PEP BOYS rip-off Altamonte Springs Florida

I own a 96 Kia sephia Recently my car broke down and I needed an alternator replaced so on February 21, 2003 I called PEP BOYS located at 71 S Semoran Blvd Altamonte Springs Florida (407) 249-3888 and spoke with Sean, he adv me that the part would have to be ordered because PEP BOYS did not stock the part and it would take 2 3 days to get the part from Georgia and the cost would be $169.99. I advised him that I worked in Altamonte and he said I could take it to the store located at 1020 E Altamonte Drive Altamonte Springs Florida.

I asked Sean if the price would still be the same Sean said absolutely! We are a corporation. I was still concerned so I called the store Sean referred me to and they concurred on the price of the alternator.

Friday February 22,2003 I had my car towed to the store finding that the store was closed I filled out the envelope and put my keys in and deposited it into the retrieval system located at the front door. Saturday morning I called to let them know that the car was there they adv me that they would call me back. I spoke to the mechanic in the service center and he told me that when the4 alternator seized it had broken the belts and I advised him that I was aware of that situation and I also told him I was more then prepared to wait till Friday the 28th to pick up my car because I knew they had to order the part.

Tuesday February the 25th I went up to PEPBOYS after work because I hadnt heard anything and to see if I needed to pay anything on the parts and to get the final estimate mind you to this date I had not signed anything estimate or other wise nor had I been told any prices other then 169.99 for the alternator and $53.00 for the labor totaling $223.00 imagine my shock when I was told that my car was finished and the total was $474.92 this price included an alternator that escalated to the cost of $292.00

I told Steve in parts the price that I had been quoted of $169.99 he advised me that the part had been ordered from California I told him I had never authorized that price his answer was that they could remove the alternator and I could take the car (nice customer service wouldnt you agree?) I left the car and still didnt sign anything I called every PEPBOYS in Orlando six to be exact and was told 2-3 days to order the alternator and $169.99 for the part I spoke to Debbie at the pep boys located at 601 N powers drive (407) 295-5553 and was compelled to tell her my story she called the other store and told me to call Wayne the manager this morning and the error would be fixed.

Wayne has now advised me that they will take out the alternator and order another one and it will be 5-7 more days.

I am a single mother of five am I happy with your corporation? No I am not so I called Kevin Alvarez and let a message with Becky in customer relations no call back yet three hours later. I am fully prepared to contact the Consumer Protection agency as well as the Department of Professional Business Relations with my grievance I cant be the only person this has happened to and your code of ethics clearly states the opposite of all practices I have experienced dealing with one of your stores; the main one below

Jeanne
ORLANDO, Florida
U.S.A.