***BEWARE******BEWARE******BEWARE******BEWARE***
I had the most unfortunate and horrific experience with this company last week after my thermostat light came on in my 2003 Mini Cooper. I usually get all my work with G.R. Automotive LLC (I HIGHLY recommend this company), but I was near this place and I pulled in and dropped off my keys for a diagnostic and estimate. I got a phone call later stating the problem was a faulty thermostat and four different hoses. They also told me several other things that should be replaced. She then stated that the dealership in Baton Rouge (we don't have a Mini Cooper dealership in New Orleans) did not have two of the hoses. I informed her that I have great luck finding parts online and I would try to find them. I found all parts in about 15 minutes online through Sport Mini of Alexandria in Virginia. They were very helpful, inexpensive and shipped the parts overnight. I called her and told her I found the parts and she said that the cost of labor goes from $80 to $100/hour if I bring my own parts. I then asked if the diagnostic fee of $59.95 would be applied to the overall bill and she said no. I found out later through a mutual friend that goes to the same gym (they are all Roid Heads) that she was complaining about me to him (highly unprofessional if not RUDE)! The next day after receiving called my regular mechanic at G.R. Automotive LLC and asked if I got it towed over if he could fix it and he said of course, he has had MANY customers come to him after faulty work done by The Pit Stop. I then called AAA and lined them up to tow the car. I called The Pit Stop and said I was uncomfortable with their price hike and overall done existent customer service. She said she would not release the car without me paying the diagnostic fee. I then asked to speak to a manager and told him the problem. After screaming at me for several minutes he said come tow it. Run away as fast as you can, that's all I can recommend. Thanks for listening, but I think everyone should know the truth about this company. Total cost of labor $185.30 at G.R. Automotive LLC. One last note, after my car reached G.R. my mechanic told me he found one of the strut bolts and a nut was missing on my front tire....This was VERY DISCONCERTING as I have a seven year old daughter. My car did not have any steering issues at all before this.
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