
IMPORT AUTO TECHNICIANS INC
About us
In business since 1983, we offer a wide range of auto service and repair experiences. We are one of few Colorado Springs auto service facilities to work on Mini Coopers. Customers no longer need to drive to Denver to service their Minis! Our ASE trained Master Technicians assure our customers the work on their vehicle is done accurately and efficiently. We are certified by AAA with an Excellent Ranking...not many shops have this auspicious designation. We wash EVERY car before it leaves the shop for FREE. FREE shuttle rides and FREE loaner cars are also available. If you need to wait, our comfortable customer lounge has free wi-fi and delicious snacks. Call us for a free consultation! See you soon!
Business highlights
Services we offer
AUTO SERVICE, DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
---|---|---|
80% | ||
5% | ||
3% | ||
3% | ||
10% |
At 2 PM on the 24th, I called the shop to ask the status. Was told it would be ready at 4PM.
I arrived at 4:30 and immediately noted that the tires were NOT rotated as the "painters tape" were still on the front tires. I waited approximately 30 minutes for the car to be completed from being washed.
Upon review of the bill, I noticed a a listing of "Front Disc" x 2. (2 Front Rotors?) I assumed that the mechanic was able to save the rear rotors as under the description of labor, it was noted that the FRONT and rear rotors were re-surfaced. In my mind, I questioned re-surfacing of brand new rotors, but did not question the notation as I also saw that there was no mention of rotating the tires. I did ask the woman at the front desk if the tires were rotated. She then asked (a manager?), Mike if the tires were rotated. He said that no, it was forgotten and then apologized. The woman at the desk stated "she would yell at Steve". I told her that really would not solve the problem (and felt like it was an uprofessional comment by her).
During the drive home, I noted that the brake pedal was very "mushy" and "spongy". As I had worked in the auto industry for 10 years prior to my Military career, I recognized this symptom as being air in the brake lines.
When I returned home, I was in the process of writing Steve, the Manager I originally made the appointment with, to see about a return appointment regarding the brake pedal when I received a telephone call from Mike. Mike stated "that he talked to Steve and that my tires WERE rotated, but that it was not listed on the invoice". At that time I told Mike "to please not lie to me as I had MARKED my tires and knew that they were NOT rotated" (again this is a good scam that customers would be victim to, if they did not mark their tires in some way). I did state to Mike "that the brake pedal was "spongy" and it felt like air was in the lines". I requested a follow-up appointment to address this issue.
On 29 July I arrived at 7:30 AM with 1 dozen donuts for the staff in a act of good will. I met the manager, Steve and he said that "he would evaluate the brake pedal, bleed the lines if needed and rotate the tires". Steve at no time mentioned that I owed any additional money on my bill (which would have been the professional thing to do as a MANAGER). At this time, I waited for the car in the shop waiting room.. At 9:30, the car was returned (as a note, 2 hours seemed quite a long for a bleeding of the brakes and rotation of tires as the shop was not overly busy, and I DID have an appointment (again, I have auto industry experience). Anyway, I went to the front desk to pick up my original receipt and was told by the woman that " I needed to wait as my bill was not complete". I asked what the problem was and she said "I had to pay for some rotors". I pointed out the "2 Front Disc" listed on my bill and stated "THAT is payment for the rotors". She said "I don't know about cars" and then asked for Mike to come to the desk. Mike stated that "yes, the disc listed was rotors, but I needed to pay for the rear rotors as well". I asked to be shown on the bill where was it stated that 4 rotors was replaced and why was it listed that Front and rear rotors were re-surfaced? He stammered and stated "I don't know what was written on the bill". I again asked, "why would you re-surface 4 BRAND NEW rotors fresh from the box?" He really could not provide an answer. I paid the additional $150 for the rear rotors and told Mike "that your shop is completely incompetent and that I would be providing a review on Angie's List". It was "interesting" to note that during this confrontation, Steve was no where to be seen.
Botom Line: I do not have a problem with paying for 4 rotors (if needed), although I do have a problem with Mini Cooper engineering. These rotors only lasted 50,000 mile with no "metal on metal" brake pad damage. I previosuly owned a Honda Accord with over 275,000 miles and the rotors where NEVER replaced. However, I DO have a problem with the invoice from Import Auto Technicians that is not accurate in either the listing of parts or description of labor performed. Additionally, I have a problem with a "manager" that would call me at home and lie to me that "yes, your tires were rotated, but we did not list it on the invoice". Again, if I did not mark my tires, I would be under the false impression that this service was completed.
Finally, I will NEVER return to Import Auto Technicians for any service and STRONGLY recommend against anyone considering this place of busines.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this review. Please note that I have no interest in hearing from Import Auto Technicians regarding this matter. For me, this chapter is now closed.
Sincerley,
Lawrence G. Breault, DMD,MS
Brought the car to Import because a friend recommended it to me. When we arrived the lady in the front office naked Lauren was very very rude. She acted like we ruined her day by asking her questions. Lauren knew nothing about cars. She claimed that she was just the office manager. So I asked to speak with someone else. She said that would be Steve. I asked when Steve would be back and she told us that he should be back any minute. She sat back down at her desk put her headphones in and started to text message while we just stood there. Steve comes back with food. Without saying anything to us he gives the food to Lauren and starts to eat himself. After a few bites Lauren says oh yeah they have questions for you Steve. They had the mechanic look at my car and Steve later called us about the work that needed to be done. I agreed and he quoted me a price of 2500. They had my car for almost a week Steve wouldn't return my phone calls. I eventually got a ride there and my car was sitting out side unlocked and with the windows down, I was about to pay when he said we owed 1000 more then he quoted. He said the tires we wanted were on backorder so he got the only other ones he could find. What a thief and a liar. SHAME ON STEVE AND LAUREN I just got back from Afghanistan and this is how I am treated.
This is the second time we've taken a vehicle there and were very pleased both times.
They were able to receive the tire shipment that I sent directly to them and did all the work at a good price.
Was even able to use their loaner car while the work was being done. Free of charge!
These are the only guys I trust to do work on my BMW M3 and our Volvo SUV
"Thank you so much for your kind words! We always try our 100% best to serve our customers! Import Auto would not stay in business if it weren't for customers AND Friends like you! Never hesitate to call us if you have questions or issues about car care or repair. Many thanks and blessings. GM"
Great
I think that if it had been a different repair shop they would not have gone through the effort of looking for a warranty or recall. I could have been stuck with a big bill. Import Auto went through a lot of trouble to find the problem and check for solutions, then only charged me $50 for the labor. I was really impressed at their integrity.
"Thank you so much for your kind words! We appreciate our service manager because this is exactly the type of thing he does on a regular basis. You as our customer are very important to us regardless of whether it is helping you the way we did or for a larger job. You are important...not the size or value of any work to be done. Thank you again! Best wishes for the remainder of 2014!! GM"
"Thank you so much for your excellent review, rating! Customers like you are much appreciated! Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction and you help us with your important feedback. Thanks again and have a blessed day! GM"
"Dear [Member Name Removed]: Thank you over and over for your amazing review. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction and we strive to provide for all our customers' car care needs with honesty and integrity. We are pleased and honored to have been of service to you especially since you were taking a trip and needed assurance your vehicle would be reliable on the road. Thank you for being a long time customer and friend of Import Auto Technicians. We wish you the Merriest of Christmases and a Wonderful New Year! hwb"
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