1st Choice Auto Repair

I had a '91 Mazda since it was new (in love with it) and had recently replaced most major components. At nearly 300k miles, I hoped to get another 50k with a quality used engine. The average quote was $650 for the engine and 600-700 for labor. Jeremias quoted 600 (total) to replace the head only, so I was enthused and said yes. There's a point when it's lost money if you want to escape a mechanic once they've begun. I was immediately in that trap. The "head" diagnosis and plan was wrong so we continued our "journey". It went to 1500 and then to 1800 which I reluctantly agreed to. Reputable used engines are supposed to be sold with a history of miles driven and a "leak-down test". Jeremias' engine had no history or leak down test. His answers about it were evasive and creepy, but I had little say at that point. He kept the car for over THREE MONTHS, until I get the call that it was done. "I have good news and bad news." he says. The bad news is that the bill is over $3,000 now(!!) The good news is that I'm getting a discount that lowers it to $2900+. And that it's ready for pick up. (NO authorization for this "news".) The jacked-up bill included excessive labor for motor mounts that should have been minimized with the engine already removed. I stupidly paid it and decided court was my only option. Driving it home, the engine light and the oil lights were on. To this he said he noticed that, too...and (sounding serious) that if it continues to "bring it back". With smog required in six weeks, I was screwed. It was missing parts required for smog that were on it originally, it had no oil pressure, the AC bolts were dangerously loose and missing, one hose had been replaced with the wrong (fuel or air) type...and was broken and cracked at that, etc., etc., etc. The list is longer than is believable, including deceit used in his history to the BBB. I had to sell the car to Pick N Pull for $49. It probably had $1k in new parts and components. A B.A.R. agent investigated and was outraged, but they have little power. I won in court. He appealed and I won again. Now he won't pay. I sent the sheriff to do a "till tap" but he's slick and does cash transactions from his pockets. There were other red flags, but once work began, me and my bank account were hostages. If your mechanic advertises on Craig's List, screens all phone calls, makes change from a wad of bills in his pocket...don't walk, RUN away. I was helpless when the red flags and deceit AFTER work began. I have all the documents to prove these comments, from his absurd invoice to the Pick N Pull "last chapter". There is so much, much more than can be added here. I'm sure he will do his next bankruptcy soon and move on to a new "profession" and find more victims...with my money. That's just how he rolls. Avoid this scammer like the poison that he is.