Hitman Motorsports Ripoff Dishonest Business Practice White Bear Lake Minnesota

This posting is in regard to one of many complaints issued against Hitman Motorsports of White Bear Lake Minnesota.

I delivered my 15 horse power marine engine to Hitman Motorsports shop for rebuild repair on September 30th 2002. I also provided a downpayment of $500.

At that time, I advised the owner that I needed the engine repaired and installed by April 20th, 2003 as I have a pre-paid boat slip for the 2003 boating season. This is a repair period of more than 6 months and the owner agreed to have the engine rebuilt, installed and running by that date.

In November of 2002, the owner requested another downpayment of $500, which I promptly paid. In December of 2002, the owner advised me that the engine was completely repaired, requested final payment and advised me to bring my boat in during April of 2003 for installation. I promptly issued the final payment in the amount of $1,432.26 for a grand total of $2,432.26.

Upon delivering my boat in April of 2003 for the engine install, Hitman Motorsports initiated little communication, failed to respond to inquiries and provided countless excuses and delays for not having the engine installed and running. Excuses included: Inability to maintain qualified mechanics; Incorrect installation of of parts; Failure to order proper parts; Priority customers.

The owner also advised me that he had to disassemble and reassemble the engine several times due to incorrect parts installation and admitted not testing the engine during the six month period he had to rebuild it.

The owner of Hitman motorsports continued to provide excuses and delays until July 23rd, 2003 when he claimed the engine was finally completed. Needless to say, the engine is not repaired and maintains an operating temperature of over 250 degrees F as confirmed by qualified mechanics.

The correct operating temperature should be 140 degrees. I've also encountered engine backfires, sputtering and failure to remain operative. Additionally, due to loose engine connections, I encountered engine sparking along with a severed gasoline line. All due to Hitman Motorsports.

In addition to the $2,432.26 spent for the inadequate repair, I also relinquished my boating slip for 2003 and was unable to recover the costs associated for three months of slip rental. Hitman Motorsports had my engine for ten months and still couldn't repair the engine correctly. So, I'm out $2,932.26 and a boating season due to Hitman Motorsports.

On August 29, 2003, the Minnesota Conciliation Court awarded me a cash Judgment in the amount of $500.00 against Hitman Motorsports for repair of the engine. Hitman Motorsports failed to issued payment.

On April 22, 2004, I advised the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota of Hitman Motorsports and their failure to issue payment. The owner of Hitman Motorsports responded with a promise to issue payment. I followed up on two later occasions requesting payment. As of today, Hitman Motorsports has not issued payment.

Several other complaints and lawsuits by other consumers have been filed against Hitman Motorsports. I also have been contacted by a former employee of Hitman Motorsports and advised of their unscrupulous business practices.

Please do your research before conducting business with Hitman Motorsports and beware of their shady business practices.

Ken
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
U.S.A.