[Robbb]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

I wanted to patronize a local mechanic and did some research. By all accounts, Jason Accurso is a pleasant, honest, excellent mechanic. I believe his parents are Villagers. I made an appointment and took my 14 year-old Toyota in because its A/C wasn't blowing cold enough.

Now, my gripe is not with Jason Accurso or his mechanics. The A/C is blowing cold again.

I don't consider myself a complainer, but the service writer, Gary M. really rubbed me the wrong way. I waited in the waiting room. Gary M. came in and handed me 4 repair orders for my approval.

1. Need new battery because of terminal corrosion, not because it tested bad. $320 - No thanks.

2. Need 4 new tires because of dry rot. The tires are less than 5 years old with 15K miles on them. They were just declared "like new" at DeLuca Toyota. $878 - No thanks.

3. Need 2 new windshield wiper blades. I told him that I had replaced the wipers myself only 2 months prior. He left the room and came back to tell me that they were "smearing." $73 - No thanks.

4. Diagnose and recharge A/C system, including 2 KG of 134a refrigerant at $18 per KG. $263 - go ahead, but the A/C system only holds between 0.41 and 0.47 KG of 134a. I wound up getting charged for 0.28 KG at $25 per KG. $230 - OK.

I was polite and unaggressive. I only questioned the wipers and the amount of refrigerant because I couldn't believe it. Gary M. clearly doesn't like questions. He gets red in the face and borders on being rude. He told me, "Hurry up. I have a technician waiting." Upselling is one thing. This was something more. I worry that Gary M. might be taking advantage of the naive. Be forewarned.

It is my understanding that service writers work solely on commission, so its not surprising they would push for added repairs.