Public Mediation

Free miles auto care-Dispute-#1510907

L. S. vs. Free Miles Auto Care
9911 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, Virginia, 23605, United States
Amount Involved: $850.00
    • Status: In Negotiation
      This claim has posted for public comment and negotiation. It will remain posted until resolved to the claimant's satisfaction. Suggest a resolution to help these parties reach a settlement.
    • View response from: Free Miles Auto Care
    • Claimant Seeks: View.
    • Claim #: 1510907
    • Amount Involved: 850.00
    • Filed On: Apr 16, 2012
    • Posted On: Apr 27, 2012
    • Complaint(s):
      • Bad business practices
      • Overcharge or billing error
      • Customer service runarounds
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Statement of Claim
Complaints Involved (3) - View
Claimant says:
"I recently looked around and called a couple of places to try and get my car checked out, to see what work needs to be done on it. I searched for profesional car repair services and decided to take my car to Free Miles on Jefferson Ave. I let the Free Miles attendant know what I wanted done, and to give me an estimate on the work. One of the attendants told me that I would have to pay an $850.00 deposit down in order for them to get started on my car. I agreed to pay the deposit of $850.00 and they started on my car. After they checked out my car they told me that I needed a new engine. They explained to me that they found a used engine for $3,500.00. I let Free Miles know that no thanks I will take my car elsewhere. At that point they let me know that the deposit was non-refundable.I was very upset by the things told to me. I had to pay a tow truck to come and pick up my car from Free Miles and the tow person told me they didn't put my car back together and also told me that I would have to come back with a truck to pick up my engine seperate from the pick up of my car. The owner of Free Miles told me that I would have to pay a $125.00 for when they came to pick up my car initally to do the work."
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What Claimant Wants Hide
1. Refund: Deposit May 01, 2012 $850.00
2. Other – Copy claim to regulators May 01, 2012 $14.95
3. Other – Pay for claim posting cost May 01, 2012 $7.95
4. Other – Physical delivery charges May 01, 2012 $2.99
Cash total : $875.89
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Respondent's Counteroffer Hide
The claimant's settlement terms were rejected with the following explanation:

  • "Mrs. Saunder brought her vehicle to us with an engine problem. We explained to her in order for us to properly diagnose her vehcile after doing her initial inspecting it we would need to do a motor tear down and do further inspection. After we explained this we informed her that a deposit would be needed for the labor to further the process. Afterwards we determined the engine would need to be replaced. We gave her a quote of $3500 for a replacement engine. We also made her aware that we have an option to finance any repairs made to her vehicle. At that time she declined any further services and repair. She stated she wanted her car immediately. We contacted Mrs. Saunders and informerd her that the vehicle wasnt ready and would not be ready in the time frame she wanted. She then wanted her engine to be placed in the trunk when it was towed. Mrs Saunders had the vehicle towed. We were unable to put the engine in the trunk as she instructed because it the engine was too big to fit. If she had given us sufficent time we would have had her vehicle in order. We made her aware that due to the fact that we provide towing as a service and she declined to have any services further rendered she would have to refund the towing costs."

This claim will remain posted until resolved.

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  • Comment: by HIRO TANAKA — Online mediator
    • On: 04-07-2016
    View more

  • It's beyond my comprehension that Ms. Saunder's claim hadn't been resolved. If I am not mistaken the case has been up in the air for almost 4 years. I'd assume that she had attempted to take the case to the court, or at least sought out consulting with legal aids(Free) Has this claim been submitted to other organizations? It seems to me that Free Miles(I know its location) has very little intention to negotiate in any ways. A solid refusal? Is Ms. Saunder still interested in resolving the case, or given up? I'm sure Free Miles has not only taken granted that she wouldn't keep the pressure on them but likely forgotten about her altogether. I feel her anger and her disappointment to say the least. I also seems to me that the public posting hadn't been affecting them.

    I'm curious to know what kind of car it was.(Manufacturer name, year made, approx. mileage, etc.) I wonder if she has or had any knowledge of the applicable state law(Generally known as "Auto Repair (shop) law". As majority of vehicle owners should be aware, the state-licensed auto repair shops are required to present written(including hand-written) estimate to customers if they intend to offer their professional services. The estimate must be approved by customers so that they can authorize the repair work the customer want performed. customer shouldn't just pay downpayment to repair shop before seeing the estimate. There are many other things I have on my mind when I hear or read such heart-breaking claims. Unfortunately, and likely, customers(including Ms. Saunder and myself)get ripped off when we look for "cheap" repair shops for saving our hard-earned money. Chances are, we may pay a little more money at the certified or well-known shops, but we can expect and receive much better jobs. I've just filed my own claim with PeopleClaim myself. I'm determined that I won't be taken advantage by those dishonest shops. Not all of them but quite a few out there.  I feel for Ms. Saunder.

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