Tire Choice at Colony - Consumer Alert

[xkeowner]

Went for an oil change. I was told the serpentine belt needed to be replaced as well as the belt tensioner. Supposedly the tensioner was breaking down and tearing up the belt. It could fail at any time. I left and inspected them my self. The belt is showing age and will be replaced soon but the tensioner is as smooth as a baby's behind and not damaging the belt. Their price for replacing both was $380. Both the belt and tensioner from Advanced Auto for quality grade are $80 and lower grade parts are available for $55.

The also recommended $1200 worth of struts and shocks.

Please get a second opinion/estimate before having major car repairs done by any shop you do not already have personal trust in.

[lovinganimals]

I also went to Tire Choice for an oil change and was told I needed $1000 worth of work on struts and tires. I took my car to Toyota. Won't go back to Tire Choice.

[billethkid]

There is no problem with a business trying to upsell something you may need.
The key is...was what was recommended needed or not? If needed then the price is not the issue is it? One can shop around to pay less once made aware of a deficiency.

You can also satisfy yourself if there is a real need by simply telling them you will have your dealer check it out. Then, if you do and you do not need what was being recommended, please go back to the store and ask for the manager and tell him what happened.

Just alerting TOTV without going through the above is sorta misleading.

I just had new tires put on by Tire Choice (behind Golden Coral on 466)...they had the best price around for the tires I wanted.
They did show me my old tires indicated being out of alignment...it was obvious by looking at the tire. I asked if they do alignment checks to verify out of alignment. They said yes. I asked to have the out of alignment verified. They set it up....brought me the computer print out showing how it was out of alignment by tire. I had them do the work and provide me an after computer print out, which they gladly did. Their price to do alignments was in line with any garages around....yes I checked.

If you in fact "catch" them or anybody, with proof, then please by all means let us know about it.

They are not bad retailers just because they are trying to upsell you.....something that just happens to cost a lot.

I have not been to many garages that will knowingly try to sell one something they do not need. I understand it does happen. The naieve and the gullible are the easy prey. BUT catching them at it and proving it and going back to the management/owner almost ALWAYS gets results.....for us all.

btk

[rubicon]

This sort of thing isn't restricted to auto repair shops. There are a fair number of medical, legal and business professionals that do the same thing.

[jet10s]

you don't seem to understand -- I feel that it was fraud when it came to me -- they were asked to check the air conditioning system and wanted to replace all types of things to the tune of 1400 -- however when I said no -- and I drove out with the car -- the system was now not operable -- we realized that they had sabotaged the system -- we reported them to corporate == when we went back -- we told them that apparently a valve was missing -- within 5 minutes the valve was replaced and the system was once again operationable -- and all of the above was clearly fraud to us -- AVOID TIRECHOICE ON 466A -- THEY ARE CROOKS

[murray607]

Went for an oil change. I was told the serpentine belt needed to be replaced as well as the belt tensioner. Supposedly the tensioner was breaking down and tearing up the belt. It could fail at any time. I left and inspected them my self. The belt is showing age and will be replaced soon but the tensioner is as smooth as a baby's behind and not damaging the belt. Their price for replacing both was $380. Both the belt and tensioner from Advanced Auto for quality grade are $80 and lower grade parts are available for $55.

The also recommended $1200 worth of struts and shocks.

Please get a second opinion/estimate before having major car repairs done by any shop you do not already have personal trust in.

Upsells are where a lot of these shops make their money. If the work needs to be done and the price is fair, so be it. But often the work does not need to be done and prices may be inflated. The employees get a cut from what they can sell you.

My son learned the hard way. His first vehicle had put about 5,000 miles on it and he decided to get an oil change. The lube shop told him his transmission fluid needed changing as well as his coolant. So he paid the bill and took their word for it.
A week or two later when he checked through his paperwork he got from the dealer when he bought the vehicle he read that the dealer had performed a "100 point inspection" before it was sold. In that check, coolant change was shown to have been done, the brake, transmission and power steering fluids had all been performed and passed by the mechanic. So it was very strange that after less than 5,000 miles the coolant needed to be changed again and that they also said the transmission fluid which had been fine when checked suddenly needed to be changed.

We now have all of our maintainance done at the dealership and their costs a not much more than the lube shops.

On CBC in Canada last week they did a report on this very subject on a jourmal program called Marketplace. They investigated a lube shop and sent in inspected, trouble free cars and were told in each case that work needed to be done. The vehicles were checked after the work was purportedly, done and in every case it was either not done or poorly done.

You can check it out at:

Greasy Business - Marketplace - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/episodes/2013-2014/greasy-business)

[Bogie Shooter]

///

[Mickedamouse24]

The Tire Choice Stores in and around The Villages are notorious for pushing services not required on your vehicle. Just be very attentive and be prepared to say "No!'.. I have seen them scare folks into many services not needed! And really watch thier add about buying 3 tires and getting 4th free. Ain't happening! What they do is jack up the price on the 3 that you buy and you actually pay more for the 4 tires. Just shady business going on there!

[Shimpy]

Not Tire Choice but an experience I had long ago. I had a Nisson 280zx that I took in to a dealer for an oil change. They tried to sell me an expensive service but I declined and told them no because it was running great. Well, after leaving there it didn't run well and missed constantly. I took it to a foreign car dealer and they found that the spark plug wires were all broken and had to be replaced. Apparently the spark plug wires in this car were carbon and didn't take much to be broken which happened after refusing to have my car serviced at the Nisson dealer in Delray Beach Fl.

[JC419]

Btk
You are talking about the tire choice on 466, the original poster was talking about colony tire choice. Hopefully they all do not operate the same way.

[tag460]

You can say what you want about Tire Choice but most car owners will have a bad experience with a automotive shop to include dealers it's only a matter of time.

[dilosche]

So did you buy a belt and tensioner from Advance? How long did it take you to install the parts? Just curious for when my car needs them.

[Single Track]

I'm used to taking my car to Honda service in PA but my oil gauge showed 15% while down here. I took my car to Tires Choice at Colony Plaza for an oil change and before I knew it, they wanted to replace two tires, install front struts, wheel alignment - all to the tune of $1044.53.

I told them just do the oil change. I had my car fully inspected in July by Honda and they found none of this. They shouldn't be allowed to continue to rip off people. No, I'm not taking this any further but it's nice we have this forum to warn others to just say "no" or better yet, find a trustworthy service agent.

[billlaur]

Thanks for all the updates on this retailer, I will keep my distance..:crap2:

[Challenger]

These posts are very disturbing.If I had read them 2 weeks ago, I probably would not have patronized Tire Choice. I didn't, so I did. I bought two batteries for my 1997 Chev Deisel Pick up. Price was fair. Twice over the next two wks , I had a dead battery.
Back to tire choice. Had them check batteries and check for problems in the system. Returned 2hrs later and they had found a minor problem and corrected it. when I pulled my credit card , I was told to put it away- no charge. My experience was , good service ,polite treatment.

Why, I don't know. but possibly these incidents are perpitrated upon vulnerable looking people.
I would like to hear from someone (with some credentials) who would investigate and report back in some public forum. Like TOTV

[blaZen]

How old, and how many miles are on your vehicle?

[Bonny]

We have been going to tire choice on 466 for a long time. We have never had a problem or got overcharged.

[Challenger]

How old, and how many miles are on your vehicle?

If this question is for me , The truck in question is 20yrs old and has 187,000 miles

[Single Track]

Not that you were suggesting that it was okay for a company to take advantage because you "look vulnerable", but I will say that if that was the posture I had, then I certainly had the same look when I was at the Honda dealer in late July. Honesty in business shouldn't depend on how savvy the customer might be.

For the poster who visited them often and thought they were wonderful, it was the Tire Choice on 466A not 466. The fact that some of us seem to feel that they were almost ripped off, is very telling for this dealership.

If someone was asking for my mileage, I have 59,000 miles and have been very faithful in following the recommended service since I purchased the car new in 2007.

Go there with your eyes wide open, but they will never see me again.

[logdog]

Btk
You are talking about the tire choice on 466, the original poster was talking about colony tire choice. Hopefully they all do not operate the same way.

I have had oil changes at both locations and they do operate the same way. The one on 466 tried to sell me on over $600 of urgently needed repairs which I refused. The one on Colony didn't find any needed repairs but tried to scare me into buying all new tires.

[The Buckeyes]

Just a few thoughts and I have never stepped into a tire choice in my life. If all the negative posts are true has anyone contacted the state attorney general for fraud an deceit in business practices? Anything on them from the better business bureau? Any alternatives close to the Villages such as a lube stop, ect?

[Paperboy]

I have had oil changes at both locations and they do operate the same way. The one on 466 tried to sell me on over $600 of urgently needed repairs which I refused. The one on Colony didn't find any needed repairs but tried to scare me into buying all new tires.

With an oil change @ Tires + I was also scared by there UPSELL. I went to the dealer & there weres no issues. STAY AWAY FROM BOTH of these RIP OFF STORES!

[billethkid]

I'm used to taking my car to Honda service in PA but my oil gauge showed 15% while down here. I took my car to Tires Choice at Colony Plaza for an oil change and before I knew it, they wanted to replace two tires, install front struts, wheel alignment - all to the tune of $1044.53.

I told them just do the oil change. I had my car fully inspected in July by Honda and they found none of this. They shouldn't be allowed to continue to rip off people. No, I'm not taking this any further but it's nice we have this forum to warn others to just say "no" or better yet, find a trustworthy service agent.
I don't think any of the posts like this one were being ripped off. You were given a choice.
Did you do something about it after you had it confirmed that the service was not needed? Contact owner? Contact AG?
No! Please tell us why not as you are allowing a supposedly proven attempt to sell you something not needed.....to continue.

Posting here on TOTV does not constitute doing something about the alleged wrong.

In my humble opinion.

btk

[jojo]

I was grateful for posters who alerted me to the upsell tactics at Tire Choice. When they did happen I was prepared. Thanks TOTV.

[swimdawg]

Yes.....thank you. I did stop there a few weeks ago when my "low tire pressure indicator light" went off. They were pleasant and filled my tire to the appropriate pressure. When I asked about the charge, the young fella said, "Whatever you want to pay". Of course I gave him a tip.....but I'll think twice about going back.

[Bonny]

Yes.....thank you. I did stop there a few weeks ago when my "low tire pressure indicator light" went off. They were pleasant and filled my tire to the appropriate pressure. When I asked about the charge, the young fella said, "Whatever you want to pay". Of course I gave him a tip.....but I'll think twice about going back.
Why would you think twice about going there again ? Sounds like you had a good experience with them. What's wrong with a tip ?

[travelguy]

I have had nothing but positive experiences at 2 Tire Choice locations. I believe that they have given me honest opinions about what should be done for my ageing auto, and have suggested that some repairs would just not be worth it given the age and mileage on my car. I appreciate honesty in my dealings with service people. And that is what I have received at Tire Choice at Colony Plaza, and also across from La Plaza Grande.

[Single Track]

Why would you think twice about going there again ? Sounds like you had a good experience with them. What's wrong with a tip ?

I'll answer for Swimdaug. The reason he won't go back is because now he has read posts from too many of us who almost got taken.
There seems to be a theme here that you're missing.

[57ChevyFI]

Colony Tire Choice has tried the same thing with us as well. My wife took our vehicle for an oil change and they told us we needed two tires. I told her to bring the vehicle home and I would look them. They still had half of the tread left on the tires. The time before they tried the, you need struts ploy. That's an easy one for them, since the average person wouldn't know if that was the case or not. Up selling is one thing, but flat out lying to customers about replacing good parts is just deceitful.

[swimdawg]

Why would you think twice about going there again ? Sounds like you had a good experience with them. What's wrong with a tip ?

Why would I think twice about going there again? Ummmmm.....because I read all the posts on TOTV about the negative experiences clients had. I might go back to get my tire pressure checked....but I'll pass on anything else. (BTW, I was happy to give the fella a tip).

[Warren Kiefer]

I don't think any of the posts like this one were being ripped off. You were given a choice.
Did you do something about it after you had it confirmed that the service was not needed? Contact owner? Contact AG?
No! Please tell us why not as you are allowing a supposedly proven attempt to sell you something not needed.....to continue.

Posting here on TOTV does not constitute doing something about the alleged wrong.

In my humble opinion.

btk

If it isn't a rip off when you are advised by experts, to have auto items replaced that are neither defective or unsafe, I don't know what is. Sure, the customer was given a choice, that is part of the scam but how many little old ladies are capable or resisting this ploy. And you can rest assured that the ownership of all these tire stores is giving those employees incentitive bonuses for selling anything and everything they can.

[Warren Kiefer]

Why would you think twice about going there again ? Sounds like you had a good experience with them. What's wrong with a tip ?

A tip is a far cry from being urged to purchase four new tires or a thousand dollars of unnecessary repairs.

[ivanhoe]

Personally, I love it when a mechanic climbs all over my car and produces a grocery list of needed items.

I usually buy an air freshener and take the car to another doubtful proprietor and have their mechanic climb all over the car and then I compare notes and prices.

I have the most serious and dangerous work done i.e. brakes, lights etc. and wait for the others to cause the vehicle to STOP RUNNING before I have it fixed.

I realize that many have a great need to avoid break downs and would prefer to keep their car running well, but I hate giving up a perfectly well running vehicle and getting the same back but with a bill to pay.

I like giving them a dysfunctional vehicle paying the bill and getting a running vehicle back.

And just aside, who would put $1800-2,000 into a car just to drive to the nearest rotary and have someone T-BONE them after five trips to the bait shack for two-fers? I really can't see anyone saying yes to five repairs on one service.

I've been to Tire Choice. I've got the grocery list. I let them do an oil change. I like them well enough.

Next month they can tighten the lock nut on the steering wheel..but it turns ok now.

[Bonny]

I'll answer for Swimdaug. The reason he won't go back is because now he has read posts from too many of us who almost got taken.
There seems to be a theme here that you're missing.
I'm not missing anything. I only read his post and it sounded like good experience. Why would a post after the fact take that away?

[Bonny]

Why would I think twice about going there again? Ummmmm.....because I read all the posts on TOTV about the negative experiences clients had. I might go back to get my tire pressure checked....but I'll pass on anything else. (BTW, I was happy to give the fella a tip).
Maybe I missed something. From your post, it sounded like a good experience. Guess I have to read between the lines.

[DGx2]

Just had my oil changed at Tire Choice @colony. They told me I needed new rear brakes and rotors. Quoted me a price of $417.00. Took it to Sumter Tire in Wildwood. They also said rear brake pads needed to be replaced and rotors turned. I had them do the work. Cost:$150.00. This is not my first run in with Tire Choice but it will be my last.

[saratogaman]

Some places don't even have the equipment to turn rotors, so they foist new ones (more expensive) on customers.
If you think that you may need rotor resurfacing, call around to see who can do it. You'll save big bucks.

[Mccannable]

Some places don't even have the equipment to turn rotors, so they foist new ones (more expensive) on customers.
If you think that you may need rotor resurfacing, call around to see who can do it. You'll save big bucks.

Just because you can resurface doesn't mean it's the best option. Many newer cars require replacement of rotors not being turned. Old methods don't always apply.

[jimbo2012]

Today new rotors are very cheap on most cars, it faster to pop them on for a shop than send old ones to to cut.

[ivanhoe]

In an effort to determine truth here is another 2 cents.

My vehicle would not shift from low. Was running at 3500 RMP at all times. This was Sunday.

Had AAA tow to Tire Choice.

They tested..computer and other items. Verdict= bad transmission. Advised to take to Ammco.

Their charge $0.00

Thanks TC!

After I purchase my new vehicle I'll be using you for service...and the golf cart too!!

[pbeinetti]

I've had no problem with TC at Colony. They said I needed front struts on my '03 vehicle with 140k miles, and I'm sure I did. They did it for less than a quote I got from another place. About 3 months later I had a noise in the front end. I took it back to TC and they said one of the struts was making the noise. They replaced them both with premium struts at no cost. I bought a used Mustang, and got new tires over the internet. They installed the tires, but one of the tires couldn't balance up right. They used their roadforce balancer and literally spent hours getting the road force within acceptable limits to me. No cost! I can't think of another auto repair place I've ever dealt with that would have done that. Manager at Colony TC is Mike May -- quality guy!