good luck, once you get it fixed try to do your own work.

I've never been too comfortable with working on the brakes

I do most of the other stuff myself though

[jdm5596]

Prolly not... I agree with then not touching it till u get there. Feel for u man

[keymaster]

Originally Posted by Style But last time I took my car to my local Mazda dealer, they refused to work on it because of the modifications... I don't know if it's worth trying again. Plus, I'd have to pay $120 for a diagnosis from them what if it turns into a waste? Say the dealer did look at the car and determined that they did mess something up, would it be the shops responsibility to pay the diagnosis fee? I've never been too comfortable with working on the brakes I do most of the other stuff myself though

You took your car in, and it was working fine. From that point on, the shop is responsible for the car...if they break it, they have to pay for fixing it. They may not agree, and it may come to a lawsuit (and the bad publicity) to get them to see the point. Maybe, maybe, your neighbor relation will smooth things out, and maybe they will do the right thing, but their initial reaction gives me no confidence that they will. You can give them the chance to do the right thing, but only give them one...and, if you have to pay $120 to get evidence for a lawsuit, it's money well worth it.

Personally, I'd get them to agree to get the car to a mechanic you know can do the work...you really don't want someone unfamiliar with these cars monkeying around in it.

I had never done brakes before a couple months ago, and have now done new pads, rotors, stainless lines, fluid flush and painted calipers. It's not hard, really...follow the how to on here and you'll be fine.

Good luck with the car, hopefully it's easy and they do right by you.

[jdm5596]

https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/car_repair.shtml

[Pseudonym]

I'd go speak with a lawyer.

[Style]

So just an update guys, I ended up towing the car straight to the Mazda dealership. Kremko hasn't touched it since this happened. Let's see if the dealer can determine what happened and whether or not it was their fault. If they can get me a written statement that it was Kremko that did the damages, I'm going to do everything possible to have them PAY to fix my car. There's no way in hell I'm letting them touch my car again.

When the car was towed, there was a huge puddle of brake fluid I believe? underneath the car... Now the clutch pedal wont even come back up. I also asked Mazda if my mods would affect anything for the diagnosis and they said that considering the mods don't really have much to do with the transmission, they more than likely wont.

[skeeter149]

Good. Luck man sounds like your slave cylinder might have actually went perma night night. Here's to hoping for the best.

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by Style So just an update guys, I ended up towing the car straight to the Mazda dealership. Kremko hasn't touched it since this happened. Let's see if the dealer can determine what happened and whether or not it was their fault. If they can get me a written statement that it was Kremko that did the damages, I'm going to do everything possible to have them PAY to fix my car. There's no way in hell I'm letting them touch my car again. When the car was towed, there was a huge puddle of brake fluid I believe? underneath the car... Now the clutch pedal wont even come back up. I also asked Mazda if my mods would affect anything for the diagnosis and they said that considering the mods don't really have much to do with the transmission, they more than likely wont.

our Master cylinder has a 3 chamber system with baffles, a chamber for the front brakes / rear brakes / clutch. If you're missing fluid, the brakes shouldn't work either, may just be a blown slave cylinder. We just had a local blow his out, its not "uncommon" I guess, because I know he drives his car hard but he certainly doesn't rag it out.

[abiezerf]

Wow man this sucks, I hope you can get things settled, but this will definitely turn into a lawsuit.

[Style]

Originally Posted by Voltwings our Master cylinder has a 3 chamber system with baffles, a chamber for the front brakes / rear brakes / clutch. If you're missing fluid, the brakes shouldn't work either, may just be a blown slave cylinder. We just had a local blow his out, its not "uncommon" I guess, because I know he drives his car hard but he certainly doesn't rag it out.

Whenever I pressed in the clutch pedal, the slave cylinder would shoot out fluid. Does that just happen from one moment to the next? Would the hand brake work? The car was parked on a steep hill all night and didn't move at all. I would hope it was the brakes that held it in place because the car was in neutral. I never leave it in gear whether I'm on a hill or not (Bad practice, I know, but I've always suspected it was hard on the transmission)

Also, by what you're saying, it kinda makes sense for them to screw something up if they were messing with my brakes and all those work together in some way, right?

[86AmishMs3]

Originally Posted by Style Whenever I pressed in the clutch pedal, the slave cylinder would shoot out fluid. Does that just happen from one moment to the next? Would the hand brake work? The car was parked on a steep hill all night and didn't move at all. I would hope it was the brakes that held it in place because the car was in neutral. I never leave it in gear whether I'm on a hill or not (Bad practice, I know, but I've always suspected it was hard on the transmission) Also, by what you're saying, it kinda makes sense for them to screw something up if they were messing with my brakes and all those work together in some way, right?

e-brake is not hydraulic, so it will work regardless.

[nybe0010]

Sounds like a slave cylinder. I'm bleeding mine out as im having issues, I may need to replace It too. Good luck I hope the shop does the right thing. Things may be a little awkward in the neighborhood for a while lol.

[Style]

Originally Posted by nybe0010 Sounds like a slave cylinder. I'm bleeding mine out as im having issues, I may need to replace It too. Good luck I hope the shop does the right thing. Things may be a little awkward in the neighborhood for a while lol.

Oh yes... this is for sure. Sad thing about it is that they live RIGHT across the street. My house is like an inverted reflection of theirs

[Monotonous ONE]

All im sayin is that your local Nator crew probably couldve helped you out.

[Style]

Originally Posted by Monotonous ONE All im sayin is that your local Nator crew probably couldve helped you out.

This is true also...

I just don't like asking for favors when I can't really give back. I can't offer to buy someone a beer because I'm not even old enough for that. I'll buy you a burger or a pack of cigarettes but that's honestly all I got.

I only took it to the shop because they had done the brakes to begin with and that was early April. Way before I even donated and talked to the local guys. Who's gonna wanna help some Brownie that just joins and asks for help? I don't wanna be one of THOSE guys...

As for helping me out now, having someone mess with the car that isn't some "big fancy professional car shop" would mess up my chances to have these guys pay for their mistakes.

[Jhornbrook]

You say he is a neighbor. Burn his fuckin house down. I would rape his daughters and fuck his wife for trying to fuck me like this. I don't give a fuck what happened. He isn't handling it appropriately. I read your story and got really pissed off. I would have fuckin complained the moment he peeled off. I ain't payin for shit if my car gets driven like that. Sorry hope everything works out but honestly burn the fuckers house down, or at least flaming dog shit on his front porch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[MazdaBoy2.3]

Devils advocate here. Has said owner/neighbor seen you abusing the car up and down your street? Im not saying you do, Im asking if you do? I'd think that would be the only thread of defense he would have. Irregardless, the DB that beat the piss out of your car should be sucker punched immediately.

Matt

[Style]

Originally Posted by Jhornbrook You say he is a neighbor. Burn his fuckin house down. I would rape his daughters and fuck his wife for trying to fuck me like this. I don't give a fuck what happened. He isn't handling it appropriately. I read your story and got really pissed off. I would have fuckin complained the moment he peeled off. I ain't payin for shit if my car gets driven like that. Sorry hope everything works out but honestly burn the fuckers house down, or at least flaming dog shit on his front porch. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

FINALLY SOMEONE LIKE ME! I really wanted to go back and break his windows at his shop to be honest. I was planning out all this bad shit that I wanted to do. I don't think I'd touch his wife or his daughter though. Those bitches are UGLY! I actually got kicked out of the shop and was made to go outside and wait for my neighbor. They got mad that I was cursing at the guy who drove my car but like I said... who wouldn't be pissed in this situation, right?? My girlfriend started crying because of how much that situation escalated. They wanted to call the cops on me...

Originally Posted by MazdaBoy2.3 Devils advocate here. Has said owner/neighbor seen you abusing the car up and down your street? Im not saying you do, Im asking if you do? I'd think that would be the only thread of defense he would have. Irregardless, the DB that beat the piss out of your car should be sucker punched immediately. Matt

And no dude. I never drive hard in my neighborhood. I save it for the freeway

[MazdaBoy2.3]

@Style; then idk what this guys deal is....

I'm on board with the raping and burning now!

[johnredding]

This is off topic but has anyone ever loaded up the valet map and had a shop whine about it or ask what's going on?

I lost my mechanic who did all my work that I couldn't do so soon ill be in the same situation as style (I hope better ending).

Good luck style you sound like a good kid and don't deserve this bullshit.

[Style]

Originally Posted by johnredding This is off topic but has anyone ever loaded up the valet map and had a shop whine about it or ask what's going on? I lost my mechanic who did all my work that I couldn't do so soon ill be in the same situation as style (I hope better ending). Good luck style you sound like a good kid and don't deserve this bullshit.

That'd be kind of funny. I'd ask them why they were trying to rev it past 3K and why they wanted to go past 50 MPH to begin with

Good luck on the hunt for a new mechanic. Stay away from the cheapies!

[kimura]

I'm trying really hard not to blame the victim here...

looking at your mod list I'm guessing you took your car into a shop to get brake pads installed? am I reading this right?

[jack_hammer]

I don't know what you said to who, or how you said it, but it sounds like you pissed of the owner by the way you made your displeasure known.

Perhaps go back and try to be reasonable. Apologize for losing your temper but he has to understand where you're coming from as well, blah blah blah... And, remind him how out was being driven on the way out of the lot.

My biggest concern would be damage to the engine. good luck

[Style]

Originally Posted by kimura I'm trying really hard not to blame the victim here... looking at your mod list I'm guessing you took your car into a shop to get brake pads installed? am I reading this right?

Yes, I had them install the pads and had the brake fluid flushed.

Originally Posted by jack_hammer I don't know what you said to who, or how you said it, but it sounds like you pissed of the owner by the way you made your displeasure known. Perhaps go back and try to be reasonable. Apologize for losing your temper but he has to understand where you're coming from as well, blah blah blah... And, remind him how out was being driven on the way out of the lot. My biggest concern would be damage to the engine. good luck

I was decently calm at first until the dude tried hiding while walking back. That made him look extremely shady. It was obvious he messed something up and didn't want it to be known to me.

But I did try talking calmly to them afterwards. The guys wife kept giving me an attitude like I was her kid and I started loosing my temper again. At one point I was calmly saying that it's not just the Slave Cylinder if the car is shaking really bad and the bitch was like "It's my personal time, talk to me when the shop opens tomorrow." I gave her a rude tone and was like "Don't give me an attitude" and the shop owner got defensive and said "Hey man, don't do that." Like bro, calm your bitch then.

[johnredding]

Originally Posted by Style That'd be kind of funny. I'd ask them why they were trying to rev it past 3K and why they wanted to go past 50 MPH to begin with Good luck on the hunt for a new mechanic. Stay away from the cheapies!

Yeah that's what I mean, not so much that they'd be confused about it. Rather when they ask and get a "yes I have limited theECU because I don't trust a single one of you in here".

The you get shitty welds because someone got offended. It's just something I have wondered.

Regardless, you were having brake work done not 4th gears logs out of their driveway no reason to be driving like that. I'd say if it just miraculously broke, which I doubt, they'd still be on the hook. It's the cost of doing business.