I just watched a portion of your article about repair shops.

I just moved here from Chicago and my first week here my inside door handle broke. I haven’t replaced it because of those Vegas repair shops that I hear so much about.

I know you showed the shady repair shops, but are there any honest repiar shops in Las Vegas?
Thanks,
Tyler

Comment by Tyler Donat — November 16, 2006 @ 11:28 pm

I think I was a victim of Patrick as well. Patrick introduced himself to me as the “New mgr.” of the “auto repair shop”on east Tropicana. I had a stuck signal light. They charged me $70, just to diagnose the problem. That should have been a wake up call right there. I left them go ahead with the diagnostic test. They said they’d reimburse me for the test when the work was completed. Two weeks later, they did that as they said. However, I never thought I would have to take out a loan for a stuck signal light. My final bill was $840 after my $70 was deducted. Patrick was nowhere to be found when I took the car back to have the work done 2 weeks after the diagnosis. After watching the news, I see he’s at yet another location, and has shaved his head. I couldn’t understand why it cost $350 to fix my signal light. They said it was $125 for the part, and the rest was labor. Then they found other things wrong. My oil was leaking, so they replaced the gasket. Another $150+! My radiator hoses needed replaced, and a few other minor things, which I told them to go ahead and fix. This tuesday, I tried to start my car, and it wouldn’t even start. I had absolutely no oil in the car, and no coolant. What did my $150+ pay for? And why do I now have a radiator leak after they changed my hoses? My car is also overheating. When I first met Patrick, he said he’d take much better care of me than “auto repair shop”. I thought I was overcharged for a clutch kit at a “auto repair shop”location. Patrick took care of me alright! Actually, the only reason I got the repairs done at “auto repair shop”, was so I did not lose my $70 diagnostic fee! Can you folks do anything to help us dumb blondes? I still can’t swallow $350 for a stuck signal light!

Comment by Jane Aikey — November 16, 2006 @ 11:58 pm

The same”auto repair shop” on Cheyenne tried to rip me off about 2 or 3 years ago.I went in for a Smog Test and they wanted to charge me $250.00 for a part I didn’t need.I went to Smog Busters and they told me the car passed with no problem at all.I notified the DMV and it was investigated.I was notified later by the DMV and they told me the manager was fired.I think it went farther then management.

Comment by Angelo M Ruisi — November 17, 2006 @ 12:01 am

“auto repair shop” on Rancho and Alexander. A “$99″ brake job ended up costing over $300 after they stated that multiple parts had to be replaced. That was not the problem. When I got my vehicle home, I found that they hadn’t even touched the pads. They were worn down to about 1/4 inch. I replaced them myself to avoid being ripped off again.

Sean S.
North Las Vegas

Comment by SeanS — November 17, 2006 @ 6:42 am

“Auto repair shop”the one on Flamingo where their main office is, said my son needed a new wheel and tire. The tire was in fact defective and they should have sent him to the dealer for replacement since they don’t sell Goodyears.Instead, they tired to sell him 4 new wheels and 2 tires. The car was only 5 mos old! He refused. They then ordered a wheel from the dealer after telling him it could not be used, told him to come back in a day or two.They charged him the full price of $358.14 at that time. He got home, we looked at the alloy wheel-it was OK, just a surface scratch. “Auto repair shop” said to come in for a refund when we called them not 20 minutes after my son was in placing the order. The next morning, “auto repair shop” mounted a new tire on the wheel. That’s it!! It was OK! That was 3 mos ago and no air loss or problems of any kind with the wheel. “Another auto repair shop” gave him a run around for a month, then “another auto repair shop”" refused to refund the $$, then they said he had the wheel and WE were trying to rip them off! “Auto repair shop” is standing behind us, and we have paperwork to back us. They are wonderful!
“Another auto repair shop” also called my husbands job, he worked at another TV station where “another auto repair shop” advertised. The owner of “another auto repair shop” demanded they fire him after we’d gone in asking for a refund or they’d pull their ads! He was wearing another TV stations T-shirt, so they assumed he worked there. They called around until they found out which one he did work for. A month passed before we knew if he had a job or not. He ended up changing jobs because he didn’t feel secure there when the woman in sales who’d verified his employment and made it a big issue got promoted to GM!!! He had been told to drop it or he’d lose his job, so no refund for my son.
“Another auto repair shop” are rip off artists! I once managed a retail tire store in Hawaii, so I know the little tricks! Next stop-Smalls Claims Court for my son’s $358.14!

Comment by Terie Vass — November 17, 2006 @ 8:34 am

Thanks soo much for your investigation on these so called “Certified” auto repair shops. My husband and I have had not-so-good dealings with “auto repair shop” several times. The first time was about 3 yrs. ago at the Craig & Losee location. We took our van in for an oil change, and on our first drive out we got on the freeway and the engine blew and we found out later it was all because they didnt tighten the oil filter and all the oil leaked out. Unfortunatly, the van sat for about a month after the oil change so we didnt know there was a problem until it was to late to do anything about it. Then last summer, we decided to try them out once more for a smog test at the Rancho & Cheyenne location, they said the car didnt pass and they wanted to charge us like $80 just to see what the problem was and that would be on top of what ever repairs they were going to need to do. Well, needless to say, we knew it was just too fishy and took it somewhere else were it passed. I have been telling all my family and friends for 3 yrs. now not to take there cars to any “auto repair shop” (no matter how good the deal is), and now you have just helped me alot in proving my point. I hope you can do some more investigations like this on the other “auto repair shop”around town as well. It seems to me the only mechanics you can trust now adays are the ones that are your own family and friends.

Comment by Christie Betz — November 17, 2006 @ 8:53 am

“auto repair shop” on Flamingo and 215. Advertised $99 brake job become $185 (but was also offered a $245 job for “premium” pads). After the job, the brakes squeaked abnoxiously and was taken back in to fix the issue. Manager said he had changed my pads to “premium” with no extra charge and the brakes still squeak with reckless abandon!! Before taking my car in, it had never squeaked before - even with old worn-out brake pads! I’ll be doing my brakes next time!

Comment by Jason G. — November 17, 2006 @ 10:06 am

i had the “auto repair shop” on E Charleston Blvd install the wrong spark plugs on my 97 VW then refuse to make anyone available that could refund the plugs. Tremendous waste of $100.

Comment by calvin — November 17, 2006 @ 10:47 am

I just read the car repair ripoff article and this may kinda fall into the same category. On “auto repair shop” part order website the have a replacement engine minus the manifolds and electrical priced at $124.38 so I ordered the part. A few weeks later they called and said that the part I ordered wasn’t for my truck. So I reordered the part, never heard anything back. SO I called them and said this is what I ordered whats going on! He said let me transfer to the parts manager. SO he did that gentleman got on the phone and said that he wasn’t going to honor the quoted price and shouldn’t be expected to. That was like 3 or 4 months ago and they are still advertising it at the same price.

Comment by Craig A. Lugo Jr. — November 17, 2006 @ 12:27 pm

I DROPPED MY CAR OFF FOR A/C SERVICE REPAIR ON 5/23/05 AT “auto repair shop”, DUE TO MY A/C MAKING A LOUD NOSIE BUT COLD AIR WAS STILL COMING OUT BUT IT WOULD MAKE THE NOSIE WHICH STOP IT FROM BLOWING, IT HAD AN ON AND OFF ACTIVITY WHICH I EXPLAIN TO SERVICE MAN “TIM” . I WAS CALLED BY TIM WHO SAID I NEEDED MY BLOWER RESISTOR REPLACED AND SAID HE WOULD GIVE ME A DEAL TO FIX IT FOR $400.00 WHICH I PAID $200.00 IN CREDIT AND $200.00 IN CASH. AIR CONDITIONING WORKED FIND AND WAS BLOWING WITH OUT A SOUND WITH COLD AIR, TILL IT STOPPED TWO MONTHS LATER. I CALLED STORE ON 7/28/05 AND TALKED TO JIM WHO SAID BRING IT BACK SO WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT IT. I DID THAT SATURDAY 7/30/05 AND WAS TOLD BY TIM WHO FIXED IT THE LAST TIME, WHO SAID OH YOU HAVE A LEAK, I SAID DIDNT YOU CHECK FOR THAT WHEN YOU INSPECTED THE A/C SYSTEM, HE SAID YES BUT IT WAS NO LEAK LAST TIME IT MUST HAVE HAPPEN AFTER I FIXED IT.. I THOUGHT THIS WAS STRANGE CAUSE IT HAD ONLY BEEN TWO MONTHS, THEN I ASKED HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST AND HE SAID ATLEAST $1000.00 , I SAID I CAN AFFORD THAT SO I GUESS I WONT BE FIXED!, TIM SAID I CAN PUT MORE FREEON IN IT TO GET YOU THROUGH TILL YOU CAN HAVE IT FIXED..I SAID HOW MUCH, HE SAID IT’S 69.99 FOR 1 POUND BUT YOU MIGHT NEED MORE SO IT COULD BE UP TO 100.00 OR SO DOLLARS.. I SAID JUST PUT ENOUGH FOR THE $60.00 HE SAID OKAY I’LL CALL YOU WHEN IT’S FINISHED.. LATER HE CALLED AND SAID IT WILL BE $110.00 FOR FREEON, AND I SAID I TOLD YOU TO ONLY PUT IN ENOUGH FOR $69.99 AND HE SAID YOU NEEDED MORE THEN THAT TO FILL IT UP, AND I HAD HAD TO PUT IN TWO, BUT I’LL GIVE YOU A DEAL AND YOU CAN PAY ME $100.00 IF IT’S CASH.. SO AT THIS POINT I’M STILL UPSET BUT COULD NOT BEAR GOING THROUGH THE REST OF THE SUMMER WITHOUT A/C WITH THE RECORD NUMBER TEMPETURES WE HAD BEEN HAVING IN VEGAS LATELY AND AGREED TO PAY.. I PICKED UP THE CAR RIGHT AT CLOSING TIME AND HE SAID IT WAS WORKING JUST FINE, I’LL WILL BE FREEZING NOW, SO I DROVE MY CAR HOME WHICH WAS ONLY 7-10 MINUTE DRIVE AWAY AND I NOTICE IT DID NOT GET COLD, BUT DID NOT WORRY CAUSE IT WAS REALLY HOT OUTSIDE AND THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE AWHILE LONGER TO GET COOLER, THIS WAS SATURDAY. THE NEXT DAY SUNDAY I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR, SO MONDAY WHEN I DROVE TO WORK WHICH WAS A 30-45 DRIVE, IT DID NOT GET COLD, AND ON THE RIDE BACK HOME IT’S A 45 MIN-1HR DRIVE DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC AND IT STILL DID NOT GET COLD OR COOL..IT WAS BLOWING WARM AIR LIKE IT WAS BEFORE I TOOK IT TO GET FIXED THE PERVIOUS SATURDAY.. I CALLED JIM AND HE SAID JUST BRING IT BY AGAIN SO WE CAN TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT IT.. I WAS FURIOUS BECAUSE I GIVE THESE PEOPLE $500.00 AND MY A/C WAS STILL NOT WORKING..I WAS SO UPSET BY THE TIME MY SISTER MEET ME TO DROP OFF MY CAR AGAIN I WAS IN TEARS CAUSE I HAD BEEN IN THE HEAT FOR SO LONG AND WAS FEELING SICK AT THIS POINT, I TOLD HER TO GO IN “auto repair shop” FOR ME TO TURN IN MY KEYS AND QUESTION WHY IT WAS NOT FIXED TO FIRST TIME..
SHE WAS TREATED OF COURSE IN A RUDE MATTER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING, BUT THEY WILL GIVE THE $100.00 BACK IF SHE SIGN A FORM SAYING WE WILL NOT PERSUE THE MATTER IN THE FUTURE, SHE SNATCHED THE PAPER OUT OF HIS HAND AND LEFT OUT THE DOOR, I STILL HAVE THE PAPERWORK THEY TRIED TO HAVE SIGNED, AND WROTE THE BETTER BUSINESS BUT I WISH I COULD HAVE GOT MY MONEY BACK, I WILL NEVER GO TO ANY OF THEIR STORES AND ADVISE THAT NO ONE ELSE GOES EITHER!!!!!

Comment by JIMENE HICKS — November 17, 2006 @ 12:55 pm

When we moved into a new subdivision @ Ann Rd. and Valley, a guy representing himself as an employee for “auto repair shop”sold us a “auto repair shop” card for 3 free oil changes for $20.00. He said a new “auto repair shop” just opened on Ann Rd, but the card is good for any store. A couple of months later I got up early on a Sunday to get to the store on Craig when it opened. I presented my card and asked for the free oil change. I was told they didn’t have anything available for this day, even though I was the only customer in the store. I asked to make an appointment for the next day and was told they don’t make appointments! I called two other stores and went throught the same thing. They couldn’t tell me when I could come in for the free oil change. They told me to keep coming back. I called the corporate headquarters to complain, and they told me they should always honor the card. Needless to say i continued to get the run around, so I never got my free oil changes.

Comment by Paula Tucker — November 17, 2006 @ 1:32 pm

I went to the “auto repair shop” location about 3 years ago. I needed a new clutch on my Bronco. They told me how much it was going to be and that I needed to pay before they would start working on it. Their reasoning was because they needed to order the parts, so I paid $1100.00. I was called later that afternoon and was told it needed 2 other parts and I could pay for those when I picked up my vehicle because it was only going to be $150.00. I was very skeptical but what are you going to do. Two days later they called to tell me it was ready to be picked up. Well I got their around closing time, and they wanted to just hand me my keys, and I asked the manager to take a ride with me so I could make sure everything was o.k. Well it wasn’t, I told him it’s very hard to put in gear and it’s still grinding! He said I just needed to wear it in. 2 more days pass and I called the manager up again and told him it’s the same as it was when I initially took it in. I told him they didn’t do anything to my clutch! He told me to bring it back in. They kept it for another day and said there is nothing else they can do. I made several calls to the owner and even threatened him about getting an attorney but nothing ever came of it. All he said is that I needed to prove they didn’t perform the services. Well of course I couldn’t do that because I didn’t have cameras underneath my hood.

Comment by charllene n — November 17, 2006 @ 2:16 pm

My sister had some work done at the one on Eastern& St Rose Pkwy. She took it there because it was running bad. They determined that the coil pack was bad so they needed to replace the coil pack,spark plugs,spark plug wires and catalytic converter. They told her the prices and the price for the catalytic converter was $600 because they use OEM parts. My sister agreed and then after the work was done questioned the converter. She asked for a invoice showing where they purchased it from Toyota. They had all the excuses in the world for not having a invoice. My sister then called every Toyota dealer in town and they all said they do not do business with them. She went back to them stating this and they told her if she has a problem she can take it to the next level. (I guess that means taking them to court) We then contacted my credit card company(I paid the bill) to report fraud. We are currently waiting to hear from my credit card company.

Comment by J Flores — November 17, 2006 @ 3:56 pm

A local “auto repair shop”on boulder highway went way over the top of a quote to replace the transmission on a 94 chrysler. The service writer said worse cost senerio would be $2800.00 but called my 82 year old father and railroaded him into a quote for over $5000.00 total because of other “not necessory” repairs. The writer did not follow instructions for the transmission only repair. The Kelly Blue book on the car is Less than $2700.00. Senior citizens beware of sales pitches to boost the repair cost, they seem to be common in the repair industry.

Comment by James Brockett — November 17, 2006 @ 4:01 pm

‘93 Infiniti: The’auto repair shop’ on South Eastern, 5-6 months ago… after routine oil change, asst mgr came and said I needed brake shoes, discs, cylinders, for about $700. Said they were worn and leaking. I took car to Infiniti dealer, whose shop went all over it (and would have loved to do the work), but could find nothing wrong at all !!

Comment by james silver — November 17, 2006 @ 6:55 pm

My sister in law and I opened an auto repair shop in N Las Vegas because we were so tired of getting ripped off by auto shops. When we hired our technicians, we made it perfectly clear that any work sold would be done, and nothing would be done that wasn’t neccessary. We also made it clear to our sales counter that they should always quote good, better, best and not pressure any customer for any service, to give written estimates, and to only sell items that either a customer requested or services that were needed. We always informed customers if a service wasn’t needed. We received many cars from shops that you featured on your program. We always tried to do right by the customers. Unfortunatly, with all of our advertising, we only got customers in a bind, or customers that were just fed up with another shop. We closed our doors because people wouldn’t give us a shot as we were an unknown. As long as people keep frequenting the known evils and not going to the guys trying to do right, they are going to get the same wrongs. By the way, our location was replaced by purrrfect auto at Ann & Simmons. As to who is honest, I can state that the only big name repair franchise that we didn’t see a car come from with unresolved issues, was Ted Weins.

Comment by Marcie — November 17, 2006 @ 11:40 pm

I been ripped off by the “auto repair shop” location on eastern and st. rose parkway. I am finally glad a news broadcast has come out because they are ripping people off. i was recently new to the area and both my cars needed minor repairs. i got the repairs done only to have to return back on several occasions for the same problem over and over again. Fed up i demanded answers and even a refund. But the point is i was told several different things and the auto repair shop told me they were franchised owned NOT individually owned as quoted on the news. They claim they did the work on the car but now i know they obiviously didn’t because the problems on my car still exist. if they replaced the parts like they “said” they did they wouldn’t be in this mess.

Comment by Jackie — November 17, 2006 @ 11:42 pm

I took my truck to “auto repair shop”on North Las Vegas Blvd. on 7/15/06. I had to have the motor club and start my truck. They told me that the battery was bad on my truck. They also told me that the alternator was okay. When I took it in I told them that the battery was bad and that I needed a new one. They said okay they would check it out and call me before they done anything. They called and told me that the battery was okay and that I needed a alternator. Also I needed the transmission serviced, the radiator flushed, injectors cleaned, and new belts. When they got it done they called me and told me it was ready. I went and picked it up at 5:30 and drove it home and parked it. At 11:00pm that same night I went out to go some where and the truck would not start at all. The battery was bad. They charged me $800.00 and didn’t even fix the problem that I took in for. The next day I went to Auto Zone and purchased a battery and it has started ever since. When I talked to them about it they said that the battery had checked good. It can not go bad in five and half hour. They also reset my trip meter in and truck and I ask them why they had done that and they told me that it resets it self when the battery is unhooked. That is a lie!!!!! I worked for Toyota and I knew better. I told them I wanted my alternator back because the was nothing wrong with it. I never did get it back!!! They gave me back the cost of the alternator in store credit. I am afraid to take it back to them for anything!!!!

Comment by Loma Vanderbur — November 18, 2006 @ 12:01 am

On September 6,2006, I went to the “auto repair shop” have my car serviced before going on a road trip to Northern California. After the tune up and oil change were performed, they told me that I needed new motormounts of which I agreed to have the work done. $600.00 later, after being told that my car is now brand new, I started my journey to California. 73 miles out, I set my cruise control at 70 miles per hour. About 5 minuts later, the car reves up and jumped from 70mph to over 100mph in just a matter of seconds. The car was going so fast that the breaks were usless. Somehow I managed to safely get to the righthand side of the highway to the emergancy lane and turned off the engine, and pulled up the emergancy break, just to stop the car. I called AAA and they sent me Bill the tow man from A-1 towing out of Baker who after a few minuts noticed that the clips were broken in three places for my cruise control which allowed the cords to tangle and lodge the cruise control to get stuck. Bill dislodged the cruise control and fassend the broken clips with tape and wire so they wouldn’t get caught again and disable the cruise control. He assured me that it was safe to drive to my destination but rent a car for the rest of my trip. He also stated that if I was 50 miles further out when this happened, that I would have probably not only hurt myself but many others as there was much more traffic further down the road. When I returned back to Las Vegas, I immediately went to the “auto repair shop”, explained what happened and I was then told that they didn’t break the clips, that they didn’t even touch them to put in new spark plugs, but somehow I ended up stranded on the highway due to their poor work. Finally they told me that they would replace my cruise control, give me another tune up and replace my breaks. That conversation was over a month ago!!!! I have called every week and have recieved the same answer WE WILL CALL YOU WHEN THE PARTS COME IN! SO IN THE MEANTIME MY BREAKES ARE GETTING WORSE AND THERE ARE NEW NOISES FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO A BAD TUNE UP.
I thank my lucky stars that it was noon and very little traffic, otherwise this ending might have been a lot worse for alot more people.
CAN YOU HELP ME?

REGARDS,

MARYANN CRAWFORD

P.S. I DO HAVE STATEMENTS FROM A-1 TOWING WHICH SUBSTANCIATE THE ERRORS CAUSED BY “auto repair shop”.

Comment by MaryAnn Crawford — November 18, 2006 @ 1:41 am

I was ripped off by the “auto repair shop” st rose and eastern. They charged 300.00 for a 100.00 service. Even worse, I have to get the work done over because it either was not done or done improperly. I wrote several letters to the individual store, corporate office, better business bureau, and attorney generals office. The management was unresponsive and impossible to deal with. This auto repair shop has been sued several times in district court and never once defended a lawsuit. These stores need to be shut down.

Comment by Teresa — November 18, 2006 @ 2:07 pm

I took my vehicle to “a reputable transmission shop” on 8/21/06 after my torque converter and transmission failed on Highway 215. After this shop diagnosed my issue, they called me with a quote of transmission and torque converter rebuild at $2571.69. I agreed to have the service done. They told me that they would have the vehicle done by the following Monday. On Monday I called to find out if my vehicle was ready and they claimed that they were missing parts and it would be ready on Tuesday evening. On Tuesday I went to pick up the vehicle and paid the amount in full, $1000 on a debit card and $1571.69 on a credit card. After driving approximately 20 miles, the check engine light came back on. I attempted calling the shop so that they could advise me on what to do and tow the vehicle but they were closed. I ended up driving my vehicle across town in a barely working condition. The next morning I called the shop and was asked to drive the vehicle there. Upon leaving my driveway, the car started sticking in two gears at the same time, finally the car became stuck in one gear and just sat and redlined. I called the shop and they sent a tow truck for me and the vehicle. I sat at their shop waiting for my vehicle for three hours that morning and was finally given the car back after they changed a solenoid. I left their shop and drove for less than 5 minutes and had another check engine light. I turned around and took the car back to them and they claimed it was an issue with the torque converter. They told me to keep driving the car until I could bring it back. I took the car back to them the next evening as I no longer felt safe driving the car and it was Labor Day weekend and I wouldn’t need the vehicle. I was told that I would have the car back in the following week. After calling to find out when I was getting my car, they said that the car needed a new computer which they had ordered. They “didn’t know” that the computer needed to be flashed with the chip in my car keys, returned one computer that they thought didn’t work, and then waited for another one to come before figuring out that it needed to have the keys matched to the car to make it start. The car went to Honda West who couldn’t work on my Acura, so they towed the car down the street to Acura of Las Vegas to have the computer done. When the transmission shop picked the car up, the check engine light came back on with the code for torque converter again. They didn’t bother to contact me with an answer for when I could pick up the car so I called them to find this out. They then claimed that it was the wiring in the transmission and vehicle and they needed to replace it. After replacing the wiring harness, the code came back again and they finally decided to call the corporate headquarters for help. They figured out that a valve in the transmission was out of round and returned the car to me after 27 days. They at this point had the car for 36 days. After they returned the car to me, the car still didn’t drive correctly and 1/3 of my lights did not work. I took my car back the next day and they asked I bring it back again the next day for them to work on it. When I dropped the car off, I insisted the shop owner go for a ride with me to feel the problem that I was having (a vibration in the first to second gear shift). He claimed they needed to reset one of the sensors and that it was an easy fix. I returned that evening to pick up my car (didn’t get off of work until after they had closed) and the car was still grinding. Also, in the 27 days that they had the vehicle, they put nearly 300 miles on it. At this point I sent a complaint to my Credit Card company for a refund of that money. The credit card company asked for a second opinion from another shop. I ended up taking my car two seperate places, once when the check engine light came on and the code was for the transmission’s third gear pressure switch. I also took it to another shop, who said that the transmission needed to be rebuilt again. They said that the clutch plates were loose between first and second gear causing the grinding feeling. They also said that they have their doubts that the first shop ever did the rebuild as the transmission was very dirty and the original seal appeared to be in tact. I am now facing another rebuild at a cost of at least $1500.00 and another week without my car. I am now attempting to get the remainder of my money back from the “reputable transmission shop”.

Comment by Brandy — November 18, 2006 @ 2:54 pm

The “auto repair shop”on Horizon Dr. in Henderson ripped me off big time.My 73 year old mother was in town for a couple of days and her alternator in her cadillac went bad. We took the car in on saturday as she had to leave early monday. They put a new battery and alternator in the car for $915. She left early monday for her home in California and her car broke down outside of Barstow. It was only 110 degrees that day. The car was towed to the Cadillac dealership in Barstow where they found that the alternator was no good and it was an Autozone rebuilt alternator at a cost of $149.99 and the new battery was approximately a $79 battery. When I confronted the store manager about this he came across as a sheister and deceiving type person. He said he’d see me in court. I’m ready to jump on the class action lawsuit train. Plain and Simple- “auto repair shop”is a rip-off and I can’t wait till they turn that shop in to a Jiffy-Lube or Baskin Robbins.I highly recommend “Valley Auto” for honest quality automotive repairs. They are at 702-313-8008.

Comment by John Caito — November 18, 2006 @ 3:36 pm

I had a bad experience at “auto repair shop” on S Eastern near St. Rose. Was told that I needed an alternator & the reason the alternator was bad was because the starter needed replaced also.
After I paid the bill of approximately $500.00, I opened the hood to look at the new alternator, only to find it was the same one I drove in with. I went to the manager & told him what I found & he told me that it was the same one I drove in with because they had rebuilt it. I told him I don’t know a lot about cars but I do know you can’t remove an alternator from underneath the car and since I was standing there and knew they had not opened the hood.
The manager open the hood to see if there any signs that they had removed the alternator, finding none. They then replaced the alternator. Less than a week later I had to be towed because when I went to start it would not do anything. I had it towed to another place I was told was honest, HE informed me that the starter was bad & he put in a new one. I then took the starter that Purrfect had put in back to Purrfect and tried to get my money back since it lasted less than a week. After getting the runaround for four days I just quit trying.

Comment by Frederick Haines — November 19, 2006 @ 9:44 am

I had a coupon for A/C check, and took my van that had dual air to “auto repair shop” on Trop. Bruce. The air on the van was cool but not cold. When I went to pick it up, and was told I needed $300.00 worth of freon. I asked why it needed so much? They said there was not any freon in the system. I was pisses off but could not prove anything so I took it to a shop on boulder highway by the Skyline Casino; it cost me $175 to fill it back up with freon.

Comment by i johnson — November 19, 2006 @ 10:05 am

I took my car to the “auto repair shop” on decatur & oakey across from the swap meet for transmission work. For what should have been warrenty work and taken only a few days, its run up over $4000 so far. I’ve taken the car back numberous times and they keep breaking new things. They crashed it on a test drive, and have yet to make good on all of the problems they have caused. Long story short, the dealers are no better in this town.

Comment by Dennis Warner — November 19, 2006 @ 5:40 pm

I am so glad you finally caught “auto repair shop” Auto in the act. I had repair work done five years ago at the “auto repair shop” on Decatur. The car was returned to the shop a few times for the same problem and within a month of the repairs the engine blew up in the car. I took a huge loss in all the repairs ($500+ each time) and not to mention had to get rid of the car and was left on the bus with my son who is in a wheelchair. Thank God you guys caught them in the act.

Comment by Vanessa McConnell — November 20, 2006 @ 3:07 am

I took my vehicle to the “auto repair shop” on Eastern and St. Rose and was ripped off losing $1600.00. Now we are sueing them. The guy on the news report friday Jason, we were told was a mechanic and part owner in the business. After they ripped us off and refused to fix the car for what we already paid them, Jason tried to make small talk with me asking me when my baby is due and telling me about his daughter. I can not believe the nerve at that horrible man.
I took my Ford to be fixed and to get a smog check at “auto repair shop” on 11-2-2006. I told the man at the front desk that my check engine light had turned on 11-1-2006 and my car was not shifting properly while I was driving my vehicle, explaining it would take a long time to shift into the next gear like from 30 to 40 MPH etc. I also told him the overdrive light was flashing. About an hour later a man named Hutch called me at work and said the neutral safety switch was bad and had caused other problems with the transmission. He said the shift solenoid within the transmission needed to be replaced, as well as the neutral safety switch. He also said two of the three oxygen sensors had gone bad as well because of the neutral safety switch going bad. He said if I had all three items fixed the check engine light would go off, the overdrive light would stop flashing and it would shift properly. He said the cost to fix these items was $1,420.00 and it could be completed by 6:00 that night. I told him I didn’t think the car was worth that much and it might not be worth it to fix it. He told me that his friend just sold a 2wd Ford explorer for $3,500 and mine was a 4wd so it would most likely sell for more when fixed. We decided it would be worth fixing it for the amount he gave us. He then called later and said when they went into the transmission to replace the shift solenoid, they noticed the transmission shift cable was bad and needed to be replaced. He said he could replace it for $96.58 bringing the total to $1,600.00. We decided to fix it for the additional money. He also said that my vehicle would not be completed until noon the next day 11-3-2006.

The next day, I went to pick up my car. Immediately when I started to drive away, the car, like before, had the same shifting problem, the check engine light went on and the O/D light began flashing. I immediately called Hutch and told him he didn’t fix the problem. He said to come back in the morning and they would have a look at it. The next day my husband and I took the Ford back. They drove the vehicle and Hutch then told us that I did not tell them their was a problem with the shifting while I was driving, that I said there was a problem with shifting from park to drive, which he fixed by replacing the neutral safety switch. We were then informed that he never drove the vehicle to check if the car shifted while driving because he claimed they could find out the problem with their check engine codes. We told him I did tell them it had a shifting problem while driving and he needed to fix it for the amount we already paid because they had not fixed the problem and that is what their invoice said. He said he would look at the vehicle again and let us know why it wasn’t shifting.

On 11-6-2006 Hutch called and told me the transmission needed to be replaced. He said he would do the labor for free, but we had to pay for the new transmission. I told him that was unacceptable since we had already paid for labor and other parts and none of those items he used, fixed the problems that he said it would fix. We do not have any trust in them because they keep on lying. For example, he told a channel 8 news investigator that the check engine light was no longer on, which is a lie since the light is still on. We took the vehicle to another mechanic and he told us that “auto repair shop” left the shift solenoid unplugged and that he couldn’t tell if it had been replaced, that the check engine light is still on as well as the over drive light, which we already were aware of, and the transmission needs to be rebuilt, which should fix the shifting problem. Basically what they fixed or said fixed was not the problem of the car.

Comment by Shannon Jerez — November 20, 2006 @ 9:17 am

On July 7, 2006 I went to the “auto repair shop”, S. Eastern Ave., Henderson for a #15.95 smog check and an oil change. I drove out with a bill of $224.36 for services which I do not think were performed including $40 to replace my spark plugs. I have a 2002 Honda Accord which had only 23,721 miles on it. After reviewing my owners manual and checking with my local Honda dealer, I was told that it was not necessary to replace my plugs until 105,000 miles! With only 24,600 miles registered on the car I then became suspicious of the repair shop and had my neighbor pull a plug. It was his opinion that the original plugs were still in the car.
I immediately confronted the manager at “auto repair shop”(who appeared in your Friday’s segment) and asked him to check the plugs. He was very argumentative and critical of me for asking for a recheck and asked if I was accusing him of cheating me, but when I threatened to report him to the Better Business Bureau and the State Attorney General’s Office he had a plug removed. At this point I have 24,600 miles on my car.It was apparent that the original plugs were still in the car. When I asked for a refund, he refused. Rather than getting confrontational, I left.There were other charges on the bill for services that I never authorized and for which I am very skeptical about ever having been performed. All of the above is documented.

If you know of any pending class action law suit against them, I would appreciate being notified so that I may be included in the action.

Comment by Sonny Calderone — November 20, 2006 @ 10:33 am

The story that was done on “auto repair shop”on Eastern and St. Rose, I took my car into them 5 years ago. I was ripped off by them. The manager of that shop…I don’t think he’s still there. Chris lied to me about the power steering and the spark plugs to my car. He overcharged me when I received my bill in the mail. I wouldn’t recommend anybody taking their car to that shop…ever! They’re dishonest mechanics.

Comment by Noni Glen — November 20, 2006 @ 10:57 am

On 6/23/06 my truck we noticed that my truck was leeking fluids. So we took it to “auto repair shop” to get it check out. It took them 3hours just to see what was wrong with the truck. Finally they came out and started listing off a bunch of problems. They told us that it would cost $442 to fix the radiator, thermostat, the gasket and the coolant leak. It took them a day and a half to fix my truck, and we also sat there and watched them totally ignore fixing our truck while they fix 10 others cars that came in the day after are truck did. The day after I double checked all the fluids in my truck and I noticed that they let me leave their shop and drive around all day without a drop of antifreeze in my truck,and my radiator is still acting up. And they won’t give us our money back for the work that they didn’t do and we have no money to spend getting it fixed at another shop. Also before they gave us our truck back they also told us that the engine would need to be replaced and that there was something wrong with our front right tire because it now wobbles and makes grinding noises when we turn or back up. The funny thing is is that my tire and my engine were perfectly find before I took it to them, because we had a friend that is a certified mechanic look at it before we even moved up here. And now we have a jacked up truck, NO MONEY to fix it, and no money to hire a lawyer to get our money back. I believe that “auto repair shop”should have to return the money to the customers that they took advantage of, some type of pain and suffering, and also they should have to pay for all the other parts that they purposely jacked up so they could get more money out of you.

Comment by Shannon Bennett — November 20, 2006 @ 6:09 pm

My son recently took his brand new car to a “auto repair shop”on Craig and Tenaya for his first oil change in the car. 30 days later his car stopped. We had it towed to the dealer to find out that the engine was blown. There was no oil filter anymore and no oil in the car. $8,000.00 later he is driving his car again. We are at a loss on what to do about the lack of service from the auto shop. Until your story, we were looking at it as a costly lesson because we did not take the car to the dealer for the oil change.

Comment by Gail — November 20, 2006 @ 7:16 pm

I had a couple of cars worked on at the “auto repair shop”at Buffalo & Alta. Both cars were less than 2 years old. Both had between 30K and 40K miles on them. On both cars the mechanic on the phone gave the same speech. He sounded upset and said, “Oh man, the calipers need to be rebuilt!” He made the exact same comment on both which made me very suspicious. He also said it in the same manner, with a false sense of despair. I okayed both repairs (these were weeks apart) because I figured they have me over a barrel anyway, because the cars are all apart in their shop. The next time the brakes went out, I took them to the dealer. The “auto repair shop” job only lasted for 12K approx. on both vehicles. On my Caddy, the service dept. at Cadillac told me that my calipers needed to be rebuilt. When I told them that “auto repair shop” supposedly did this 12K miles ago, they said no way! The calipers appeared to be the original ones. I haven’t used “auto repair shop” since.

Comment by Patrick Lyons — November 20, 2006 @ 7:18 pm

“auto repair shop” on Craig and Lamb. My husband brought his car in for his radiator. When he got it back, the sensors were missing. We also have a friend who went there for a long time. She moved out of Vegas. When she took her car to the dealership, she found out that a bunch of her sensors were missing also as well as several of her parts were welded together when they shouldn’t have been. They are known to take out sensors and parts so that the car’s system is tricked into thinking everything is okay.

Comment by JE — November 20, 2006 @ 9:41 pm

some of the bigger scams are,transmissions,brakes,and tires.Have you ever paid $2,200.00 for a new transmission,most people don’t have the means to install one themselves,so you say oh well,they got me,but i guess i need it and now i probably won’t have any more troubles as long as i own this car.Guess what,I bet your wrong,did you know a great majority of those transmissions are used,not new,and probably purchased for around $300.00 and installed in about an hour. Next on the list,Brakes.you see it advertised everywhere,Brake special $89.00,but i bet your price falls somewhere between $400 and $800.now don’t get me wrong,your brakes are very important,but get second opinions,and maybe you know someone who is somewhat handy that you could have do the work maybe on a saturday morning or something,as important as your brakes are,it’s still not rocket science.I was quoated over $700,I purchased all the parts at an auto parts store for about $80 and installed them in about 1 1/2hrs with basic tools. Next,tires.you see them advertised $39.00 and some with mounting and balancing included,your thinking ok with tax maybe $200,but when you get there they tell you that you need struts,shocks,alaignment,etc.plus the tire for your car is actually $69.00 and you have to remind them that the mounting and balancing is included.tell them you only have $200 and by some miracle they crunch the numbers and can get you just the tires for $197.00 mounted and balanced. I could go on and on but the the point is please be cautious and don’t feel pressured into anything,I have driven away from a few places after having repairs done and felt sick to my stomach,like i had just been raped.

Comment by Dominick Albanese — November 21, 2006 @ 12:16 am

The same chain with shop located on Cheyenne and Rancho tried to rip me off about 4 years ago. I took a van in for a 30,000 mile service. When I returned home after picking it up I checked. The radiator had not been flushed (antifreeze was at same level as when I took it in, about 1 inch low), tires had not been rotated (scuff on right front tire was still on right front location), air filter had not been opened or checked and I suspect differential was not topped off. I took it back and in a voice loud enough for everyone in shop to hear, told them they were crooks and demanded they complete the work immediately while I stood over mechanic and watched. Manager offered me a free servicing on next visit. Again, very loudly I told him “Do you think I am stupid enough to come back here again?”
Regrettably, I did not report it to Attorney General Office.

Comment by John Stitnizky — November 21, 2006 @ 1:08 am

I am pleased to see that you are taking action against “auto repair shop”. I believe that most of their shops are committing fraudulant acts both in Nevada and California. I wrote to you on my experience on two occassions. It was based on misrepresentation and possible charges for work not done in the amount of $5000. I have not yet seen my comments posted. If you need additional information, I will furnish it. It had to do with the shop on Rock Springs Dr. Las Vegas.

Comment by Joe Schiripa — November 21, 2006 @ 6:18 am

I can not believe somebody finally does something to teach those crooks a lesson. Thank you channel 8. I was also ripped off big time 3 or so years ago by “auto repair shop” on Sunset. Lured by cheaper oil change coupon I ended up with over $2000 repairs and I still do not have my car in original condition. After oil change I was recommended to have all 4 struts replaced for cheaper than competitors price. Boy - was that a mistake! Suffice to say - struts were faulty (had to be replaced again by somebody reliable), car started to shift to one side of a road, 2 ABS sensors were damaged during repair. I’ve experienced a lot of frustrations ever since they got a hand on my car. I’ve never been compensated for any damage. Even with bad struts in my hand (again changed by more reliable shop) and proper paper record - “auto repair shop” didn’t want to be held accountable claiming change of owner. From the interesting facts - guess how they fixed my “check ABS” light they caused to lit? They ripped the light bulb from the dashboard ! They lied to my face: “oh yes, it was just a loose connection, we’ve fixed your check ABS light”. I had all the evidence to prove their deceitfulness. It’s uncomprehensible to me how long business like them can prosper in this great country.

Comment by Senior — November 21, 2006 @ 8:07 am

how come they (channel dont report about the repair shops that are purrfect auto that do honest work ?????????? would that not be fair news , so lets not say good things just negative? how sad are their lives?

Comment by jack — November 21, 2006 @ 11:33 am

i belive iam a victim of “auto repair shop”. i took my car in for a tune up and i was told first it would cost about 100.00 dollars to fix it. but then the final cost was 249.50 then i took the car home and after about 30 days it began doing the same thing again. so i called randy which is the store manage and he told me to bring the car back in. so the next day i took the car in and was told now that i needed the egr replaced which cost me another 250.00 he then called me while i was at work to let me know that i also had a oil leak and need two motor mounts replaced he stated that would cost another 400.00 so i let them repair it. Then just after 5 days now i am still having the same problem with my car. i called randy today and once again he stated to bring the car in and he would see why it is still doing the same thing. so tommorow morning iam going to take the car in. Just to see what he has to say this time. I am sure i was ripped off. i would like to know what i can do about being ripped off. or who i need to contact. The total cost i paid to them was 918.97 and iam not sure they even replaced anything. i really need so advise on what to do. thank you Karen Messer

Comment by karen messer — November 21, 2006 @ 12:01 pm

HI THERE NAME IS WES GAUDA I JUST WATCH YOUR NEWS ABOUT AUTO REPAIR SHOP RIPOFF I JUST GOT RIP OFF AT “auto repair shop” AT EASTERN AND SAIT ROSE I DID A 90,000 MILES CHECK UP THAT COST ME $307 THEY SAID MY CAR HAS AND OIL LEAK THEY NEEDED TO CHANGE OIL PAN AND GASKET AND IT COST ME ANOTHER $425 AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK FROM THE REPAIR SHOP AND IT STILL HAS THE OIL LEAK I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO GO INSIDE THE ENGINE TO GET TO THE OIL LEAK THEY WANTED ANOTHER $700 TO GET TO THE PROBLEM I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY NEED MORE MONEY IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO MY CAR STILL HAS THE OIL LEAK

Comment by WESLEY GAUDA — November 22, 2006 @ 7:32 pm

I recently sued “auto repair shop” in Henderson Small Claims Court and received my money back plus court fees, $300.00. I just mailed 9 pages of the suit to Deputy A.G. Ernest Figuero who is prosecuting this case. I hope you will please try to include Henderson in your report because they are a well known community nuisance and everyone, even the courts, are helpless to do anything about them. Thank you very very much for your efforts on this crime. The corporate office in CA only serves to knowingly and willfully abet in this robbery repeatedly, as a way they do ‘business’.

Robin Head

Comment by Robin Head — November 23, 2006 @ 11:39 am

Some underpaid lube-techs skipped a couple items on the list. Big deal! I used to work for a similar lube shop, and I never did everything on these late model cars. If you guys want everything done by the book, take you car to the dealer for $500-600, or do it yourself.

Channel 8’s investigation is fun to watch, but that’s about it. There’s almost 100 lubeshops in Las Vegas. For every one they manage to shut down, 2 new will open.

Bottom line is that these shops will never close down because people are cheap, and how can you beat a $10 oil change!

Comment by Pete — November 23, 2006 @ 6:40 pm

I have been a regular customer of “auto repair shop” for several years now. I’ve never had any problems with them. I had a small oil leak one time, but they took care of me right away. If you consider that they work on hundreds of cars every week, there’s always going to be a few unhappy customers left behind.
“Auto repair shop” needs to improve it’s public image, and needs to take care of it’s customer complaints. The disctrict manager I contacted when I had a problem is Hutch, and his number is 403-2590. He’s the one to contact if you have a problem. He took good care of me.

Comment by Joseph Geiger — November 25, 2006 @ 3:29 pm

About three weeks ago, (right before you aired this story) I went into “auto repair shop” in Henderson for a tune up and oil change that was supposed to cost about $35. After I left my vehicle, they called and said I needed many other repairs but selected just a few that should be done immediately. I, of course, couldn’t afford all of the recommended repairs. They tried to talk me into more repairs by telling me my car would probably break down without them. Being a single mom, the thought of my car breaking down due to these problems was scary. I just didn’t have the money.In the end, I spent almost $200. I’m not sure if they actually repaired anything. My car seems to be running the same now as it was when I took it to them. It’s too bad that places like that can get away with these things.

Comment by LH — November 29, 2006 @ 12:43 am

“Auto Repair Shop” on No. Rancho
i took my jeep to this place for oil change…noticed after the oil change was complete i had leaks under my jeep…took it back for a check need gaskets…pick up jeep stering was way off…took jeep back 4 time and still leaks and stering is off….im out of 6hundred dollors..took jeep in today to see if they had fix jeep just charged me for no service ..was told if i came up with 475.00 they could fix a problem the had already charged me for
im so mad and frustrated over this bull….is there someone any one know that i can contact about this scam shop…help please

Comment by taylor — December 28, 2006 @ 5:08 pm

I went to an “auto repair shop” on Craig Rd near I-15 for new brakes. They said it would take 30 minutes. I returned to find my car up on the lift with both front tires and rims removed. The “manager” said he wanted to show me something on the car. They hadn’t even touched the brakes yet after over 40 minutes. I told him to put the brakes on and put the wheels and tires on. I am in the military and was in uniform at the time which goes to show you, they’ll try to rip anyone off.

Comment by Richard, Las Vegas — December 29, 2006 @ 6:30 am

I purchased a used truck I saw on Craig’s List at the Econo-Lube at Jones & Cheyenne in January. I traded in my minivan and gave the owner Shawn Smith another $1000 for this truck…and then the problems began. There was a 6 month warranty on the “new engine” that they had supposedly put in..so I felt comfortable in buying it. I have taken the truck in over 12 times in 10 weeks to have them fix the problems with the engine and a/c compressor..they would keep my truck..lie to me..keep me waiting for days…do faulty work..over and over and over..they forced me to get an estimate from another shop to prove that the engine wasn’t right and then told me they didn’t trust the shop and made me get a very expensive quote from the Chevy dealership…$350 later they barely fixed the engine problem..never fixed the a/c..and mysteriously moved from the Jones/Cheyenne location overnight..The owner and mechanics are totally dishonest and shamless about wasting my money and time. I now have the truck sitting in my driveway not running..I have had to to the repairs myself and am waiting until I have enough money to get the next part…meanwhile I have no worktruck and must use my wife’s car or get rides to work!! What a waste.

Comment by Allen Heitzman — March 24, 2007 @ 12:18 pm

I took my car to Desert Pontiac gMC, Buick on 6/27/06 reason horn blow the fuse the put the car in their computer and charge $95.00 to tell me that need a new switch, finally rhey received the switch on 8/03/06 and charge me $192.41 such repair didn;t work the service person then told me that the problem was in the steering wheel and will cost me around $800.00 the dealer was at the valley auto mal.

Comment by robert pachot — April 12, 2007 @ 1:37 pm

I went to Purrfect Auto Service to a Fuel injection Regulator repair and I was changed 349.00 for a part the Cost about 79.00 and about half hour to replace. They charge 169.00 for the part and 180.for labor. Something that should have cost only about about 150.00. I really got ripoff with these people. I will be reporting them to the Nevada Consumer Affair Division and the Better business beuru. Any thing that can be done to stop these people from riping off other customer would be appreciated.

Comment by Jose Crespo — April 20, 2007 @ 12:16 pm

I am looking for an attorney that handles cases for faulty automobile repain. I took my car in and supposedly it was a “hairline crack in the gasket” I was quoted 2300.00 3 months later it was 2700.00 and the gasket came from the “junkyard” When I picked my car up not only was it hit on the finder, but there was a bad knocking. I called to complain. 2 weeks later my engine literally died on the freeway. After towing my vehicle the shop said they would tow it in to look at it. Even though they are now ordering me a “new” engine–with 75k miles, they want me to pay for the fluids. When I stated “No” and requested a loaner car, I was given a 1980 large I don’t know what kind of non-airbag car it is. Please refer me to an attorney!!

Comment by Kitty — May 1, 2007 @ 7:44 am

I have been in Vegas for Years and found too of the best in honest Mechanics in the bussiness, That the Auto Shop in henderson off Boulder Hwy, and Express Tranmittion, I wouldn’t go anywhere else my car has alittle under 200,000 miles on it and it runs fine,both place are a block away from each other they were great, for me and they will do the same for you. You will be please with work done on your car.

Comment by Derrick — May 8, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

I also feel that I was also a victim of Purrfect Auto on Eastern and St. Rose. I brought my car in for an oil change. One of the techs brought me into the back to show me a major leak and told me that I had to replace the pan and gasket. It was gushing oil, so of course I agreed to the service. I asked how I could have been driving around and loosing that much oil. She said that it must have just happened. Maybe a rock hit the pan. The “nice” tech offered to do the service for half off. I have since heard that this is a scam, loosening the gasket to let oil pour out. A $9 oil change turned into a $180 rip off. And to make matters worse, I was wearing flip flops and pregnant and I almost slipped twice when brought back to look under the car.

Comment by Caroline — July 24, 2007 @ 10:22 pm

I am a victim of the perfect auto shop on Oakey and Rainbow, we took both our van and our truck to the shop to so a standard tune up, ended up costing us 1200.00 for each vehicle and this was back in march of this year and today my van is in another shop with a broken timing belt and needs a new engine, needs new breaks and nothing changed in the van, with my truck we have a 86 nissan pickup truck and the clutch needed to be changed, so that i what was done but 4 days after the truck didn’t want to start due to the clutch, took it back a 2nd time and they fixed it again this time a week later and the same thing happened, went to take it back a 3rd time and that is when we discovered that the shop had a different owner or manager and that if we gave the receipt he would honor the warrenty, but I am afraid to take it there cause everyt time I do it’s a 40.00 tow charge to take it to the shop. what can be done about it.

Comment by Thomas — July 25, 2007 @ 2:20 am

It is so validating to see justice
come for a company that really took advantage of me and crippled me financially. I was new resident to Las Vegas,last year 2006, when I took my vehicle in for repairs at the Purrfect auto at 7860 W. Ann Rd. After getting the estimate for the repairs, I agreed to the repair, and after completion I returned to picked vehicle, made payment in full only to find that it never was fixed. When I confronted the manager, I was informed that the repair they did needed to be done and I would have to pay for more repairs. I was devastated and promptly left and had my vehicle towed to a second Purrfect Auto
at 1910. I was informed there that the vehicle was so bad that it was unrepairable. However they
offered to help me by giving me $200.00 to scrap and tow it for me. anyone else would only give me about $50.00 to scrap it, the only thing they needed was the title.
Desparate in attempt to survive I took the money, only to quickly see
MY vehicle back there and one of the employees driving it, contradictory to what I was informed. I still see my vehicle today in use now and it hurts. Yes I feel very scammed,
this hurt me very much, but I felt it was nothing that I could do legally. I am so glad that others
have banded together to bring light to a scam that preyed on vunerable citizens unshamefully.
It hurt me tremendously being that
I am disabled, on a fixed income of SSI.

Comment by Will — July 25, 2007 @ 8:50 am

A simple oil change at the Rock Springs auto repair shop wound up costing me $1,000. When I picked up my car, I had a brand spanking new crack in my oil pan. I love it when that happens.

Comment by Arlene — July 25, 2007 @ 9:25 am

I myself was a faithful customer at a certain Purrfect Auto and I felt like they were really doing me good service unil everything starting going wrong one part at a time. Went for a tune up car still ran like bad was told motor mounts needed replaced. I said okay which ones they told me 2. pull out the parking lot still the vibrations turn around go back they say Oh! You need 2 more and charged me again for doing the 2. Basicly all four needed to be replaced so they doubled their money for charging me again. Then My rack and pinion needed to be replaced which is part of my steering and suspension. I had them do that 2 weeks later my axles broke and I need new shocks!
! Had them replace them thinking why wasnt I told I should need those replaced soon. Then My transmission was acting funny they say you need a flush but I just had the tune up! Took it to another shop just to see if they were getting over on me and they said the bolts holding my transmission pan were finger tight meaning they had been losened and that why i was lacking power. Car was fine after they tightened it for free! But anyways I give people and places the benefit of the doubt until I’m done wrong. I have receipts and print outs for every service and credit card receipts showing how much i paid within a six month period that could have been covered in maybe 2 or 3 days minus a few hundred.

Comment by Anniya Powell — July 25, 2007 @ 9:28 am

I went to the Purrfect on West Ann Road for an oil change and new brakes. I had to take the car back 4 times due to the brakes squeeling. They told me it was defective parts. On the second time I had to bring it back, the “clutch” was broken during the removal of the oil they changed. There was nothing wrong with my clutch previously. Now, my car runs so fast that it stalls at stop lights. AND the brakes still dont work. This was less than 3 months ago and Purrfect Auto is sending me soliciations to return. Truthfully, it feels like a set up. Now that I hear they doing this to others, I feel it even more. This whole thing cost me about 1000.00 and I still need a tune up and brakes.

Comment by Dana — July 25, 2007 @ 10:01 am

I TOOK MY TRUCK TO PURRFECT AUTO ON HORIZON RIDGE IN HENDERSON FOR THERE BEAT THE HEAT FLUID COMBO SPECIAL COUPON IN HAND PRICE WAS99.95 HE WROTE IT UP THEN SAID YOUR TRUCK NEEDS SPECIAL ATF FLUID THE PRICE WENT TO 173.04 I NOW KNOW THEY RIPED ME OFF ALSO

Comment by thomas mitchell — July 25, 2007 @ 11:47 am

My complaint occured on June 6th 2002. At Purrfect Aut0 Service #6 on 2055 S Rainbow. Lured to this location by an ad in the newspaper for a $29.95 oil change and tune-up. It wound up costing me$840 and returned with an oil leak, no A/C and the “ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT” stayng lit. My efforts with [the owner] and the [Nevada Consumer Affairs Division] were pactically useless.
I really believe that service people and many state officials take advatage of Senior ignorance and realize we are at their mercy. It’s not right

Comment by Mary Curnan — July 25, 2007 @ 12:05 pm

Purrfect Auto Service 72-3540 E. Tropicana, Suite A400, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Regarding Invoice #11906 2/12/07 - $1,172.98. Went in for brakes and was told we needed front & rear brakes, radiator hose, air & fuel filter, 02 sensor, oil/filter, pcv valve, spark plugs and wires + 16 other parts + serpentine belt, throttle body cleaning and transmission cleaning. It’s now 7/25/07 and we have been back several times because the brakes STILL make noise and grind. We were told it would take 1,000 miles to break in the new brakes. Questionable answer - no one I’ve talked with has ever heard of such a thing on new brake shoes and pads. We feel that there is a good chance we were taken advantage of. Two weeks after brake work we went in for check-up for noise and was told that we needed rear calipers rebuilt at an additional cost of $357.73. We had the work done and the brakes still made noise and grinding sound. After spending more than $1,500, we still have the same noise and grinding as when we started! Management has changed twice and we have been told three different stories. On 7/17/07 our starter went out. We were told by Purrfect Auto that we would need a new starter and alternator at a cost of more than $1,000. When we told them we were calling for a second opinion, the estimate dropped down to $731.00 - $269.00 less for the same work offered. We are responding to a newscast stating that Purrfect Auto Services has taken advantage of 6 out of 10 customers and that they are being investigated. Please contact us if any further steps can be taken to recover any of the money charged for our brake work or other parts. Thank you in advance for any support. Please contact us if more information is needed.

Comment by Charles Mochrie — July 25, 2007 @ 8:30 pm

I dropped my car off for service @ purrfect auto on Rock Springs Dr. Telling them i would return in 1 week, when i came back there was severe damage done to the rear of my vehicle. Not only have they denied doing the damage they have been not helpful at all in resolving this matter. If you could inform me on how to help settle my claim i would appreciate it.

Comment by Joel — July 26, 2007 @ 6:56 am

I took my car to a neighborhood Purrfect Auto at 2050 Craig Rd on 9/9/05 (mileage was 30,213) for 30,000 mile service. I was in a position where I could observe and I noticed they didn’t service my injectors and they told me my car was ready. I told the manager they didn’t service the injectors and he had them do it when I pointed it out to him (bill was $176.90). I left and every thing seemed to be ok for a couple of weeks until I took a trip to Calif. and my car just wasn’t running right. After putting up with the car not running right and stalling on me at highway speeds I decided to take my car to the dealer.The dealer informed me that the wrong plugs were installed resulting in my ignition coil burned out (bill came to $355.14.)I returned to Purrfect Auto and showed him my invoice from him and the invoice from the dealer which clearly states the wrong plugs were installed at the 30,000 mile service. The manager at Purrfect auto listened with a deaf ear and said they did nothing wrong and refused to compensate me in any way.I had to eat the $355.14 it cost me to correct Purrfect Auto’s sloppy work.

Comment by James Murphy — July 26, 2007 @ 9:58 am

On May 25th (friday)I was on my way home from from signing my employment papers for my new job after being out of work for a few months. My car stalled out near my home so I walked home and found a flyer for the Perfect auto on Decator and W Sahara. They sent a tow truck and picked it up. Then called a half hour later and said the car needed a new engine for $2000. I told them my situation again and couldnt aford it but needed to make some calls to friends to try to borrow the money. After a week i couldnt come up with the money so I called them and told them i would come by and pay the towing bill. The manager said it would be $60.00 I had to borrow that since my payday for my new job wasnet for another week and I told him I would be by after work to pay it and arrange to have it picked up. A half hour passed and he called me back and said that the Manager said it was now $315.00 i told him I didnt have that much money and he said I could sign it over to them for the tow bill. I asked why the change in price and he just said it was the manager and there was nothing he could do about it. I just called today and asked for the manager and the guy he claimed was the manager called him to the phone. That Saturday I stoped by and got all my possesions out of the car and the inside had been ran sack with all my things spred out all over the car. he came out and said “what a mess”. then he pulled out a peiece of paper for me to sign the car over to him I told him I wasnt going to let him rip me off and I wasnt going to sign. he said i had to i said I didnt and got in my friends car and drove off. When i called today to get the managers name i asked what happened to the car and he said the junk yard has it now. I also asked why when i asked for the manager that the other guy called him to the phone when he told me in the past that the other guy was the manager, he said they both are managers. Why would he call [the first guy] to the phone if he was the manager too?
I would like to know how I can complain to the AG on them.

Comment by Patrick Thomas — July 26, 2007 @ 12:09 pm

i went into a Purrfect auto shop needing front axle’s, and in the end i left with oil, and air filter, diagnostic, draining of radiator, trans, with refilling. injection cleaning, front breaks, pcv valve, tire rotation, ext…. all in all looking to spend no more then $200.00, and spent $750.00. i guess what i am saying, after seeing the report, i never seen the people put the “new” stuff in. and i dont think i ever needed it.. the car is only 4 years old, and i keep it in great shape… thank you..

Comment by matt t — July 26, 2007 @ 9:26 pm

To add on a little more info, it was on the St.rose and eastern store. now i did not have a lot of money to spare at all, so it was at frist $1100.00 and the “nice ladie” said she would do it for $850.00, i said well thats still too much, she the said, ” since i’m new to the area i will do it for $750.00 just for you” i said ok. what was i going to do. so it was done, i feel ripped off big time, and i thought i got the good deal. i then got her a gift card to a local restorant for $50.00 to thank her.. never agian will i be played for a fool. i hope something is done to fix this “Auto Problem”

Comment by matt t — July 26, 2007 @ 9:36 pm

About Purrfect Auto.. They should be put out of business. I went to the Eastern store back in 2001 because my truck’s A/C has a little leak and I showed the leak to the mechanic. The manager told me $30 fee for him to take a look at it so I paid cash and then he checked it visually and gave me an estimate of $630 and he said they are running a special $550 if I pay cash to have it fixed. He said I have to leave my truck because they are going to send it a a/c repair place. I sense a scam so I left but without the $30, non-refundable. I took my truck to a family run auto shop by Decatur & Flamingo(behind BurgerKing) and cost me $160 including the 134A charge(freon)

Comment by Brendo R. — July 30, 2007 @ 11:25 pm

A friend of mine & myself, both disabled, were also victims of “phantom repairs” that were supposedly performed at the Purrfect Auto on Nellis, just north of Charleston. I’m not talking about a few bucks, either. Repair bills came to over $1,000. And, to add insult to injury, we were physically threatened by some gorilla when we confronted them. However, if you want an HONEST shop, check out Hollywood Auto at Sahara & Sloan. They are truly great guys!

Comment by Michael H. Baird — July 30, 2007 @ 11:46 pm

Thanks for including this story in an I-Team investigation; I was under the impression that “Purrfect Auto” was going to rip people off forever. Please believe when I tell you that many of my closest friends (at least 4) have been taken by these crooks. Back in September of 2002 I received a coupon in the mail that offered me an oil change for $9.95. I live on Sunset and Pecos so I went to a Purrfect Auto just off of that intersection. The attendant who changed my oil told me “I needed my brakes checked and he could do it for free”. I had just purchased my vehicle 3 months prior so I told him I would do it later. Almost immediately after leaving the repair shop I noticed that my brakes felt a little tighter when I pressed down on the pedal. 3 days later my brakes went out (at this point I thought I was just paranoid and I didn’t have any proof, so I didn’t want to point any fingers). I brought my car back to the shop where they tried to charge me $900 for a complete break set: calipers, pads, rotors and hardware. I told the attendant that I was strapped for cash. He told me he could pull some strings and “hook me up with a labor discount” for $500 if I left my car there for a few days. So I did as he asked. 7 days later I got my car back. I noticed that he ran up over 100 miles on my car. I figured he just test drove my car. 1 week later when I washed my car I found empty condom wrappers in the back of my car. I only get freaky at home. Needless to say I never went back to that shop again. To top off the insult, I went to Midas (a real auto mechanic) 6 months later to get my breaks checked, only to find out that no new parts were installed on my car!!!! They sanded my pads and resurfaced my rotors, BUT DID NOT PERFORM THE SERVICES I PAID FOR. Thanks for your time, and if you read this, go to MIDAS.

Comment by C MacLaughlin — July 30, 2007 @ 11:55 pm

Please check out Buffalo Jim’s. His garage is right next to Crazy Horse. I was a new resident from Canada when my Dodge Ram was having problems. I took it to Jim’s and boy did I get Bufallo’d. My van was having a hard time starting. Jim said I had a short in my wiring that ended up costing me over $1500.00. The sad part was the van was never fixed.Each time I took it back it cost me for a different part. Being as I was from Canada I had a remote starter that would automatically start the vehicle to either warm it up in winter or the air conditioner in the summer. Someone from his garage stole it and Jim denied my van ever had a remote. Even when I showed him the cut wires under the dash for the remote he still denied it. I’m not saying they did something else to my van but it ran good before they got their hands on it. Within a month of them working on it the motor blew. Every time I went there the van ran worse than before they got their hands on it.

Comment by Charlire — July 30, 2007 @ 11:56 pm

Hi, I live in Henderson and I went to the Purrfect Auto repair shop located on Eastern and St Rose Parkway. I told them I was going to use a coupon and was expecting to only pay $15 for a oil change. When I got back they showed me a bill for $75! I asked them why they were charging me so much and the man said they used synthetic oil. I told them I didn’t ask for that and I wanted to speak to a manager. They wouldn’t give me my keys unless I paid. I argued with them and eventually paid them for better oil even though I didn’t ask for it. They said the synthetic oil would be better for my car and I wouldn’t have to get another oil change for 9,000 miles. When I got to my car the sticker on my front windshield said I was due for another oil change in 3,000 miles. I demanded a refund but was refused and they said the sticker was a mistake.

Comment by Jason — July 31, 2007 @ 12:14 am

I went to purrfect auto to have my oil changed and came out with my car shaking and everything..i took it back there and they told me it was my brakes that needed to be fixed..so i took it somewhere else and come to find out they broke my motor mounts on my car and so know i have pay over $1000 to have my car fix..when i went back to them they said it wasnt there fault and that i would have to pay for everything..never agian would i take my car there…help i need my car fixed…

Comment by amy — July 31, 2007 @ 5:17 am

Yes I have been ripped off by Pet Boys. Every time I go there, there is always an issue of them over charging me for a service that don’t need. That is the only shop I’ve ever been to that really rips women off for services.

Comment by Sam — July 31, 2007 @ 12:28 pm

In 1997 I blew a head casket and because they included free towing, They had orignally gave me a estament, then days later called me to say the car had a alumnium heads the had to get one from calif. Which cost 400.00 and then when finished the bill came over 1200.00 and I know now I got ripped off. The store was on decauter, The car was a Ford escort a 1984.

Comment by Shelby Dunkerley — July 31, 2007 @ 12:45 pm

St Rose & Eastern. Short version of story - $750.00 down the drain. I hope the AG takes the whole lot of them down, including the technicians who participated. After all w/o them the ringleaders wouldn’t have gotten away with these crimes for so long.

Comment by Mike — July 31, 2007 @ 12:47 pm

craig road and bruce they rip me off big time cost me 4 thousand when it was all over with they said they changed my thermostat and raditar and come to find out they did nothing at all car over heated burn the engine and now they dont want to pay this auto shop has ripped a lot of people off and its time for the people off lost vegas to fight back against thease disshonest people.we work hard for are money sometimes its hard to make ends meet but some how we do but when some one rips you off it really hurts because it takes food off your table and shoes away from your kids.

Comment by curtis taylor — July 31, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

perfect auto at craig and losse are crooks trust me I have a thermosat right now that iam looking at they never was replaced cost me big time

Comment by curtis — July 31, 2007 @ 1:01 pm

On 6/22/07 I took my car in to Purrfect Auto on Las Vegas Blvd No and Carey for a oil change and a tune up and to have my A/C unit checked the service man checked
my car and told me my motor mount needed to be replaced. the repairs costed me a total of 645.20 and the motor now jumps when ever I start the car and I still can not get it fixed they gave me a paper that say it should rise up but it does more than just rise up short of jumping out of the car warranties expired my extented warrant. payed for 387.64 which was refunded after I payed the total bill an car still is not fixed

Comment by Jene Reeves — July 31, 2007 @ 1:08 pm

I have taken my car back to Purfect Auto on ******* 6 times over the past 4 months for my brakes for squeeking. 3 weeks ago they said they replaced my brakes with the top of the line pads. I paid for new rotors and pads and severals hours out of my day to leave my car. They were really nice but everytime I went they tried upselling me something other services they said I needed. After seeing the news about them I am going to take my car to have the brakes checked to see if they really replaced the pads.

Comment by Kathy Paiste — July 31, 2007 @ 8:49 pm

How come these TV channels don’t have anything better to do than find a victim and pick on it until the viewers run out of patience?!! I’m sure if they would have chosen any other repair shop (or any known restaurant for example) the comments would have been about the same! There are always people who aren’t happy with how they were treated at one point in their lives at almost any business and who are just waiting to tell their story! That comes with the territory, especially in the auto repair business when a lot of clients don’t really know what their car needs! Guys! The world is full of more important stories that need to be broadcasted! Get better reporters or just stick to soap operas reruns if you can’t handle your news!!!

Comment by Maria — July 31, 2007 @ 11:12 pm

I took my vehicle to the Purrfect Auto Service at****** for a 60,000 mile check up back in 2004. Shortly after my car is having major (and I mean major) problems. It would overheat for no reason, everytime it shifts gears it would jerk real violently. Once these problems started arriving, I took my car to Purrfect’s neighbor, Tom’s Auto Repair (amazing and honest Tom is, I highly recommend him!), and even they were baffled by what was wrong with my car. He even did some of the work at no cost to me just to see if he could find it. we had expert electricians look at the car, and overall to fix purrfect’s mess up costed me over 2000 dollars! Everyone told me that my car was just a dud and that I was crazy when I said they messed my car up, but I must say I was almost in tears when I saw the story on the news because finally someone understands the pain I went through because of this extremely shady company. I plan to do everything within my power to make sure they know I am a very unsatisfied customer.

And for those looking for honest mechanics. Go to Tom’s Auto Repair on Craig road and LV BLVD. I dont know what I would have done without their honest help.

Comment by Bathory — August 1, 2007 @ 8:42 am

I had several issues with the Purrfect Auto shop on Ann & Simmons in the N. Las Vegas area. In January 2007 our car was brought there with a coolant leak. We had to leave the car for a couple of days in order for them to get the part and then once we took the car home, it still leaked. After several attempts and having to leave the car in the shop off and on over a 2 week period another problem was discovered. Not only were we extremely displeased with the work performed, but the manager was extremely rude and even hung up the phone on me while my car was still in their possession.
To make matters worse, the same car once again was leaking coolant in July. I took it to another location and was told it was the thermostat housing again. I was forced to take it back to Ann & Simmons since the thermostat housing should have been under warranty. Once again, the car was dropped off on a Saturday, but had to remain at the shop until Monday. I was told that the problem would be fixed “free of charge” since I paid for this same problem in January of this year. When we picked up the car I was told that the fans were not working in the engine, so in order for them to detect the “problem” I would need to spend $150 on a diagnostic check. Considering all the issues I had, I picked up the car and brought it to another Purrfect Auto location (95 & Ann Rd) and they looked at the car immediately and showed me that the fans WERE working. I also asked them about the $150 diagnostic check and they said their charge would have only been $49.99 and then applied to any work performed.
I brought the car home and sure enough, the coolant was still leaking after the Ann & Simmons store supposedely fixed the issue.
The location on 95 & Ann took another look and said it was a hose issue and fixed it free of charge.

To sum up, I think the Purrfect Auto on Ann & Simmons are shady and provide poor service all the way around.

The Purrfect Auto on 95 & Ann has done a great job for me and in a timely fashion.

Comment by Kimberlee Hamilton — August 1, 2007 @ 8:48 am

Has anyone gone to the Purrfect auto on Craig and Allen?? I have been there a couple of times now, and after reading the statements everyones made and seeing the news reports, I think I’ve been ripped off more than 2,000 dollars.

Comment by Patricia Payan — August 1, 2007 @ 10:18 am

I took my car into the Purrfect Auto Service off of Pecos and Flamingo for a simple oil change. They contact me while I was away and said my battery was leaking acid and I needed to replace it immediately for $150 not to mention a new hose for another $140. I didn’t believe him as my vehicle is only a few years old. I asked him to show me and he took his bare hand and wiped my battery and insisted this was acid. How could he wipe it with his hands if it was acid? I told him no, I am not making any repairs on my vehicle today and left furious that they were trying to scam me. I had another mechanic look at the hose and it would be $10 to replace it, not $140. Another time they stated they would fudge my miles on some paperwork so I would be in my warranty. Obviously these people are willing to lie. I will NEVER take my car back there, they will try to scam you and charge for things you do not even need.

Comment by Amy Aker — August 1, 2007 @ 11:07 am

Last year I went to Purrfect Auto at 3101 N. Rancho, to get my AC checked and it cost me almost $4,000 by the time they got done. Had my van for almost a month. Every time I went to check on it there was something else wrong. When I took my Van there every thing worked on it. Now my right window will not go down, Plus a lot of other things don’t work. I have most of the slips that they give me and not sure if there is anything I can do about it. I’m also retired and on a fixed income

Comment by Ivan — August 1, 2007 @ 12:21 pm

Here is an account of our experience- please pardon the detail but it shows how much pain and agony can happen:

5/20/06 1149 am Truck brought in to Purrfect Auto (PA)for service. 1910 Rock Springs Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89128. 242-1972. Explained that it would not start cold and would try, but didn’t seem to be getting fuel. It was missing beats and not running smoothly when it did run and ran loudly. Symptoms were intermittent and had been occurring for about a week.

Paid for diagnosis and repairs as outlined on invoice 15555. $443.70 on Discover card Ran smoothly when I left.

5/22/06 0750 am. Truck did not start, same symptoms as before as if nothing had been done. (Truck had not been driven on Sunday 5/21). Would not start in the morning. Left it a few minutes and got it started. Called PA and no answer. Left message that it would not start and was not happy with this and would bring back in and expected it to be fixed. No call back. Called again about 9 am and explained problem to Terry, the manager. He advised to bring back in and they would look at it again at no charge and fix the problem. I brought it back at lunch time and left it for the afternoon, they brought me back to work. Terry called later and said the problem was the Mass air fuel sensor and that it needed an air induction clean. I asked him why this was not picked up at the time of the first diagnosis and he could not tell me, he said he would check with the person who does the diagnostics and let me know (he never did). The cost would be $425.50 plus tax. I authorized this repair after having called Friendly Ford service center to describe the problem and inquire about the cost of these items. (They said the cost did not appear unreasonable). At 5:30 pm I picked up the truck and paid for it. Total: $446.93 on Discover, invoice # 15574. He said it was running really well and ready to pick up.

After making payment I went to leave and the truck would not start. Same problem, same symptoms and it was not a cold engine. They looked at it and started it, very rough start and said that the MASF was faulty and they would put a new one in. They said they had been driving it around and it ran fine. Agreed I would drive home and return the next morning for this repair at no extra cost. I told them at that time I wanted my money back if this did not work and would not give them any more money.

5/23/06 0800 Brought truck back for repair and was given a ride to work. I went back after work at 5 pm. They said they had been working on diagnosing the problem all day. (Today was a long series of calls to Terry that were not returned or messages passed on). The person who did diagnostics said that he had not been told that the symptoms had been a cold start, and that made the difference. I asked why this had not been picked up on the original diagnostic and he said that the information he got was not what the problem was and he didn’t know to look for it. I told him that I had described the problem in that way when the truck was first brought in. He said that it appeared to be a stuck valve and gave me a detailed explanation about how this was the problem, said they would run some cleaner through it overnight and probably need to change the spark plugs again. I told him I hoped this would solve the problem but I was not giving them any more payment as the original diagnosis was incorrect. I also said this to Terry, the manager. The truck was left overnight and they said they would call me in the morning after attempting a cold start on 5/24.

5/24/06 4:00 pm No contact from them all day. Called Terry to see what was happening. He said they were still working on it.and had been all day. He said that it was a valve sticking but there may be another problem with the cylinders that would require removal of the cylinder casing to repair. I told him that I had discussed with my husband and we would wait until he got home before proceeding further with any more repairs I also told him that I was concerned at the expense incurred to date and the problem had not been fixed and I was considering having a dispute over payment for the first repairs as they may not have been necessary, and that I would not be able to pick the truck up until Saturday and I was annoyed at having been in there every day and they still didn’t have an answer. He said he wanted to discuss with my husband. He said he would get my paperwork and call me back as not sure what the status was on the diagnosis. I asked him if we were still in the “diagnostic” stage and he said yes. I asked him to call me at my desk or cell before the end of the day. I did not hear back.

5/26/06 0920 TC to Terry. He said he attempted to call me last night but just got voice mail. I told him no messages were left for me. He said he would call me back in 10 minutes after he got my paperwork..
No call back. I called back a11:25 am and spoke with Brandy (receptionist) and she offered to get Terry. I told her Terry did not return my calls either today or last night and am getting annoyed. I asked her to let him know the following:

Will pick up my truck tonight before 6
Suspend any further work on the vehicle
Want full refund of work done as it has not solved the problem
Will put this into dispute with credit card company if no refund given

Asked her to have him call me if he has questions.

5:15 pm Met with Terry. Expressed my concern and annoyance that the truck had not been repaired and we didn’t even know what the problem was, and reminded him of the history regarding repairs already done. He said that they wanted to fix this no matter what it took and gave me an explanation that the problem could be cam followers or a valve, but they needed to do another diagnostic to be sure. This involves taking the cylinder case apart and said it could be done by the end of the day on Saturday 5/27. Said there would be no extra charge for this.

05/30/06 No call from anyone about the truck. Terry said that they were just finishing up the diagnostic and he would call me later this am with result. I said I would probably be in later to discuss.

A friend came with me to pick up our truck at 5:30 p.m. Truck released to me and ran fine.

5/31/06 Truck started OK in the a.m. but not after work at 5 p.m. Exactly same symptoms as before.

6/01/06 TC to Terry, the mgr – “not available” – left message w/another male but no call returned, despite my saying that it was very important. I gave up and later that day, took truck to the dealer, Friendly Ford, with the same symptoms as before as I had no confidence in Purrfect Auto that they could either identify the problem or correct it and had not had the full, reliable use of my vehicle for 10 days.

6/07/06 We called Discover Card. Told them the latest from Ford’s attempt to fix the problem and that we wished to put the original invoices with Purrfect Auto into dispute. DC told us to talk to the Mgr at P.A. again and show him the paperwork from Ford & try to resolve the situation. If not, then call the dispute hotline.

Called Purrfect Auto (PA) and spoke w/Terry the mgr. He recalled the case. Said that we did not initially mention that it was a “cold start” problem but that the engine was running rough. Further, he maintained that the work they did, was correct for the problem. Also said the cam follower on one cylinder had slipped and the valves on another were sticking. He asked to see the paperwork from Ford after we pick up the truck. Told him it would be the following week as we were going out of town for a long w/e.

6/08/06 Picked up truck from Ford together with the repair bill for a further $667.83. They told us the problem was contaminated or bad fuel and that they had several cases of this recently and they automatically do a fuel sample check as part of their diagnostics. Truck ran fine all the way home and later the same day, was parked in the open at McCarran airport for 5 days as we went out of town. On return to LV (late Jun 12), truck started first time and ran fine. Ford gave us a sample of the fuel removed and it was bright orange in color. (Our truck has run purrfectly well since then, over a year on).

6/13/06 As requested, we took truck back to P.A. and waited to see the mgr, Terry. We had all our paperwork and showed him the Ford invoice with the work breakdown and how the problem was bad fuel and was finally fixed. He seemed bemused and said that he would talk to the regional director, Cal (?) who would call us the following day to try and resolve the issue. In doing so, he wrote down our name and numbers. We were satisfied he was genuinely trying to help out here, so we left without stating our demands, however we made it clear we were aggrieved and expected some compensation.

Long story short, we eventually had an attorney send them a letter. Before they responded Discover card credited our account for the full amount- and the amount was deducted from PA’s account with them. We walked away and never heard from them again.

We plan to file a complaint with the DA as we have since heard that there are too many people getting ripped off. Some suggestions:

Never go to a place like this alone or if you are a woman.

Always take notes and save all receipts.

Be sure they have you sign where you receive old parts- and take the parts. We didn’t. If you have the old parts- if they are the old parts- you have evidence.

Write down exactly what you say the presenting problem is so they can’t say you said something else. Once a dispute starts, it is hard to remember what is said and it gets twisted.

Always pay by major credit card as charges can be reversed. Never pay cash.

Pay a little more and go to the dealer. These little shops do not have the diagnostic capabilities that a dealer might have. Find a good one and stick to it. Always have them check the fuel.

Check the BBB first to see if any complaints have been made. There are dozens against PA.

Spread the word about any complaints as the grapevine will reduce their business.

We hope this will help all of you out there who experienced a problem and that our complaint will help put them out of business.

Comment by Sharon — August 1, 2007 @ 2:42 pm

I went to Purrfect two times. Each time was a nightmare. First time we took my sons car to the Purrfect auto on Eastern/Horizen Ridge area for a simple tune up. When we got home the car ran the same. Our neighbor came over who was a mehanic himself. He wanted to know what they did. I took the work order out and new plugs, wires and points where replaced. He showed me that none of the idems were replaced still the old ones were on the car. I took the car back to the manager who told me the guy who worked on the car was just fired for the same reason with other cars. That is want they tell anyone who happens to catch on. The other time we took our VW to Purrfect on Rainbow/Sahara area because our car broke down close by. My estimate was $100.00 which became $3.000 before I was done. Blame was passed on from one owner to the next. Again on a mechanic on and on. Also when picking the car up we had the police come up to us because they just arrested the manager for stealing customer cars etc. I could write more in detail but I’m sure everyone gets the point that they are a frickin joke here in Vegas. Close those clowns up.
John Williams

Comment by John Williams — August 1, 2007 @ 3:03 pm

As an automotive technician I worked for purrfect auto ripoffs for about 2 weeks untill I saw what was going on and wanted no part in it, you have to remember that not all purrfects are owned and operated by the same people with the same principles, I recommend staying away from the 10 most wanted that have made the list to be shut down. Just to give you an example I have seen people pay for engines that did not get replaced 3800$ later, what you consumers need to do is protect yourself and this is how READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL and pay attention to recommended service, if it needs it, it will be in your owner manual for maintenance, second before trusting your car with a shop try taking it to three different shops and see what they say without letting them know that you have been shopping, and remember cheaper is not always better, you can always tell the quality of the shop by its appearance, certification of the technicians(should be posted in the office)and check with bbb to see if the shop has any prior complaints. Always ask for a written estimate that includes the reason, need and cost of the specific repair that way you will know why the repair was done or what will happen if its not done.

Comment by joe — August 1, 2007 @ 3:54 pm

Ahhh..I went to the Purrfect Auto on Allen and they soooo ripped me off, got my brakes done 2 weeks ago and have gone back 4 times since, they still squeek..$400 later!!! And today was the last straw I went back to see if they’d finally fix them and the man drives my car down around the block and comes back and my bumper is torn(like he backed up and it got hooked on something). I cannot believe these people and this company!! Shame on them..

Comment by Kim Abernathy — August 1, 2007 @ 5:00 pm

Purrfect Auto Service has more (32) locations in Las Vegas than any other automotive franchise or company. They service approx. 1,000 vehicles per day and they had 250 complaints within a year according to this article. That’s pretty awesome. I would take that percentage in my business all day long. I’m reading through these complaints and half of them seem made up or indicate negligence on the customer’s side. We can’t judge people without hearing their side of the story. If you have a problem with the repair, take the vehicle back to the shop. Make sure they show you the old parts before you leave. If you have a feeling the guy is trying to talk you into something that you don’t really need, just don’t do it, get a second opinion. I’ve never seen anybody beating customers with a stick to get the work done. Last time I checked, this is a free country.
This company has been number one in Vegas for several years now. People are taking their cars there with more or less satisfaction. I’ve been getting their coupons at my house like twice a week for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a regular customer of the location on Eastern Ave, and they always honored my coupons. Of course they are always going to offer the free brake inspection. How do you think they will pay the rent with the $9.95 oil change? This is America, they will always offer you a bagel with you coffee, a carwash with you gas, a coke with your popcorn and an air filter with you oil change.
They always showed me the old parts if I asked to see them. They gave me a ride to my house if the wait was too long. And I actually had to take my vehicle back one time, because a hose clamp was left loose. But guess what, they fixed it under warranty. Even though I’ve spent over $3,500 over the course of the last couple years, all together my experience has been good. The mechanics are regular friendly human beings, the store manager is an intelligent, polite and straightforward young man and I would highly recommend this shop to all of my friends and family. I can’t comment on the other locations, but it seems to me that the same 4-5 locations are popping up in almost all of the letters.

Jesse Barberis

Comment by Jesse Barberis — August 1, 2007 @ 8:42 pm

Okay. I have never beeen to any of the repair shops listed in the above comments, however, I was in the auto service industry for over thirty years. I saw the ‘good, the bad, and the ugly’. I agree that most of the problem is company’s who enjoy ripping people off, and that comes from a society that has no idea of what or how a vehicle works. Sorry, there is no simple solution to this, just as there is no manual for raising kids.

The repair shop can hand you a handful of parts from other cars, telling you these are the parts they replaced. How do you take a vehicle to several different shops for estimates? When do you knoe that the person you are speaking with on the phone is not in cahoots with the repair shop in saying they got a great deal? All of these and many more reasons to know you are now being ripped off.

Please know you should pay about $30-40 for a standard oil change, additional for synthetic oil, upon your request (reread your owners manual). Read your owners manual to have an inkling of when you should replace certain parts. Also lear how to drive a vehicle, like do not ride the brake pedal, do not gun the engine when leaving a stop light/sign. Change the fluids when recommended by manual. speak with friends about different shops. I do recommend a place that only changes oil for a few changes. Please learn about your own vehicle, male of female, do not be intimidated. If it sounds to good to be true (a $9.95 oil change) pass it by, oil is $1.50 a qt for the cheap stuff, and it takes 5 qts. for a normal change, plus filter, so guess what, they are going to find a way to dip into your pocket.

Yes, dishonest companies need to be put out of business. But, you, as the consumer, need to be a bit more educated, get on the internet, a great resource for information, and learn about your vehicle. You spent anywhere from $10,000 to $???,??? for your new vehicle, so, it becomes a war, who is smarter, you or them?

Frank

Comment by Frank Carroll — August 1, 2007 @ 9:38 pm

I was charged by Purrfect auto located at 2050 E. Craig Road for work that was never done. They claimed to have replaced the Intake manifold gasket in response to the Engine Check light being on. They charged me 300.00 dollars for this job. I assumed the problem was solved but the engine check light kept comming back on. As a result of this, I spent another 700.00 at Purrfect auto and at another repair shop after I became suspicious of Purrfect Auto. Everyone kept assuming that the gasket had been replaced properly, so they kept looking for other causes. Finally, the mechanic at the second repair shop decided that the souce of the problem had to be the Intake Manifold gasket, so he opened it up and discovered that it had never been replaced and he found that the gasket in my car was the original gasket. He replaced it and the problem with my car was fixed. I have the old gasket and therefore proof that I as ripped-off.

Comment by Arthur Clarke — August 2, 2007 @ 10:00 am

I went to the one in SunSet and Easter a couple of months ago and the manager there was the nicest person I have met since I moved to LV; the guy gave me a ride home (30 minutes drive). I went again yesterday and they have no business because of the news.. I feel bad for them.. these guys told me that they bought the business last year, had no prior record of doing nothing wrong until last November when one of the mechanics (that they fired) overcharged somebody like $60 , and now they may have to close the business because of this mess…and they put their life savings into this. This is the only Purfeft auto location I have been, so I cannot tell about the others… My experience with these guys was good and I will take my car again there .. if there are still in business .. unfair,.. these guys are honest people …

Comment by Thomas — August 2, 2007 @ 6:27 pm

I was also ripped-off at one of those Purrfect’s. This one is on Simmons and Ann Rd, I ended up paying a deposit of $700 from the total of $1400, and all they did was pull out the AC parts, and put them back in the car. The reason why they put everything back is because one of the parts that I bought, which they told would fit, actually did not fit, but they tell me this after I paid the deposit. So I would have to go buy another compressor, they tell me. So I told them to forget about. I did not have any more money, and they wouldnt give me back my money for something they made a mistake on by telling me it fit. And a weird thing is that the original estimate to do everything, came out to $1373, but the mechanics said that it would be cheaper to buy the parts myself. So I bought a compressor, receiver dyer, and condensor, and when I bring all of this to the shop, instead of the price dropping, it went up to $1600, then I look at the guy and he tells me “You know what, Im gonna give a discount of $160″, maybe he tought that was too much money for them to steal from me. The only reason why I agreed to this is the way they explained everything, and I really wanted the AC fixed. So everyone, stay away from these people.

Comment by Johann Carranza — August 2, 2007 @ 10:39 pm

This is a copy of the letter I sent to the attorney general. I hope everyone else that has been ripped off by Purrfect Auto does the same.

8/3/07

I am another victim of Purrfect Auto. My car was very hard to start. One day it wouldn’t start at all so I had it towed to purrfect auto at 544 E. Silverado Ranch, Las Vegas. I was told the car needed a new manifold gasket so it was replaced according to them- cost $429.60. (invoice and receipt enclosed). I don’t think the work was done especially after recent news about this business. I would be willing to have the manifold pulled off to see if the job was done to strengthen the case against these thieves . The story doesn’t end there. A few days later the car was hard to start again and now the heater didn’t work. It was blowing cold air. This was in the middle of the winter freeze we had in Las Vegas. I took the car back to Purrfect Auto. I was told the control block which houses the switches to operate the heater needed to be replaced. I knew that wasn’t the problem so I left and went to Desert GMC in Henderson. They found out the car need a new fuel pump and that the heater core was plugged which allows hot water from the engine to flow to the heater. It was cleared and the heater worked fine- cost 652.82. (invoice and receipt enclosed).

People work hard for their money and should not have to be concerned with rip offs like this not to mention the inconvenience and extra expense incurred to get it fixed right. I rented a car while my car was sitting at Purrfect Auto adding to the cost.

I will do about anything to help put these thieves out of business including testifying in court.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Jim Auerbach
702 250-0843

Comment by Jim Auerbach — August 3, 2007 @ 1:34 pm

How do I get in contact with the people in charge of this investigatiop? I just today went to get my car checked by another company to see what was ignored or misrepresented by Purrfect Auto on Desert Inn and the 95. Tunex went through the entire made up list of thigs “done” to my car and found that nothing of value more than an oil change was completed. They even showed me parts that were original from the factory that Purrfect Auto said they changed. Stopped payment through Visa. Anyone with ideas on how to add on to the case, let me know.

Comment by Brian Pounds — August 3, 2007 @ 10:02 pm

My family and I are old time Sunrise Mountain residents who have been using the Purrfect auto on Nellis for several years. We weren’t surprised to read that the Nellis location is NOT on the long list of crooks. I speak from experience when I say that we have been very fortunate to be able to take our vehicles to a place where we know they are honest and the work is done right. Not once have we ever left there feeling like we have been ripped off. They have always shown us integrity in their business dealings and over the years I would say we have taken about a dozen or so cars to them. I always refer friends and co-workers to them because I feel they have always earned a good referral from us. It is very unfortunate to see this specific location, who has no part in these shady scams, lose a great deal of their business because of other bad apples. I only hope that the general public does its research and homework before they demonize the good guys. Please don’t judge a book by it’s cover, just because the sign says Purrfect Auto doesn’t mean they are the bead guys.

Comment by J.Howard — August 4, 2007 @ 11:55 am

In the last 4 years I have worked at 4 of the Purrfect Auto locations listed as a manager or mechanic. Never once did I, nor be told to rip off a customer. Now if you call offering preventative maintenance a crime, than so is 90% of the restaurants out there. Reason being after you order your main course what do they offer you cocktails and dessert. When a customer come in for an oil change we offer filters that may be needed or fluid services. The only way a customer will understand there vehicle and maintain it properly is if we or any other repair facility goes into depth and show and tell.
Every and any repair done by my location In Henderson has never done without proper authorization and all parts always offered to customer at end of service. I have been running tight and clean shifts for the last 4 years and will continue. If any customer has doubt or questions about repairs done feel free to contact me at eastern PA and I will happy to go over the repair and bill at any time.

Comment by Jason — August 4, 2007 @ 10:05 pm

Unfortuately, because the Purrfect Auto has had a poor reputation fpr over a decae, the legitimate shops under the Purrfect name have to