Meineke Car Care Center Owner tried to pull the "oil cloth" over young woman's head. Internet

 I dont seem to understand how an alternator fixed a low compression issue .A diagnostic is not just hooking up a scanner to the car.There are times you have to check compression (which involves removing the spark plugs)I think theres more to this story the author is not telling.Like how and auto zone salesman diagnosed a low compression issue as an alternator Ive been a technician foe nearly 30 years.I think ill take all my cars to auto zone cause the sell magic alternators

 I understand your concern, and believe that store was trying to rip off your daughter.  May I make a suggestion? Please do not rely on Autozone for your diagnostics. Yes they can pull a the engine codes, but that does not solve the problem.  I am an ASE certified technician quit often I see a customer come in after getting the code scan at autozone (and it is a code scan, not a diagnosis) and replacing the part the salesman tells them to and it still not correct the problem. A full diagnosis should be done in order that you spend your money correcting the problem, rather than a parts salesmans suggestion. I am not putting down parts salesman, it is simply that they are not technicians.

 Finding a qualified and honest shop can be daunting, but there are many of them out there, including good Meinekes.   I work at a Meineke and how we handle that at my shop is the diagnostic charge is a flat fee of $89.99. That fee is then wiaved if you do the repairs that I suggest. I then stand behind my work. If your vehicle is still experiencing the same problem, I will then correct it at my expense. Come backs do not occur often in my shop, but they do occur.

 If you haven't already, report the shop to Meineke corporate office. It is shops like these that give the good ones bad names.

This morning , March 7th 2011, I received a call from "Paul", when I called him back he asked if I wanted a mechanic to come to my house to put the engine back together. Of course I said yes, since they had no reason to take it all apart. A diagnostic check is conducted with a computer and doesn't require taking hoses off and taking engine components apart. The started is located under the engine it requires being put on a lift and using a special wrench to remove the 3rd bolt. "Paul also informed me that the mechanic left parts in the vehicle. Again, what was the justification? The problem has since been rectified, it turned out that the alternator was bad. Had an actual diagnostic check been conducted, this would have been shown. We have learned an expensive lesson, we will go to AutoZone from this time forward when a diagnostic check is needed. They not only provide the service for free, but they also give the customer the diagnostic printout. 

My advice to anyone needing mechanical work done, would be to check out the reputation of the business and if at any time they do not provide you printouts, paperwork, or explain why they are suggesting certain procedures should be performed, get out of there as soon as possible and get to a reputable establishment. Replacement of Alternator = $197, Meineke for alleged diagnostic check since no paper work exists per the owner= $112.50 + $65 tow bill. Lesson learned that my trust that this business would be honest, but turned out to be less than = Priceless.. I will never do business with this establishment, nor will I let those I know use this business without telling our story. I have ran into more than one person this weekend who have said they have had the same experience with this business. 

Complete computer diagnostics will only work if the vehicle will start and run.

Without the vehicle running, there is very little that can be checked, but in any case, nothing in the motor as described.

The bottom line here is that they saw "easy money" when they thought they had a young woman who knew nothing about cars.

It amazes me how a shop will suggest $5000-$6000+ in repairs on a vehicle that may be worth half the amount. Simply amazing as to the level of stupidity.

Take it to a real mechanic, or to the junkyard as it is most likely not worth fixing.
KIA's are JUNK.

Meineke needs to stick with brakes and exhaust, and leave the real mechanic work to real mechanics.

There is no rip off here.   Do you believe there is any shop out there will do a diagnostic like that for "Twelve Fifty".   The tech at Meineke Car car did not tell you there is no compression on cylinder 6.  Your daughter told you there was no compression on cylinder 6.  Either you or your daughter does not hear very well. 
You and your daughter should go for a hearing check. 

For your car, Meineke Car Car should give you more information after spending 1.5 hr on it and just tell you it needs a new engine.   I don't know how far they went to test the engine but it is not enough by just reading the compression and stated a new motor is needed.  I wouldn't let a mechanic like that touching my car. 

A jumped timing belt can cause low compression reading at all four cylinders like that.  I would get second opinion from other place first.   You may just need a new timing belt.