VIP Auto Service Center A total bunch of rank amateurs Windham Maine

Some time ago, I was on my way to a camping trip. In Windham, I developed an exhaust problem; a pipe separation. As it was just up the road AND on the way, I went to the VIP. I went in and was faced with a service manager and SIX alleged technicians. I explained my situation and the manager came out and got down on his hands and knees to look at the problem. When he got back up, he told me that there was nothing that they could do for me that day; come back on Monday.

At that time, I ran a large repair shop in Portland but wasn't about to turn around and drive 25 miles with a dragging pipe. I said to him that even if they couldn't weld it, all I really needed was to have it put up on a lift, stuff one pipe back into the other and clamp it back down. He replied that wasn't possible.

I said 'you have six guys sitting there doing nothing, just drive it in gently, lift it and clamp it back together. 5 minutes, $25'. He told me that none of his guys were 'certified' exhaust mechanics. They were all tire techs. At that point, my righteous indignation started to get the best of me. I asked him how the company could turn them loose with a 1/2 inch drive gun and let them mount, balance and install tires but they couldn't operate a 3/8 inch gun and spin a clamp. He didn't really have an answer so I made him a proposal.

'Put the car in the air, lock the lift, leave a 3/8 inch gun under the car with a 9/16 deep socket and walk away. I will wander into the garage, take a quick look, stuff and clamp the pipe, and walk away. I will still pay you $25 and thank you for the 'Magic' fix'. NO DEAL!

Fortunately, as I was walking back out to the car, a friend drove by. He said that there was another shop back half a mile. We went there where a former employee happened to be working. They knew exactly what the problem was, took the car in and not only clamped it but welded it together. 10 minutes and $15 dollars later I was on my way to my camping site in New Hampshire.

VIP needs to hire managers who have some decision making skills and mechanics who are smarter than a tire plug. Now that I am semi-retired, I would never set foot in another VIP knowing how they grade their help. As a retail customer, I deserve much better than they could possibly offer and those cheap prices come with a caveat; stupid inept labor.

Daralyn
Freeport, Maine
U.S.A.