Just Brakes Svc. Center #89 A Scam, An Illegal Sale, A Joyride and a Settlement Check. Houston, Texas

On December 31st, 2012 my boyfriend went to have brakes fixed on my Dodge Ram Conversion Van.  It had relatively low mileage for the year (under 100K) and we used it for carrying the kids around on long trips, camping, etc.  It was in good condition, we had been keeping up with the maintenance, and all it needed was front brake work.  We had budgeted between $350 and $600 out for it (after reading that no one really gets the $99 package, we thought we would have the money in advance for any extra work needed).  My boyfriend takes the van in at approximately 8am, and calls at approximately 11:30am to let me know that after they put the van up on the lift and "looked at it" they would not remove it from the lift for under $2500, as they felt it was "unsafe and unfit to drive."  However, as it was in good shape in the interior, and set up for video game play, watching movies in the back, and the ambient lighting worked, they would be "willing" to buy it right then from us for $500 so that we wouldn't have to owe them anything.  They would be using it as their "man-cave" instead of driving it because, as they said, it was unfit and unsafe to drive. 

Since we couldn't afford any more charges we felt we had no choice, so I got the title and brought it down to the shop.  The man there (who wouldn't really tell us his name so that we could hear it) accepted the title.  I signed it and asked for a receipt.  He said that he would get that to me as soon as possible but they were very busy at the time.  He also asked me NOT to date the title as "he would take care of that later."  I let him know that this van had handicapped plates on it that I needed back (which I still have) and that we need to process a bill of sale at his earliest convenience, and to PLEASE get back to me.  I don't think he listened to me, and I had not received any paperwork again.

It does not stop there!  January 28, 2013 we receive a Fields For Towed Vehicles Report from a Harris County Constable stating that said vehicle had been involved in a car accident and that our van was in an impound lot.  My name was listed as owner.  We proceeded to contact the constable in question and asked him what had happened, if anyone was hurt, and who was "at fault."  Luckily, no one was hurt and the drivers of the Dodge Ram Van were not listed at fault, but there was more to it than that.  We asked how it was involved since it was "Unsafe and Unfit to Drive."  We were told that there was a new set of brake pads slapped on the front brakes and it had driven fine (by their account).  He came upon the scene and  he ran the plates and found they belonged to a Jeep.  He asked who the owner of the van was, and they gave the Constable MY name (which is how I am involved).  He asked again if I was the owner, and they again said yes.  He asked for their registration and they said it was registered to me.  I am glad now that I kept my plates!
The constable recommended I get my vehicle out of the impound lot and call the Insurance company to inform them of what had transpired.  We found out that the van was picked up (with the title that I never received a dated receipt for, or filed a bill of sale registration report on) and to inform the insurance company immediately so they can total it out and pick it up.  So, we did.

Long story short, they asked me if I had my plates (I did).  They asked me if I had a copy of the title listed in my name (I went to DMV and received it, showing only my name listed as current owner).  I even sent a copy of the Fields for Towed Vehicles Report.  I faxed all of my paper documents to them.  Well, today (2/13/2013) I was informed that after "careful consideration and asking around" that they were awarding the settlement for the totaled van to the nitwits who held my van, since they were "originally listed on the claim and had the original title with my signature."  REALLY?????  I had explained the whole scenario as I am describing it here, and it didn't seem to make a bit of difference!  If there were injuries or if the drivers of the van were at fault, I am SURE I would have been held responsible!  But since they took my "unsafe vehicle that need more than brakes" joy-riding with plates for a jeep on it (oh no, nothing illegal going on there!!) and got CAUGHT, they get the settlement check??
In conclusion, I feel extremely ripped off.  If you want to get brakes changed on your vehicle, I would NOT recommend going to Just Brakes!