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Report: #124317

Complaint Review: Sterling Automotive - Robert Youngblood II - Sandy Utah

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  • Sterling Automotive - Robert Youngblood II 8584 South 700 East Sandy, Utah U.S.A.

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To whom it may concern:

I asked Sterling Automotive to diagnose my engine (the engine light was on), and was told that my fuel injectors needed to be cleaned, that my oxygen sensors needed to be changed, and that my timing belt needed to be replaced immediately. I was told by Mr. Robert Youngblood II, owner of Sterling Automotive, that "If I were you, I would not drive that Toyota on the freeway because the timing belt is about to break...."

At the same time, I asked Mr. Youngblood to diagnose my Anti-Lock Brake System (the ABS light was on), and he told me that the problem was my "right front wheel speed sensor". I paid Sterling Automotive $128 for a fuel injection cleaning / diagnostic service. I declined the other repairs. They also turned off my engine light. The engine light came back on the same day.

I then took my vehicle to a second automotive repair shop. The documented repair for both the engine light and the anti-lock brake system was a loose "ECM ground wire" (minor repair). The oxygen sensors, the front ABS wheel speed sensor, and the timing belt were determined not defective.

Sterling Automotive misdiagnosed my engine and charged me for an unneeded fuel injector cleaning. If I had not accepted their claim that my fuel injectors needed cleaning, I would have had to pay the same amount for a fabricated diagnosis. If I would have accepted all of their strongly recommended repairs, I would have been charged for many unneeded costly repairs.

Consequently, I went back to Sterling Automotive and asked Mr. Youngblood why he suggested so many costly major repairs on my vehicle when the repairs were not indicated by a certified Toyota specialist / inspection. I also asked for a warranty refund on the work they suggested and actually carried out. His answer was no.... When asked if Sterling Automotive employed certified machanics, Mr. Youngblood informed me of his "mechanical engineering degree" and also that his father was a "surgeon" in what I felt was an impertinent attempt at intimidation.

If I were an individual who knew nothing about automotive repair, Mr. Youngblood would have charged me for replacement of my oxygen sensors, my timing belt, my right front wheel speed sensor, and the cleaning of my fuel injection system. These are all costly repairs. The actual problem was a bad ground for the ECM wiring along with an air flow sensor cleaning (minor repairs).

I have learned that Sterling Automotive has had previous complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau of Utah.... It is unfortunate that as a consumer I would have to pay for Mr. Robert Youngblood's obvious attempt at consumer fraud. As a result, I officially documented my complaint against Sterling Automotive and Mr. Robert Youngblood via the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Protection Agency of Utah.

I have talked to a number of people about this situation, and I have learned that the same type of thing has happened to them with other service centers. You take your car in for a diagnostic service and are told that the problem is X. You pay to have X repaired. You then drive away only to discover that X was not the problem. You take the vehicle back and are told the problem in now Y.... There seems to be no accountability, and the customer ends up picking up the tab. What makes my situation even worse is that Mr. Youngblood II strongly insisted that my vehicle needed major costly repairs that turned out to be completely unnecessary.

Douglas
Sandy, Utah
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 12/24/2004 05:12 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/sterling-automotive-robert-youngblood-ii/sandy-utah-84070/sterling-automotive-robert-youngblood-ii-examining-the-fraudulent-business-practices-of-124317. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
16Consumer
0Employee/Owner

#16 Consumer Suggestion

UPDATE: Robert L Youngblood II CONVICTED of Assault

AUTHOR: Phillip - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, May 05, 2006

On May 4, 2006, Robert L Youngblood II appeared before the Sandy City, Utah, Justice Court charged with one count of simple assault, Court Case No. 051000121.

A former dissatisfied customer who was the victim of the alleged assault committed by Mr. Youngblood on Sterling Automotive property, and one of the Sandy City Officers who responded to the reported assault testified for the City followed by Robert L Youngblood II, his wife and son testifying for the defense.

After a two hour bench trial, The Judge found Robert L Youngblood II guilty as charged of one count of simple assault and sentenced him to one year of probation, fined him more than $200, and required him to enter an anger management program.

The Verdict may be appealed to the Third District Court within the statutory filing period.

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#15 Consumer Suggestion

Slander?

AUTHOR: Rob - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, October 06, 2005

Keep in mind Buster (or should I say Robert) you have slandered and/or defamed numerous people on here as well as given out personal information about them. All messages sent by you from these lists as well as the multiple complaints by people pertaining to your business practices should be forwarded to the Utah attorney generals office at their request for an investigation of your business practices. I would recommend that anyone who has had problems with this particular gentleman contact the Utah attorney general and file a complaint. Good Day!

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#14 Consumer Suggestion

Slander?

AUTHOR: Rob - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, October 06, 2005

Keep in mind Buster (or should I say Robert) you have slandered and/or defamed numerous people on here as well as given out personal information about them. All messages sent by you from these lists as well as the multiple complaints by people pertaining to your business practices should be forwarded to the Utah attorney generals office at their request for an investigation of your business practices. I would recommend that anyone who has had problems with this particular gentleman contact the Utah attorney general and file a complaint. Good Day!

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#13 Consumer Suggestion

Slander?

AUTHOR: Rob - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, October 06, 2005

Keep in mind Buster (or should I say Robert) you have slandered and/or defamed numerous people on here as well as given out personal information about them. All messages sent by you from these lists as well as the multiple complaints by people pertaining to your business practices should be forwarded to the Utah attorney generals office at their request for an investigation of your business practices. I would recommend that anyone who has had problems with this particular gentleman contact the Utah attorney general and file a complaint. Good Day!

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#12 Consumer Comment

Douglas Pulverenti

AUTHOR: Buster - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, September 09, 2005

Douglas Pulverenti like those who have stated their veiws in "this forum" seem to lack only a few things. For example : Knowledge of- automobiles and how they operate!The ability to decern right from wrong!The fortitude to be heard, while being accountable for what they say!
Enough integrity to stand up to a little examination themselves!

Suppose who ever truley owns Sterling were to put all your information on this site. Your Full names ,addresses ,phone numbers ,where you work, etc. Suddenly you are not as autonimous anymore!

Yes ,the people you did slander have known about your little campaign since your first day out spreading the fertilizer. Dougi ,if you were half as smart as you think you are ,why the cowardess ?

Why not tell everyone who you are ,where you live and what your real intentions are? Tell them how much you spent on that on a 1999 toy. 4-runner.The obII computer when scanned reports the
problem to the tech. The tech doesn't come up with his own diagnosis on that vehicle the vehicle if operating properly, does that.

The right front wheel speed sensor is discconected and an engine light is on because you don't know how to tune a vehicle. What are you afraid of Dougi?

What's in your closet? What are you hiding from?
What do all your neighbors ,co-workers,creditors have to say when ordered to testify about you !!!
What about a bit of sunshine in all the areas of your life that you may not want anyone to know about?

You probably tried to do your own brakes and either used the wrong pads or rotors "No exciter ring"! The truth is You tried to Rip-off Sterling Auto after recieveing service. Pretty low Dougi! All this over $127.39 is a small man with no life-
little buddy!

Sterling Automotive is not perfect nor are the technicians that work there. They report the problems to the service advisor.
He justs relays the message and tries to help the customer understand what their dealing with.

Sterling must service approx: 130 cars and trucks every 30 days.If the nine complaints were
19 it would mean Sterling has over a 98% satisfied
customer ratio. No one can please everyone!

All you need to remember Dougli ,is this:
the statute of limitations for slander in Utah is one year from the day you distribute your last
door flyer. In the meantime ,enjoy your home ,your ungarnished income and your other assets, because the opera is over yet .

I know I could use a rental house and the rest of that award.It's going to be the most exspensive lesson you will ever have!

Gee, so many questions to be answered. Oh well, you'll be used to a lot of questions by the time this is over. Good luck in your first deposition by-the-way.About 9 hours of questions. Since most Third District trials can take about three to five years and at about $150.00-to-$200.00 an hour for your defense lawyer,it will interesting to see how you feel about your little campaign about two years into it!

What ever it was you were looking for, what you have found, you will reget for a long time to come. As they say "See you in Court"! oh ,one more thing , if you think that's a joke about the court thing, just ask "Kent" in Draper
girlfriend "Lisa" or ask "Susan and Dave"in Sandy.

Secret admirer-Ponderosa Drive-Sandy

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#11 Author of original report

Robert L. Youngblood's New Trial Date: June 23, 2005

AUTHOR: Douglas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, April 21, 2005

Sterling Automotive's Manager Robert L. Youngblood II has been arrested by Sandy police for assault
(Police Case No. 05E000324).

New Trail Date: June 23, 2005
(Court Case No. 051000121).

If you have had a similar experience with the Sterling Automotive management team, please contact the Sandy City Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

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#10 Consumer Suggestion

It's not enough to repair cars. A big part of the business is satisfying people. Fail to do that, and your days are numbered.

AUTHOR: Paul - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Look at a tune-up. A good tune-up that replaces a lot of parts. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars for it.

So, what have you got for the money? The car runs exactly the same as it did when you brought it in. About all you really got for the money was peace of mind.

So, in order to keep customers happy, an automotive repair business needs to demonstrate the value in the products and services they sell.

If a customer doesn't see the value in what you did to his car, you might as well sell your equipment and padlock the door. The end of your business won't be far off.

So, for any business to call a customer a sad little person is like shooting yourself in the a*s. You can kiss that customer goodbye. You can kiss their family goodbye. Their friends. And, anyone else they may influence.

That one remark may cost you 3 real customers. And, a dozen more potential customers.

You simply can't do s**t like that, not if you intend to stay in business.

It would have been much better to apologize for the mistake and offer something to make it right. After all, you lost good money because of the mistake.

It's acceptable to make a mistake. It's how you handle yourself when that happens that determines how people will treat you in the future.

Clearly, unless this business does a 180 in attitude, they'll destroy the business long before customers ever get a chance to read about them here.

As for timing belts, there are two types of engines. Interference and non-interference. When the belt snaps on an interference type, the valves are bent. Major repair. But, on a non-interference type the engine merely stops running. Install a new belt, and you're as good as new.

Typical belts need to be replaced every 60,000 miles. Unless they become greasy or oily before that time.

Freeway means nothing. If the belt breaks, the valves will get bent even if the engine is idling in the driveway. In fact, if the belt were to snap just as the driver was starting the engine, the power of the starter motor is enough to bend the valves.

Call your Toyota tech and find out if your engine is the interference type or not.

Best of luck to you.

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#9 Author of original report

Thanx you for your response. read the multiple complaints filed on this company

AUTHOR: Douglas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 11, 2005

I appreciate your thought process. It is logical, and I can see how you came to the conclusion that you did. Your rebuttal is the 1st level headed response I've heard during this entire ordeal.

I understand the philosophy behind advising a customer about specific vehicle maintenance requirements that he or she may not know about. I appreciate when someone goes out of their way to inform me of such things. In my mind, it is a very good thing to anticipate your customers needs and to look out for them and supply them with quality customer service and quality assurance.

It is quite another thing to tell somebody that their engine is about to be destroyed from a defective timing belt and warn them not to drive the vehicle because it will cost them over $5,000 to repair the damage.... The actual timing belt maintenance recommendation on my vehicle is 40, 000 miles form now. What reputable automotive technician would recommend changing a timing belt after "30,000 miles"?

It is one thing to tell a customer that you may have made a mistake and that you understand why they are upset; I understand this type of reasoning. It is quite another thing to call that customer "a sad little person... and a liar with poor judgment" as you are shooing you out the door.

I realize people make mistakes, and I am the type of person that completely understands this, as well as what a ground wire... is and how it can be difficult to solve a problem. This situation goes way beyond these basic understandings.

For the entire story on Sterling Automotive's customer service and quality assurance, search this web site (rip-off report) for Sterling Automotive (two words only) and read the multiple complaints filed on this company. There are now 6 complains and an approaching physical assault prosecution. If that does not convince you, Google or Lycos
("Sterling Automotive" Sandy Utah) for additional complaints and information.

Thank you for your response.

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#8 Consumer Suggestion

Not so much a rip-off as an honest mistake. An accurate diagnosis is difficult sometimes.

AUTHOR: Paul - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 11, 2005

Here's what a bad ground is. It can be where two cables connect together with a plug. Or, it can be a ring terminal that's under a bolt.

Nothing looks out of place. It's a small amount of corrosion that is not apparent by looking at the connection.

For example, after years of use, the cord on a blow dryer may break internally. The broken wire is covered by insulation. You can't see the actual break. So, you assume the dryer simply has burned up. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. All it needs is a new cord.

Same thing with the car. There is a voltage drop test you can do for high resistance ground connections. But, you have to know what and where to look.

You have to be in business a long time to begin to understand patterns of failure. In some cases, that's the only way to spot certain things.

It's no surprise that the Toyota tech spotted this. He knows Toyotas better. Plus, he may have more experience with electrical work. Or, maybe he has more test equipment.

People make mistakes like this all the time. For example, your computer starts running unusually slow. Is it a worm or a virus? Or, is something wrong with the computer itself? Is it the new software you installed?

Hard to tell.

It's the same with automotive electronics. Anybody can do a good clutch job. Or, install new brake parts. But, the flow of electricity isn't something that's visible to the eye.

That's why it's harder to fix.

Trust me, people have spent far more on similar problems. Some cars never get fixed. They end up getting torched for the insurance because nobody can make them run right.

Electronics. Great when they work right. But, a nightmare when they don't.

Naturally, I don't blame you for being upset. Nobody enjoys paying good money for mistakes. But, there is a distinct difference between a simple mistake and someone who is out to cheat you from the start.

Let he who is without faults cast the first stone.

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#7 Consumer Suggestion

Not so much a rip-off as an honest mistake. An accurate diagnosis is difficult sometimes.

AUTHOR: Paul - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 11, 2005

Here's what a bad ground is. It can be where two cables connect together with a plug. Or, it can be a ring terminal that's under a bolt.

Nothing looks out of place. It's a small amount of corrosion that is not apparent by looking at the connection.

For example, after years of use, the cord on a blow dryer may break internally. The broken wire is covered by insulation. You can't see the actual break. So, you assume the dryer simply has burned up. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. All it needs is a new cord.

Same thing with the car. There is a voltage drop test you can do for high resistance ground connections. But, you have to know what and where to look.

You have to be in business a long time to begin to understand patterns of failure. In some cases, that's the only way to spot certain things.

It's no surprise that the Toyota tech spotted this. He knows Toyotas better. Plus, he may have more experience with electrical work. Or, maybe he has more test equipment.

People make mistakes like this all the time. For example, your computer starts running unusually slow. Is it a worm or a virus? Or, is something wrong with the computer itself? Is it the new software you installed?

Hard to tell.

It's the same with automotive electronics. Anybody can do a good clutch job. Or, install new brake parts. But, the flow of electricity isn't something that's visible to the eye.

That's why it's harder to fix.

Trust me, people have spent far more on similar problems. Some cars never get fixed. They end up getting torched for the insurance because nobody can make them run right.

Electronics. Great when they work right. But, a nightmare when they don't.

Naturally, I don't blame you for being upset. Nobody enjoys paying good money for mistakes. But, there is a distinct difference between a simple mistake and someone who is out to cheat you from the start.

Let he who is without faults cast the first stone.

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#6 Consumer Suggestion

Not so much a rip-off as an honest mistake. An accurate diagnosis is difficult sometimes.

AUTHOR: Paul - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 11, 2005

Here's what a bad ground is. It can be where two cables connect together with a plug. Or, it can be a ring terminal that's under a bolt.

Nothing looks out of place. It's a small amount of corrosion that is not apparent by looking at the connection.

For example, after years of use, the cord on a blow dryer may break internally. The broken wire is covered by insulation. You can't see the actual break. So, you assume the dryer simply has burned up. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. All it needs is a new cord.

Same thing with the car. There is a voltage drop test you can do for high resistance ground connections. But, you have to know what and where to look.

You have to be in business a long time to begin to understand patterns of failure. In some cases, that's the only way to spot certain things.

It's no surprise that the Toyota tech spotted this. He knows Toyotas better. Plus, he may have more experience with electrical work. Or, maybe he has more test equipment.

People make mistakes like this all the time. For example, your computer starts running unusually slow. Is it a worm or a virus? Or, is something wrong with the computer itself? Is it the new software you installed?

Hard to tell.

It's the same with automotive electronics. Anybody can do a good clutch job. Or, install new brake parts. But, the flow of electricity isn't something that's visible to the eye.

That's why it's harder to fix.

Trust me, people have spent far more on similar problems. Some cars never get fixed. They end up getting torched for the insurance because nobody can make them run right.

Electronics. Great when they work right. But, a nightmare when they don't.

Naturally, I don't blame you for being upset. Nobody enjoys paying good money for mistakes. But, there is a distinct difference between a simple mistake and someone who is out to cheat you from the start.

Let he who is without faults cast the first stone.

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#5 Consumer Suggestion

Not so much a rip-off as an honest mistake. An accurate diagnosis is difficult sometimes.

AUTHOR: Paul - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 11, 2005

Here's what a bad ground is. It can be where two cables connect together with a plug. Or, it can be a ring terminal that's under a bolt.

Nothing looks out of place. It's a small amount of corrosion that is not apparent by looking at the connection.

For example, after years of use, the cord on a blow dryer may break internally. The broken wire is covered by insulation. You can't see the actual break. So, you assume the dryer simply has burned up. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. All it needs is a new cord.

Same thing with the car. There is a voltage drop test you can do for high resistance ground connections. But, you have to know what and where to look.

You have to be in business a long time to begin to understand patterns of failure. In some cases, that's the only way to spot certain things.

It's no surprise that the Toyota tech spotted this. He knows Toyotas better. Plus, he may have more experience with electrical work. Or, maybe he has more test equipment.

People make mistakes like this all the time. For example, your computer starts running unusually slow. Is it a worm or a virus? Or, is something wrong with the computer itself? Is it the new software you installed?

Hard to tell.

It's the same with automotive electronics. Anybody can do a good clutch job. Or, install new brake parts. But, the flow of electricity isn't something that's visible to the eye.

That's why it's harder to fix.

Trust me, people have spent far more on similar problems. Some cars never get fixed. They end up getting torched for the insurance because nobody can make them run right.

Electronics. Great when they work right. But, a nightmare when they don't.

Naturally, I don't blame you for being upset. Nobody enjoys paying good money for mistakes. But, there is a distinct difference between a simple mistake and someone who is out to cheat you from the start.

Let he who is without faults cast the first stone.

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#4 Author of original report

Sterling Automotive's Manager Arrested for Assaulting a Customer

AUTHOR: Douglas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 10, 2005

Sterling Automotive's Manager Robert Youngblood II has been arrested by Sandy police for assault (Police Case No. 05E000324).

Trail Date: May 12, 2005 (Court Case No. 051000121).

If you have had a similar experience with the Sterling Automotive management team, please contact the Sandy City Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

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#3 Author of original report

Sterling Automotive's Manager Arrested for Assaulting a Customer

AUTHOR: Douglas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 10, 2005

Sterling Automotive's Manager Robert Youngblood II has been arrested by Sandy police for assault (Police Case No. 05E000324).

Trail Date: May 12, 2005 (Court Case No. 051000121).

If you have had a similar experience with the Sterling Automotive management team, please contact the Sandy City Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

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#2 Author of original report

Sterling Automotive's Manager Arrested for Assaulting a Customer

AUTHOR: Douglas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 10, 2005

Sterling Automotive's Manager Robert Youngblood II has been arrested by Sandy police for assault (Police Case No. 05E000324).

Trail Date: May 12, 2005 (Court Case No. 051000121).

If you have had a similar experience with the Sterling Automotive management team, please contact the Sandy City Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

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#1 Author of original report

Sterling Automotive's Manager Arrested for Assaulting a Customer

AUTHOR: Douglas - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 10, 2005

Sterling Automotive's Manager Robert Youngblood II has been arrested by Sandy police for assault (Police Case No. 05E000324).

Trail Date: May 12, 2005 (Court Case No. 051000121).

If you have had a similar experience with the Sterling Automotive management team, please contact the Sandy City Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

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