Author: Manny Melendez
Rating: 1/5
Date: 9/19/2023, 9:42:59 PM
Review: This review deserves attention, especially for those who value supporting small businesses and rely on honest service. I’ve been a strong advocate of small businesses and often grant 5-star reviews to those who truly deserve them. Most small businesses go above and beyond to earn such recognition. However, my experience with Joe and his team at Pops Auto Electric & AC has compelled me to write my first-ever one-star review. Their lack of integrity was truly astounding.
I initially had Pops install an engine in my car, but it soon began smoking heavily. I immediately had it towed back to their shop, where the ordeal began. They diagnosed the issue as a hose leading to the radiator, and I was relieved, thinking it was a simple fix. Simultaneously, I had ordered a convertible top and agreed to their set price for installation upon its delivery. However, I received a call stating that I also needed a water pump replacement because it was allegedly broken. I questioned the timing of both parts failing, and they insisted it was a coincidence. I reluctantly agreed to proceed.
Later, I received another call claiming that the top I had delivered was also damaged. I contacted the supplier who assured me they had taken meticulous care in packaging the top. They emailed me several pictures which I sent over to Pops as evidence but received no response from Pops. When I visited the shop, the mechanic working on my top admitted the part was indeed broken. I asked him to simply close the convertible top for now, He agreed.
Then came yet another call, informing me that I needed a new starter. I questioned this, as I had not experienced any starter issues. Joe justified it, saying it’s a common occurrence, and offered a “wholesale” price for the part and installation. He said $250 for the starter and $150 for install My bill had already climbed to $1,030 before this call. When I finally got the call that my car was ready, the bill amounted to $1,498 as anticipated with the last part. (This will be important a little later in the review)
Upon picking up my car, I was handed the keys and told it was parked across the road. Excited to finally have my car back, I attempted to start it, but it wouldn’t turn on. I returned to the shop and found the same mechanic. What happened next is almost unbelievable. He casually asked, “Not starting?” and tried to start the car, only to then inform me that the engine was shot due to overheating when it smoked earlier. I was incredulous, as we had just walked 300 feet to the car, and he acted surprised that it wouldn’t start. Why didn’t anyone inform me earlier? Did they want me to drive off, have the car break down, and wash their hands of the situation?
I called Joe, questioning why I wasn’t informed about the engine when the front desk staff called me. He shifted blame to the receptionist, claiming he had told her to relay the message. I asked why his mechanic lacked the integrity to inform me. Joe’s response was astonishing; he deflected and claimed to have installed the starter for free, even though my bill had increased by nearly $500, just as he had quoted for parts and labor.
This experience was riddled with lies, blame-shifting, and a complete lack of accountability. I eventually had to send a tow truck to bring my car home, losing a significant amount of money in the process. To add insult to injury, the convertible top was left open a few inches when I had paid for it to be closed upon delivery.
My disappointment isn’t just about the money I lost; it’s about the utter lack of integrity displayed by this business. I’m not questioning Joe’s mechanical skills, even a furniture thief who breaks into homes can efficiently move furniture and help you load your U-Haul truck if you had to move. . What I’m saying is, consider looking elsewhere for a mechanic, or be prepared to take a risk. You’ve been warned.
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Author: Manny Melendez
Rating: 1/5
Date: 9/19/2023, 9:42:59 PM
Review: This review deserves attention, especially for those who value supporting small businesses and rely on honest service. I’ve been a strong advocate of small businesses and often grant 5-star reviews to those who truly deserve them. Most small businesses go above and beyond to earn such recognition. However, my experience with Joe and his team at Pops Auto Electric & AC has compelled me to write my first-ever one-star review. Their lack of integrity was truly astounding.
I initially had Pops install an engine in my car, but it soon began smoking heavily. I immediately had it towed back to their shop, where the ordeal began. They diagnosed the issue as a hose leading to the radiator, and I was relieved, thinking it was a simple fix. Simultaneously, I had ordered a convertible top and agreed to their set price for installation upon its delivery. However, I received a call stating that I also needed a water pump replacement because it was allegedly broken. I questioned the timing of both parts failing, and they insisted it was a coincidence. I reluctantly agreed to proceed.
Later, I received another call claiming that the top I had delivered was also damaged. I contacted the supplier who assured me they had taken meticulous care in packaging the top. They emailed me several pictures which I sent over to Pops as evidence but received no response from Pops. When I visited the shop, the mechanic working on my top admitted the part was indeed broken. I asked him to simply close the convertible top for now, He agreed.
Then came yet another call, informing me that I needed a new starter. I questioned this, as I had not experienced any starter issues. Joe justified it, saying it’s a common occurrence, and offered a “wholesale” price for the part and installation. He said $250 for the starter and $150 for install My bill had already climbed to $1,030 before this call. When I finally got the call that my car was ready, the bill amounted to $1,498 as anticipated with the last part. (This will be important a little later in the review)
Upon picking up my car, I was handed the keys and told it was parked across the road. Excited to finally have my car back, I attempted to start it, but it wouldn’t turn on. I returned to the shop and found the same mechanic. What happened next is almost unbelievable. He casually asked, “Not starting?” and tried to start the car, only to then inform me that the engine was shot due to overheating when it smoked earlier. I was incredulous, as we had just walked 300 feet to the car, and he acted surprised that it wouldn’t start. Why didn’t anyone inform me earlier? Did they want me to drive off, have the car break down, and wash their hands of the situation?
I called Joe, questioning why I wasn’t informed about the engine when the front desk staff called me. He shifted blame to the receptionist, claiming he had told her to relay the message. I asked why his mechanic lacked the integrity to inform me. Joe’s response was astonishing; he deflected and claimed to have installed the starter for free, even though my bill had increased by nearly $500, just as he had quoted for parts and labor.
This experience was riddled with lies, blame-shifting, and a complete lack of accountability. I eventually had to send a tow truck to bring my car home, losing a significant amount of money in the process. To add insult to injury, the convertible top was left open a few inches when I had paid for it to be closed upon delivery.
My disappointment isn’t just about the money I lost; it’s about the utter lack of integrity displayed by this business. I’m not questioning Joe’s mechanical skills, even a furniture thief who breaks into homes can efficiently move furniture and help you load your U-Haul truck if you had to move. . What I’m saying is, consider looking elsewhere for a mechanic, or be prepared to take a risk. You’ve been warned.
—–
Author: Dallion Fantoni
Rating: 5/5
Date: 12/15/2021, 7:08:34 PM
Review: I was referred to this shop by a relative. I was very pleased with the service overall. The shop was in a good location and had a good sized lot. In regards to customer service everyone was very attentive and nice. The main Mechanic/Owner Joe was very knowledgeable. The few other mechanics I seen looked very professional. The garage/work bays itself looked very clean and tighty. Price was above fair. I would not let any of the negative reviews keep you from giving them a shot. Thanks
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Author: Dallion Fantoni
Rating: 5/5
Date: 12/15/2021, 7:08:34 PM
Review: I was referred to this shop by a relative. I was very pleased with the service overall. The shop was in a good location and had a good sized lot. In regards to customer service everyone was very attentive and nice. The main Mechanic/Owner Joe was very knowledgeable. The few other mechanics I seen looked very professional. The garage/work bays itself looked very clean and tighty. Price was above fair. I would not let any of the negative reviews keep you from giving them a shot. Thanks
