Sun Devil Auto ripoff Poor customer service, faulty diagnostics I vow to never again take my business there. Phoenix Arizona

In May 2002 I took my S-10 pickup to Sun Devil Auto to have my A/C checked out. After having my compressor (& related items) replaced, I left the shop $1200 poorer. I can live with that, but this week my A/C was blowing warm air, the same problem I had last year. The warranty was good for 1 year, so it was a couple of months expired, but I took it in again to see what they could do for me, seeing what I had spent the last time.

They just called me with the diagnosis, and Andy Avalon (the shop manager) said I needed a new evaporator. This will cost me another $863. I told him never mind, and asked "there's no charge for this, right?". He told me that I to pay $19.95 for that check up. I asked "I still have to pay that, after all the money I spent last time?". His response? "That's irrelevent, I still have to pay my mechanics". Beautiful.

In an unrelated incident (June 2003), I was having low compression on my #4 & #6 cylinders, caused from overheating of the engine. I took it in to this same shop, and again spoke with Andy. After their diagnosis (an $89.95 fee), they concluded that I needed new fuel injectors. I was quoted $1500 for the service & parts. However, I was skeptical about overheating causing injector problems, so I took it to another shop for a second opinion. It turned out I blew a head gasket, and they repaired the problem for $700. I almost threw away $1500.

In conclusion, Sun Devil Auto practices poor customer service, and apparently employs incompetent mechanics who provide faulty diagnostics. I vow to never again take my business there.

Richard
Glendale, Arizona
U.S.A.