Charged $2,500 After Declining Repairs? Their Explanation Left Me Furious!

A Georgia woman, Lenora Kareem, found herself facing an unexpected $2,500 bill after a routine oil change went awry. Kareem, a longtime customer at Tires Plus in Dekalb County, Georgia, brought her Jeep in for what she thought would be a quick and inexpensive service. However, things took an unexpected turn when the mechanics informed her of additional repairs that needed to be done. Despite Kareem’s clear refusal to authorize the work, she was shocked to discover that the shop had gone ahead with the repairs and billed her anyway.

“I said, ‘I can’t afford that,” Kareem told WSB-TV. “‘That’s way too much for an oil change or whatever you need to replace.’”

The initial bill of $79 ballooned to over $2,500, with Kareem being informed that she owed much more than she expected. She had been visiting this particular shop for decades, even holding a Tires Plus credit card with a $1,400 limit. But with a bill that far exceeded her credit limit, she was left in a tough spot, with over $1,000 still to be paid.

In a further twist, Kareem claimed the store manager threatened to charge the remaining balance to her friend’s account, who also happened to be a customer at the shop. “It’s my account,” Kareem said, noting that her friend had nothing to do with the situation.

Avoiding Scams at Repair Shops

Situations like Kareem’s are unfortunately not rare. Repair shop scams are something every car owner should be aware of. Motorautocar and AARP offer helpful tips on how to avoid falling victim to such practices.

Motorautocar advises customers to ask to see any parts that have been replaced or fluids that have been changed. A refusal to provide evidence could indicate that the work wasn’t done at all. Additionally, asking for a walkaround of the repairs gives mechanics an opportunity to show what work was completed. Look for signs like shiny new parts, cleaned areas, or tool marks as proof the work was actually performed.

It’s also a good idea to check customer reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp before visiting a repair shop. Many customers leave reviews when they’ve had negative experiences, making it easier to spot any red flags. For expensive repairs, consider getting a second or even third opinion from other shops to verify the necessity of the suggested work.

When testing out a new repair shop, start with a minor issue that you are already familiar with. This can help you gauge if they add any unnecessary services to the bill. Bringing someone knowledgeable about cars with you can also be a smart move, as they can double-check the work done or review the bill to spot any discrepancies.

Most importantly, get everything in writing. A detailed repair record not only helps you track your car’s maintenance but can also serve as legal protection if disputes arise.

Tires Plus Responds

After some back-and-forth, Tires Plus agreed to lower Kareem’s bill to $1,399, conveniently just under her credit limit. Still, Kareem was left unsatisfied, stating that she needed more explanation about the charges.

Tires Plus responded to WSB-TV with a statement acknowledging the situation. “We are aware of this matter and have worked actively to resolve this complaint since originally servicing the vehicle last month,” the company said. “As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, we remain committed to reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution.”

‘Burden of Proof’

Clark Howard, a consumer expert with WSB-TV, weighed in on the matter, citing Georgia’s mechanics lien law, which protects repair shops by ensuring they are paid for work completed, even if the customer disputes it. In situations like Kareem’s, this law gives the mechanics considerable leverage.

“If there is no paperwork and a mechanic does the work, you are liable for the work they did and their work against your word because the burden of proof falls on the consumer,” Howard explained.

To protect yourself from unexpected charges, Howard advises customers to request a service ticket that clearly outlines the work being performed and its cost. Setting a financial limit in writing is also crucial. A signed document, with a photo as backup, can serve as strong evidence in case of a dispute.

While Kareem’s story serves as a cautionary tale, it’s also a reminder of the importance of staying informed and vigilant when dealing with car repairs.