I-Team: Undercover Decoys Used in Las Vegas Mechanic Sting
Keeping your car in good repair is about more than just keeping it running, it’s about safety. Many of us rely on the recommendations of a local mechanic. To ensure we can depend on the people diagnosing our vehicles, state investigators went undercover to catch mechanics defrauding customers, one car at a time.
File a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General
The sting was commissioned as a joint effort between the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, the State Consumer Affairs Division and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Categories: Clark County, Current Affairs, I-Team, Las Vegas Life
April 28th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
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April 28th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
When I moved to Nevada in Nov,2004 I took my car to that same store and they told me it would cost me 280 dollars for my brakes well I got it done but all the while I never believe I should have to pay that much I still have a receipt for the transaction.What I want to know is who are the technications for the sting are they available for the public to get honest advise about whats really wrong with your car some people would like the truth then be given a choice whether they want to over pay for there service.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:27 am
This is a problem valley wide. What about the company who states they do all four wheels for $99.00. I wonder what percentage of brake jobs actually get done for that amount. Ted Weins is also bad. And Tire works just opened a store on Horizon Ridge. Six days after I had my breaks checked, a service tech there told me I needed new brakes and quoted me a little over $500.00 for the front break alone! It is ALL OVER THE VALLEY!!! I believe it was channel 8 that help bust Purrfect Auto a year or two ago. GOOD WORK Channel 8!!!!!
April 29th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Purrfect Auto and now BrakeTeam – Chalk up another chain-repair shop I will never do business with again.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Yes!!! They’re just the tip of the iceberg for ripoff mechanics in Vegas.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am
You guys should do a sting on the Fort Apache and Flamingo store.
I brought my car in there to get my brakes checked. Prior to bringing it in, I had no complications – no squeak, squeals, or anything. A simple inspection. It turns out, based on what they said, it needed work and was hoping to get the “$99″ special that they advertise throughout the valley. I ended up getting quoted around $250. I was able to work it down to $150. After getting my brakes worked, they were never the same again. The brakes squeaked within a few days of the repair!! I brought it in for them to fix the issue and after another few days, they squeaked again! Till this day, they still squeak. It seems I was better off NOT going in there than going at all!
Oh yeah, my friend went there (before consulting with me of course) with the same non-issue and inspection and came out with the same squeaky results!!!!
BEWARE!
April 29th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Doesn’t the government have anything better to do but run sting operations on brake shops, these people need a real job. Maybe we can reduce the size of the government, do you think? By the way where is my tax relief check? If you take your car to 5 different shops, you will get 5 different estimates and 5 different prices, some recommending replace rotor some resurface, this is nothing new. It also depends on who looked at the brakes and they make a subjective call, should I recommend replacing the rotors and adding higher quality brake pads for longer term life or resurfacing with lower quality brake pads for shorter life. He never denied them $99 price, consumer should take it if this is what they want or take higher quality for longer term life, it is up to consumer, same with any daily/weekly/monthly purchase.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I have been to the brake shop that you showed and had a positive experience. I know people like to complain about their car repairs and I am no exception, but I think you are off base on this one. Nobody comes out of a repair shop and says, “Wow that was great! What a deal!” I have had plenty of doctors order tests for me that I didn’t need. Maybe the tech’s try to be on the safe side?
April 29th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I wish my son would have taken his car there. He took it to a competitor and 5 days later the wheel came off while he was on the 215.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
The Brake Team at Alta and Buffalo pulled the same crap on me a couple years back with their $99.00 4 wheel brake special. I yelled at the guy when he gave me a laughable quote. That chain needs to be shut down….I can’t believe they are still pulling this crap.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
The Truth Brian the General Manager is the same GM that ran Brake Depot that was in Major Trouble also,
Brian Dupius, Knew that Brake Team was doing the wrong thing and did not learn from Brake Depot, I am an ex employee for this company, you can not imagine the amount of pressure that Brian Dupius and Roy put there managers under and techs, the owner is a lawyer
remember the old saying lawyer is a lier, is that WHAT YOUR SUPPOSED TO TRUST. put my trust in that team? I DONT THINK SO.
April 29th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
The I-team should go after the Dishonest car salesman who love to sell lemon cars…Like the ones who sold me one in Budget Auto Sales across the steet from the Orleans.
–Wilhlem
April 29th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
ya know purrfect auto had to clean up their act after all the bad press. now shafiq hirji has opened “Your Auto” and kissed purrfect auto bye bye. so we know all the new owners at purrfect have to do well but “your auto”? omg please be careful
April 29th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Yes, these auto repair shops around always try to up-sell, and recommend unnecesary repairs. But YOU as a consumer, need to be aware of this and be ready when you take your car in. Learn to ask questions, know what you are taking your car in for, and the condition. Ask them to show you, and get the old parts, so you know if they are worn out or not. if they wont give you the old parts, chances are they didnt change them. and learn to tell them NO. The Brake Team told me I needed a new master cylinder, on my 3/4 ton Chevy truck, I asked why? they told me that brake fluid was seeping thru the metal and it was going to fail soon.they wanted 450 to fix it. I told them NO, and 4 years later it hasnt failed yet..You have to learn to call these people on there BS.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
As a former employee I can definitely agree with Jason R. above. Brian Dupuis (GM) and David Getz (owner) both knew that work was being performed that wasn’t needed. They also new that customers were getting charged for parts that were not being installed on their cars. They didn’t care as long as we were making them money. I must admit that I myself was guilty of doing this. Believe me, they were fine with my practices. They don’t care how you make them money. It’s only a problem now because they got caught.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I was taken advantage of by the technicians at BREAK TEAM on 4295 S Fort Apache rd. On March 13, 2008 I took my 2003 Ford Explore in to have a routine break inspection and to have my break change. I was told I needed change my rotors and all four breaks. I was trusting and figured since they were the “BREAK TEAM” a well know franchise I would have this work completed. The representative suggested that I replace all rotors but only the front were damaging my brakes for $450.00. After asking several questions and negations I settled for having the front rotors and all new breaks for $350.01. I asked the representative several times and he assured me there would be no squeaking and that these breaks had a 1 year or 12,000 mile warranty. Within three weeks I getting head turns as a cruise down the Vegas strip but not for my looks, but because of the deafening squeaking from my breaks. When I took my truck back into the break team I spoke a new manger, and before I even finishing saying “I brought my truck a few weeks ago” he said “squeaking”. Yes, I said stopping my statement, and then he says “that because you got the “special”$99, so I guess that means cheap breaks. Since I knew I had the warranty I figured that a company that provides quality equipment with honor the warranty and change my break since they were not performing as promised. Well I was wrong again according to BREAK TEAM, extremely loud squeaking falls under regular noise do to friction. After two trips to BREAK TEAM and four hours, I was told that I need to upgrade my breaks for another $120.00.I am a fair man so Tomorrow morning I will make a one more call to BREAK TEAM, and ask for a refund for the “special” breaks, and I will pay for the upgrade. If they don’t accept that offer, then I will fill a complaint to the Nevada Attorney General. I hope that your story airs tomorrow and you can use this case as an example to expose BREAK TEAM on the old BAIT and Switch.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
If you look on rippoffs.com you will see that braketeam has also problems in the state of oregon, that is also control by Brian Dupius and Roy R.
Brake Team takes there parts cost and times it by 5 and works there way, they have been known to charge for parts and not put them on the car. they consumer should look at all the parts and examine the car after they work has been done. Now they are saying they are making changes, that is to cover up there Big Mistake, they so call a Mistake. Braketeam new what they were doing they just Got Busted and the rig leads are Brian Dupius, Roy R., Dave G. Owner
Brian Dupius Said ” THE Manager did not know it was the same car, question so did the information change with the PROPER information? Not and if Brian and Roy R. was doing his Job as a GM and OPSM how can he not know whats going on in the company.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Best way to avoid being sold a line of BS is to become knowledgeable about your brake service limits. Just a quick inspection with the tire off should tell you quite a bit. Then find out market rates for pads, rotors, service.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
How about Bruce Scher’s Goodyear. My car needed the A/C fixed. Not blowing out cold air. Took it to Bruce Scher’s Goodyear, BIG MISTAKE!! Not only did they not know how (or specialize in A/C), but pretended they knew how to fix it. After THREE return visits and three separate bills of $600, $800, and $1200, the A/C is fixed…FOR FOUR MONTHS!!!! And that’s not even the half of it. To save you time and thousands of dollars, just take it to a AAA certified repair shop. Bruce Scher’s (Centennial & Simmons) has the most whinny, horrible, and uneducated repair specialists. And I’ve heard 4 other horror stories from THAT SAME ONE since, equal or worse that my situation. HOW ARE THEY STILL OPERATING????
April 30th, 2008 at 1:42 am
I took my vehicle to Brake Team’s Ann & 95 location at the beginning of April. I wasn’t having any problems with the brakes and in fact had just had my front pads and shoes done six months prior. I needed my rears looked at and expected a quote for the advertised price of $99.00. Four hours after dropping off my vehicle, I got a call from a technician who started rambling about the brake system and how it works and what this part and that part does. He may has well have been speaking Latin,I didn’t follow a word he was saying! He ended up quoting me a price of $850! I explained that I was not prepared to pay so much, at which point he lowered the price to around $600. Still I wouldn’t budge and he finally offered to “put a band aid” on the problem and replace the pads and shoes (according to the tech, the rotors were too worn/thin to be machined) for almost $300! I said no thanks and picked up my car. A few days later I took my car to an auto repair shop where they were able to machine the rotors and replace the rear pads and shoes (including a lifetime warranty!) for less than a third of their lowest quoted price. A word of advice: don’t be afraid to refuse the recommended service. Shop around for more repair quotes.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:54 am
I was going there to get my breaks looked at this weekend. I guess not! Thanks for the heads up.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:25 am
I have been a customer of Brake Team for more than three years. They have always been the most professional group of individuals. This is not the Walmart of the brake business we are talking about! You get what you pay for and the consumer should educate themselves on what their vehicle standards are. Ignorance is not always bliss. Shame on you for treating this as the Watergate of this century. My hat is off to the Brake Team professionals. Thanks for being a great company BT!
April 30th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I work at a local dealer and have had way to many of my customers fall for the same thing at Brake Team, Just Brakes and a lot of the indies out there. Tell every one you know that the “techs” or “brake safety experts” working on your car, were probably flipping burgers last week! And their parts are absolute crap!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I brought my car into Brake Team Fort Appache. They did a full brake inspection and their recommendation was the same that I had received from another national chain. The only difference was the price, $300 less. I think the attorney general and your news department needs to focus thier attention on real issues facing our city and state. Where was the attorney general’s office during the sub-prime loan debacle? Maybe channel 8 should focus their attention on real news and not ratings.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I was so upset watching the clips online. I’ve taken my car into Brake Team twice within the last year. The first visit (5/15/07) cost me $440.04 for all new rotors and pads including warranty. The second visit (3/15/08) cost me $248.94 for new premium pads and hardware including another warranty. When I asked about the warranty I purchased the first time, I was told that it was for “wear and tear” only (not sure why I needed new pads if they weren’t worn out?). Because I have no knowledge of cars or what repairs I needed, I listened to the bogus excuses from the store managerL When the mechanic was done installing my “new” pads and hardware, my brakes were still squeaking. The mechanic told me that I might have to bring the car back in on Monday (this was a Saturday) so I went back in to talk to the store manager. He told me that it would squeak for awhile because the parts were new. Today the squeaking is worse than ever…I’m returning to the same place on Saturday to have them “fix” my brakes for FREE. If they refuse, I’m going back with Ch 8:)
Thanks for exposing them!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Wow. I’ve read some of the blogs here and it ranges from extreme praise to extreme disdain. I guess what amazes me is that we as consumers continue to let ourselves be taken advantage of. If you don’t like a price or don’t trust someone, GET A SECOND OPINION! Shame on The Brake Team! Shame on Purrfect Auto! And shame on us consumers for letting it happen! Thanks I team.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:22 am
In response to clark ALL aftermarket parts MUST conform to the same standards that dealer parts do and no matter where the parts are made it is all on how well the job is performed and the driving habits of the consumer i work for a major suplier of parts and it is all the same day in and day out as to how much the customer is willing to pay
April 30th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I recently got a break job done at just brake i’m the only customer they had that they i told him i need my pads change then later on he gave me an estimate of all the stuff that needs to get than on my car the $99 dollars break job turn in to $900.52 i told him i only came for the brake not for a new car, by the way my car is on 4 yrs old and it only pontiac Grand AM change my pad and im out off here.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
This is absolutely BS….
Brake Team on Rancho tried to pull that crap on me back in 2005 guess what I refuse their services and my impala still runs…..
Shame on you Brake Team folks for being just money hungry FREAKS!!!!!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
To me it sounds like the owner of Brake Team and Purrfect Auto are related. I would be careful of these two individuals look into what Shafik Hirji did to his former business partners in California they both are deceased he is criminal stay away from these two individuals. Like someone else mentioned earlier on these blogs that Hirji started Your Auto Care Service this guy doesnt quit he wants your money thats all he cares about his whole family is like that all they want to do is steal your money thats there main purpose. SO do not do any business with these people I think the AG should shut these people down and put them away in jail for what they have done
April 30th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
My Mother went to the Brake Team on Fort Apache/ Flamingo last week. THEY ARE THE WORST, MOST UNPROFESSIONAL PEOPLE!!! She told them she has the car regularly checked by her mechanic, but heard about their $99 special, she wanted to have her front brakes checked. They kept her there for HOURS! and they tried to give her a bogus estimate telling her that everything in her car was wrong. Mind you, the car is still running fine. When she told them “No”, so just wanted an estimate for the front brakes, they tried holding her car hostage. They called her “An Old Lady” and told her that she didn’t know anything, and if she went somewhere else, OTHERS would try to rip her off. She told them she just wanted her car, and to leave. They still gave her a hard time. She then got on the phone and called my brother, who just happened to be at the Better Business Bureau. He told her to get the manager’s name. When she tried asking for that, they wouldn’t give her their names, and then FINALLY gave her the car back so that she could leave. I can’t believe she went there just to get an estimate on the brakes, and ended up getting called names, and they tried to take her for almost a thousand dollar estimate. Stay away from this place, and all other brake locations. I’ve had a similar experience with Just for Brakes. I’ve learned it’s better to go to your usual mechanic to have your brakes done…especially if you’re a woman!!! Thank goodness for the I Team doing this story, so that others can be warned.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
This Problem unfortunately is spread throughout Las Vegas with many Automotive shops and Towing Company’s that I have encountered since I have moved here 3 years ago.A place that especially needs to be investigated is Las Vegas Carburetor shop on 4225 Sahara Ave.On 10-13-05 I took my car in for Problems that I was having with my car stalling every time I stopped at a red light or stop sign.They said their was major vaccume leaks and It needed a major overhaul.They wanted to charge me 850.00 (have Invoice).I was devastated of course.Knowing a little bit about cars I new this had to be a miner problem.I did not believe the manager or owner who was telling me this so I decided to shop around .I was recommended a place Called Strip husky Automotive they checked it out for the minimum price of 75.00 (have Invoice 10-17-05)and It was fixed within the hour.It turned out to be a disconnected or bad wire that costed less then 5.00 to repair.The manager may have saw my out of state license plate and tried to take advantage, thinking that I had no choice. These scammers will take advantage out of what you don’t know or how weak or desperate they think you are.They use and develop legal ways to corner you knowing that you don’t have knowledge or time to deal with this and what they are doing .I really wish that their was a valid organization that would constantly be investigating these places. The Towing Company’s are the worst and most corrupted and unfortunately they get away it because they know how to get through the legal system and not get checked out.Don’t even get me started on them.
April 30th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Everything Mo said are words I have been hearing about The Break Team for at least a couple of years. I am so glad he had the guts to come forward and tell the truth about this abomination of a company. They should be ashamed for screwing people out of their hard earned money and betraying their trust. This is the kind of company that makes people afraid to trust other companies that are actually honest. I hope they are shut down for good, but not until they have to repay the money back to everyone they screwed.
April 30th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I have known Mo for a few years now and he has been one of the most honest people I know. You can trust the fact that he is telling the truth about this situation. I respect Mo for standing up for what he believes and having the guts to do it on national television.
April 30th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
In responce to Antonio defense, I agree with Antonio he would now alot about brake team we was a asset to any company he worked for because, I Know him and he like myself is a stand up guy, very honest and was stuck in a trap in the company, that is run by Brian Dupius (GM) Dave Getz (OWNER) God Bless you Antonio. and Jason R.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I had a very important trip I had to take and needed my brakes checked (they were squeeking) so I took my car into Just Breaks located at Craig Rd/Losee across from the Cannery. I prayed before I entered the store that they would not try to take advantage of me being a woman, well they seen me coming,First estimate I got was $200 car was still on the ground,they then lifted the car up turned the wheels then they came back and quoted me $480, they pulled the wheels off and came back a third time and quoted me $780. My bell went “DING” I was furious I demanded they show me the parts that needed repaired and I wanted to know what all need to be done to complete the job.I instructed them to put my car back on the ground and put all my tires back on I was leaving.The manager seen how upset I was and stated he would work out a deal and he came back with a price of $670.I needed to get out of town the next day and paid. Boy did I feel stupid. I was not able to enjoy my trip feeling I had just been had.I am glad this investigation happen andI hope all the repair shops that laughed at us going out their door after paying their bogus charge are hit with HEFTY fine. YOU ROCK I-TEAM…..
May 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am
Being in the car repair industry in various positions for most of my life. I am 50, by the way. I have found that people in general don’t know that cars and light trucks are designed to wear out. There are many parts that no one knows are related to each other. They are systemic. They fail at the weakest link. For example; If a bearing fails in a wheel and is driven to long it will cause the spindle and hub to be damaged sometimes causing major damage to other parts,even to the point of entire wheels coming off or fires causing fatalities. I am extremely disappointed in the way that vehicle was inspected to begin with. You don’t just take the wheels off and shine a light up there to make sure “everything is alright it just needs rear pads”. I am not sticking up for Brake Team in any way because they do use bait and switch and improper diagnostic techniques. This is illegal and immoral, but is practiced in every industry including lawyers, doctors,retail outlets and yes, even car dealership repair centers. Refering to the above comment that they feel thay are above reproach. The big losers here are the people on the highway with other people that won’t repair dangerous conditions on their vehicles now because they won’t listen and belive what they see when a real problem exists. Stick to the facts and get a real expert next time you do a piece on something you know nothing about. By the way you don’t take tires off with an air drill it is called an impact air wrench. Please do better more informative reporting next time.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
If you own a car, know how it works. As a former employee of Brake Team, it was AMAZING to me, that customers would ALWAYS have $2500 to replace the engine,or $1500 for a paint job, but would complain about the $300 to make the car stop!!!! The State should have required vehicle inspections and get the UNSAFE cars off the road, instead of targeting an honorable man’s business practices. Dave Getz took over a crooked business(Brake Depot)and made it as honest as he possibly could. Some store managers would get greedy for their own pockets. When he found out(he always did) they were terminated. Then I was called on to “make things right” with the customer, at any cost. How many business owners go that far? I did plenty of $99 specials, and guess what. When that customer needed major brake system repairs, he came back to me. So, you ALL can bash Brake Team over this story and complain that “you got taken” however, I will remain PROUD that I was an employee for Dave Getz and Brake Team.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
We went to have our breaks fix at the break team on Ft. Appache. They charged us $700. to get them fixed. That was just over a year ago. Two months ago we were having some problems with the breaks again, so we went back the the same place. Now they want to charge us another $650 for some more work that should have been fixed the first time. I just think that there should be some way to get the money they basicly stole from every one back. They are thieves and should be treated as such.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I just saw the I Team report on Brake Team. I’m shocked by your story and honestly find it difficult to believe that your investigation speaks for the entire company’s operation. I’ve twice taken my car into Brake Team’s Buffalo Store. The first time I had gone to Midas First. Midas recommended service quoting a price over $400. I was skeptical of the recommendation and price and so I took my car to Brake Team for their free inspection. Not only did they recommend the same service, but they did it for $150 less, with a better warranty. I have to think Brake Team treated me honestly, otherwise Midas too was being dishonest.
The 2nd time I brought my husband’s car in for an expection since I thought I heard the brake’s squelling. Anyway, it turned out all the car needed was a simply adjustment. There was no charge and they had me out of there in less then an hour. My husband was thrilled!
To me this is probably an isolated incident and clearly doesn’t speak to the running of the entire company. I for one will stick by Brake Team. No worries, I will continue to be a loyal customer.
Nancy D
May 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I was a repeat customer at the W. Sahara BREAK TEAM because they treated me so well a few years ago when I had a mini-van. So I took a friends sedan there and was told she needed her brake fluid bled and refilled along with some kind of retainer clip on her pads replaced and other stuff that added up to $288.00 which could have been more had I not refuse certain other options that I was capable of performing myself. To top it off they only did the front brakes because the back ones had “plenty of wear still left on them” and was told I could return with the receipt to have the job finished.
I don’t believe myself to be stupid, gullible or even nieve; but after seeing your news report I am beginning to believe that I may have been duped.
thanks for the heads up,
Bret
May 14th, 2008 at 8:03 am
now as we all know your auto is a scam made up with kal(fahild) and shafqui hiriji, but do we know which stores they control and which purrfect autos are run by honest owners? well las vegas bld and lamb… stay away from, eastern, flamingo,las vegas and tropicana,also bad news . now at the last managers meeting shafiq demanded 250.00 a car no matter what they had to do with 10% osp. now thats where i want to take my car!! not!!! go to the locations where the owners are on site so they take full accontability for their staff. there are some great stores just see if they pressure you if they do walk no run.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ITS ABOUT TIME!!!! WHAT A SIGH OF RELIEF,FINALLY BRAKE TEAM HAS BEEN EXPOSED FOR WHAT THE ARE A BUNCH OF MONEY HUNGRY INCOMPETENT PEOPLE TRYING TO GET THEIR MARKET SHARE .DON’T LET THEM FOOL YOU !AS AN EX EMPLOYEE, I WAS AT THE MEETINGS THAT YOU WERE TOLD TO “UP-SELL EVERY CUSTOMER,PREMIUM PADS, HARDWARE,ROTORS CALIPERS, &COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH” (WHICH BY THE WAY IS JUST SUCKING THE FLUID OUT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER)IF YOU DON’T AVG $240SALES TICKET AVG YOUR BOOTED OR MORE THAN LIKELY TRANSFERRED TO A STORE VERY FAR FROM WHERE YOU LIVE SO YOU WILL LIKELY QUIT(SO THEY DON’T HAVE TO PAY UNEMPLOYMENT) THREE TIMES A DAY YOU WILL GET CALLS FROM CORP WANTING TO KNOW YOUR TOTALS UP-SELLS,CALIPERS,PADS ,ROTORS HARDWARE,FLUSHES ETC, AND IF YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH THEY RIDE YOUR ASS, AS FOR THE TECHNICIANS ,THEY WILL HIRE ANYONE WILLING TO LEARN, FOR 7 TO 8 DOLLARS AN HR ,WHEELS FALL OFF, CALIPERS GET INSTALLED BACKWARDS ETC, THEY REFUSE TO PAY OVER TIME THE LIST GOES ON!!!!
THIS COMPANY MAKES TONS OF MONEY UP SELLING,YOU CANT DO A DECENT BRAKE JOB FOR LESS THAN ABOUT $240 . SO BUYER BEWARE NO GREEN CARD NECESSARY! AND ED “KIRK” KIRKPATRICK IS A JOKE ,HE COULDNT TRAIN HIS WAY OUT OF A WET PAPER BAG, OH AND DONT FORGET ABOUT THE KICKBACK CHECKS THAT ED ,DAVE BRIAN AND GARY GET EVERY MONTH!
May 30th, 2008 at 11:09 am
As a former employee of brake team i am very unhappy they let me go for what they said were performance issues they say they don’t want rip people off but they do it everyday they want $300+ per car the attorney general should investigate reno and the other markets they may be following the rules in vegas but i’ll bet they are still up to there old tricks everywhere else gauranteed i could fill a hundred pages but i’ll stop here you get the picture
February 8th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Hanif Hirji started the Brake Team business. Hanif’s brother Shafik started the Purrfect Auto Service franchise. Both use the same technique of ‘up-selling’ services not needed and charging for services not performed. Not all PAS stores are dishonest in this way, as some are independently owned & operated, and are truly honest & willing to do the job right. I have personal experience with one that I totally trust and would recommend.
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Hanif and Shafik may have started these business Art but they both are crooks….You need to some research on Shafik and Hanif on how they scam people and take honest peoples money away from their business scemes…Look what they did to their business partners in California one was a business man the other was a doctor you will see Art what types of criminals they are!!! its a matter of time their day will come the AG trail is right around the corner and I am sure everything will be exposed about them by then
May 28th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Jim,
How does someone get ahold of you?
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
HANIF AND SHAFIK HIRJI ARE INDEED BIG TIME RIPOFF ARTISTS. THEY SELL AND RESELL PURRFECT AUTO FRANCHISES OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BETWEEN THE 2 OF THEM THEY CONTROL NEARLY 20 LOCATIONS IN LAS VEGAS AND MORE IN CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA. THEIR BUSINESS MODEL SIMPLY DOESN’T WORK UNLESS YOU HIRE CROOKS LIKE PATRICK AND JASON. YOU HAVE TO RIPOFF THE CONSUMERS. UNFORTUNATELY I LEARNED IT THE HARD WAY. MY FRANCHISE HAS CLOSED DOWN NOW, BUT THEY WERE CHARGING ME OUTRAGOUS RENT, BOGUS MONEY FOR ADVERTISEMENT AND ROYALTY FEES AND I REFUSED TO RIPOFF PEOPLE TO PAY THEM. THEY BOTH DRIVE FANCY GERMAN CARS AND WEAR EXPENSIVE SUITS. BUT DON’T LET THE LOOKS FOOL YOU: THEY ARE SCUM OF THE EARTH CRIMINALS, LOWLIFES THAT ONLY WORSHIP MONEY. JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED AT LAST!
September 28th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
@ Angelo please read the following links
http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jan/10/local/me-6906
http://articles.latimes.com/1999/dec/02/local/me-39661
November 16th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
What happened to this case guys, anybody hear anything? Purrfects are still out there and last time I heard Shafik still runs like half the stores in Vegas. Vegas is a joke, even channel 8 dropped the ball