Bill Heard Chevrolet Plant City ripoff exhorbitant brake repair costs Plant City Florida

I took my 2002 Chevy Malibu to Bill Hear's service department today. I needed to replace the front disc brakes. These repairs included calipers with pads, rotars and discs. I am not a car mechanic but this what I believe is a complete front brake replacement.

I don't have the exact figures in front of me but my total bill was over $860. When I questioned them about the cost they stated that that was mostly parts costs. Then they said it was rusty because it was from the north. This car was driven in 2 winter seasons. Hardly enough to warrant that as an excuse for costs. I have never paid over $400 for brak repairs on any car at a dealer service department or national franchises.

I immediately called a local Firestone dealer and ask to give me his highest estimate to do the same work. $450! His statement then was it probly won't be that high.

I then called 2 friends. The first is the service manager for a Chevrolet dealership and explained the situationHis statement was around $400 dollars. I then called another friend who is a third generation Chevrolet dealer. I explained the same situation to him. He is the owner not a service manager but his statement was no more than $400 plus tax. Possibly less. Is the $860 out of line or not?

I had authorized up to $600 in repairs. They didn't do the work since I didn't call them back to check on the costs. I couldn't. I was at a sales training meeting for new salesman. I had told them they could reach at the place where the training I was training. They new where I was. They even took me there. They could have called there very easily. It was sales training for there company. Someone could let me know from the adminstrative offices that I had a phone. Guess what! The company was was going to be a salesperson for is Bill Heard Chevrolet in Plant City Fl.

And as a last problem when I was done with the meetings I went to pick up my car. It was not put back together. At least they gave me a pickup to drive. Tomorrow at 7am I will be calling their service department and asking them not to do the repairs. I'll take it elsewhere and save $300 or $400. I should say that that price included an oil lube and filter plus a new air filter.

Feedback would be appreciated. Do I tell them to do the repairs or not to do them. I assume I will be charged for taking the front brakes and then returning to the car. Don't know how much that will be.

Ronald
Lakeland, Florida
U.S.A.