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Page 14 Reviews 370 - 400

Original review: July 19, 2010

My husband took my car into the local Meineke store to get the oil changed.Then after driving the car a short time, it started to sound bad so he gets almost home and the engine light comes on. So we decide to take it the next day and have the diagnostic test done on it. The test said that it had cylinder misfiring so we change the plugs, that didn't help. So we went back for diagnostic again said the same thing. It could be the core packs on the misfiring spark plugs so we changed them, still didn't help so parked it trying to figure out what could be wrong. Then my husband decide to check the oil thinking that this did start soon after the oil was changed. When he pulled the stick out he was shocked to find that this car had been overfilled with oil.

So I called and talked to the manager and told him what my husband had found and he sent someone to my house to look at the car. So he gets under there and takes out nearly 4 quarts of oil out of my car so that it would be were it should be but the oil he took out had gas in it. So this guy says that someone is going to get in trouble for this. When he gets back and that the manager will call me back in a little while but he didn't. So next morning, I called him and he says that they didn't do anything wrong to my car. But the oil stick has in bold letters "do not overfill".

So I had a mechanic to come to my house and check my car over and he says that my car is ruined. I called the store manager back and he still says that he is not responsible for the severe damage to my 2003 Jeep Liberty limited edition. But there was nothing wrong with this vehicle when it went there only wanted an oil change. Is there any way that I can get him to pay for the damage that his store caused as I don't have money for such a large expense.

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Original review: July 12, 2010

I took my F150 to Meineke to have my tail-pipe and chrome tip replaced on right side of my exhaust. This shop had replaced my dual exhaust from the cat back on 01/16/2007 with a Flowmaster muffler and pipes and I was told the muffler was warranted for life or as long as I own it. The tail pipe rusted out at the hanger and that's what I went in for today 07/12/2010. I was told to have it there at 8am and it would be done at or around 12 pm. I told Bill, the mechanic, all I want replaced was the tail pipe and tip and was told okay.

When I called at 1pm, they said it was just going in. At 1:30pm they called and said both tips where out of stock and I told them it was only 1 tip because just the 1 side. I called back at 3pm to see what was taking so long to put on 1 tail pipe, they didn't know. They called at 4pm and told me to come get my truck. When I got there they gave me a bill for a new muffler 2 pips, 2 hangers, 2 tips and labor, for a total of $400. When I told them that's not what I came in for, I came in for a new tail pipe and 1 new tip, they took off the price of the muffler, which is not a Flowmaster but a cheep one, and still charged me $310 to get my truck back even though I didn't ask for or authorized a new exhaust or down graded muffler. On top of that, Bill, the mechanic, said yes I did say I only want a tail pipe and tip when I dropped it off. He didn't work on it or write it up. Sorry.

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Original review: June 22, 2010

I took my car to Meineke in Carson City when I received an advertisement in the mail. The advertisement states that the oil change option I chose, the Supreme Option, "includes oil and filter, top-off fluids, lube chassis, rotate tires, balance check all tires, 23 pt courtesy check". There is a disclaimer stating, "Includes up to 5 quarts of standard motor oil and a standard filter. Additional disposal and shop supply fees may apply. Special oils and filters are available at additional cost. Rotation service for vehicles with TPM systems is available at additional cost. See additional offer details below. Expires 7/15/10." I made my appointment and took my car in on 06/16/10 at 3:00 p.m. The service took approximately 30 minutes. I paid $46.51 which included hazard disposal fees and tax and went on my way.

I drove 30 miles to my son's house in Reno, NV and when I left his house I heard a terrible crunch. My youngest son was in the car with me. We had carpooled to dinner at his older brother's house. He got out and found that part of my bumper seemed to have pulled loose under the car so he pushed it back in place. The noise seemed to stop and after dropping him off, I continued home. The noise started again when I crossed into the exit lane off of the freeway near my apartment. I drove the short way to the apartment. When I got out, I found that the entire plastic protection piece over my left front tire had popped loose, caught under my tire, and had torn my front bumper loose and taken off some paint. I had to cut the large, long plastic piece off with heavy-duty scissors, so that I could park my car and continue to drive it.

I went back to Meineke on 06/17/10 at approximately 12:30 p.m. I told the man at the front desk what had happened and said that I thought perhaps the tech had damaged the plastic piece when he rotated my tires. He said my tires had not been rotated and that he was the tech that had done the oil change. I asked why he had not rotated my tires when that is the service I had paid for. He said that they only rotated tires if they needed it and my tires did not need it. He said that they would never have touched that plastic part even if they had rotated my tires.

On 06/22/10 I received an automated call from Meineke asking me to complete a two-question survey regarding my experience. My response was “extremely dissatisfied with the service” and I was then given the number to the Carson City Car Care Center #1262 where I could talk to someone about my experience. That number connected me with the assistant manager who listened to me. Then, the assistant manager informed me that Meineke did not have to do the items listed in the advertisement or the memo on my invoice if the tech deemed that the service was not necessary. He stated that the tech had the right to determine if the tires needed rotated or not. He then told me that there were clips that held the piece I was talking about on my car in place and that he had a similar car, so he knew what I was referring to.

I asked Mr. Assistant Manager if my car would have been raised on a stand to change the oil to which he said, "Yes." I asked him if my car would have been placed on the stand if the tires had been rotated to which he said, "Yes." I asked him what a 29-point courtesy inspection included and he said that would include brakes, fluids, oils, and things like that. I then asked him why, if my car was already falling apart, I was not informed upon this inspection that I had a problem that needed to be checked out. Mr. Assistant Manager replied that Meineke was not a body shop and the part in question was something a body shop would need to take care of. Therefore, Meineke had no responsibility to tell me there was a problem given that there was a chance. The tech doing the inspection even saw the issue. He then said that I could not prove anything and that was the end of it.

I took my car to my insurance company where I was told I needed an estimate. The preliminary estimate to repair the damage is $857.52. I had requested a service that I felt was in my best interest to insure the safety of my car. Within hours of seeing Meineke, my car fell apart. I cannot even begin to understand how the tech could have lubed the chassis, checked my tires to determine that they did not need rotated, balance checked my tires, and done a 29 point courtesy inspection without ever seeing that I had a problem. However, according to the assistant manager, the work is only done if it is listed on my invoice with a No Charge next to it. With that in mind, the only things listed on my invoice are the Supreme Oil Service at $19.50, the filter at $7.98, the Hazard Disposal/Haz Mat at $4.98, and the 5 quarts of oil at $12.50. Apparently, I got a Basic Oil Change, which according to this advertisement should cost $19.95 and would include the filter and oil. But I paid for a Supreme Oil Change and did not get the service I paid for.

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Original review: June 16, 2010

I went into Meineke for a basic oil change. I left to go run around, I drove about 10 miles or so before my car started running funny. It felt like pressure would build up when it shifted and then it clunked. I went back in there and they claim they did not do anything to the car, but I just think it is a bit ironic that the car ran fine before being brought in and no matter than 45 minutes after leaving there it started running [badly]. Still have no idea what is wrong with the car, but I have a feeling this little gimmick was to get me to fork money over to them to fix the tampered with problem in my vehicle.

Original review: June 16, 2010

I called Meineke and asked if they could replace an alternator for a 2005 Toyota 4 runner. They told me they could and that they were ase certified technicians. So I brought my Toyota down to them and told them my battery was dying. They said they would have to run a diagnosis on it to determine what the problem was. They called me later and told me that it would take 2 days due to the weekend to get the part in. I in two days, I called and he told me he got the part in which was around 11 am.

I showed up at 4pm that day and he still had not got the part in and it would take them a while to get it in. So he called me at 558pm which they close at 6pm to tell me there is something wrong with my fuse box and I could come down and take a look at it if I wanted to. I showed up and he showed me my fuse box. I was melted and it was not that way before because I looked when I had to recharge my battery. He said that it was from my amplifier in my vehicle. I asked him to prove it to me with a multi meter that my amp was still pulling current through my battery but he said he didn't have a multi meter in the shop. So he told me they would run further diagnosis on it to find the real problem at no charge, so I agreed.

He did not call me back when he said he would. So I would have to call him. He said I needed a new fuse box and that he would try to track one down for me and he would call me back. So I waited that next day until 558pm and I called him and asked if he found the part. He asked me if I found one? So by this time, I am very upset because I have been out of a car for quite some time. So I called a tow company and had them tow it to Parker Toyota. They confirmed that it was not the amplifier and it was because someone hooked up the alternator incorrect. Parker Toyota even gave me proof that it was because of Meineke hooking up an alternator. I wasn't able to drive my vehicle to get to work and had to find rides. Couldn't get my son to school or daycare. A large Parker Toyota bill. My warranty company had to pay for terrible work to supposedly ase certified technicians.

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Original review: June 12, 2010

I want to express my complete disappointment and frustration with the Meineke Center I visited at West Northwest Highway, Unit B, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The Manager (Bhupat **) at this location was very rude and incompetent, and above all resorted to violent physical behavior, with the intention of scaring me, so that I would be scared to ask him any questions. Mr. Bhupat ** would not tell me, what was going on with my car, when I took it for inspection for a Service Engine Check Light on.

He just verbally quoted $600.00 without giving me any details. Additionally, he instead asked me to leave, since according to him; I was asking him too many questions about the error codes' details and when I told him that I need to know what was going on, he says that I can fix it myself and he (Bhupat **) caught my shirt and verbally abused me in his local Gujarati language.

At that point, I had to tell him that if he does not let go of my shirt, I have no option but to call the authorities. My strong recommendation to any future Meineke customers is please do not visit his car care center. I do not wish any of the Meineke customers to experience this bad treatment, that I endured. Please stay clear of this center. It was an extremely bad experience. I never had this kind of experience at any car care center. Moreover it was an emotional and physical trauma for myself and my wife, who was also with me at that time.

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Original review: June 1, 2010

I took my car in to get it looked at because of rough idle and check engine light was on. The vehicle was in the shop for an hour and a half before they got to it. But after diagnosing it, they found out that cylinders 4&5's compression were low after compression test. They said they would need to replace the spark plugs and wires and fuel system cleaner. The existing wires were installed a couple of years ago, so that's understandable. But I just replaced the existing plugs two weeks ago, so that is what I question. Well, after they did all of the service and replacing the parts, the bill came out to be $663.00.

I don't understand why it cost that much for wires, plugs and a $24.00 fuel system cleaner. The plugs were $12.98 each and the Auto Zone wires that were charged to me for $175.00 each (Auto Zone sells no wires over $49.99, unless they are performance grade). This is why I'm complaining about having to wait almost 6 hours.

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Original review: May 29, 2010

I originally took my Audi in for an oil leak. I was told that most of the gaskets needed to be replaced. I had them go ahead and replace all of them. They kept calling saying that there was more things wrong with my car. Three weeks and over $5000 later and a bill for over a $1000 to an Audi dealer for repairs done by Meineke, I had my car back. Audi found damage done on my car that I was charged for. I feel that I was totally taken advantage of. I had to take out a loan to pay for the repairs.

Original review: April 21, 2010

I requested estimate for dual exhaust for the Challenger. I agreed to the price of $1037.63 with a deposit of $300 and was told 3 days to ship Flowmaster and dual pipes. I called back on 04/01/2010 and was told parts did not come in and would be there the following Wed (4/7) or Fri (4/9). I explained I could order exhaust system and receive it much faster; they could still perform install. I was told they could not install parts unless it was Meineke ordered parts. I said I will wait the additional week.

I called the location again on Fri (4/9). Again, I was told the parts did not ship with other items and would be by the following Friday (4/16). I told Cindy to cancel the order at no fault of mine. Cindy explained I would not get the deposit money back. This is unfair and not agreed on. If they would have told me originally it would take 15 days to get parts in, I would have ordered myself. I was promised 3 days originally. I think I am owed the $300 due to no fault of myself. It only takes 5 days to ship from California.

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Original review: April 15, 2010

I brought my 1999 Plymouth breeze into the shop for front brakes on Friday, April 9, 2010. After doing their inspection, I was called and given a list of problems with my car, front brakes, tie rod, crimped brake line, a bad cylinder and my rear breaks "designated" upon inspection. Total cost for repairs, 930 dollars. My husband called them back to let them know we could not afford their quote. We would be picking up our car. He was informed our car was not drive-able. We drove it in and now had to have it towed out. I called them back a few hours later to inform them I could have a tow truck there in the morning. They said I would have to pay 25 dollars to store my car overnight.

I was not happy and told them I drove the car in, they have made it, so I can't drive the car out I am not paying the fee. After some words with the manager, he waived the fee and said I better be there in the morning. My husband and I went at 11am on Saturday, April 10, 2010 to pick up our car, the tow truck driver had an emergency and was running late. When we arrived, we were again informed that the car was unsafe to drive and if we tried driving it out they would call the police on us. After more words were exchanged, I demanded my keys and said I would push it off their lot before they decided to charge me for storage for the late tow.

After getting my car home, by pushing it with our second vehicle, the mechanic came and picked it up. He has since fixed the problems they found, at a more reasonable cost, and since has found damage to my car. There was motor oil in my brake lines. My master cylinder went out right after he replaced my brakes. How does motor oil get in the brake line, without someone putting it there? I believe they purposely sabotaged my car because they lost a 930 dollar job. They are criminals as far as I'm concerned and have to be held responsible for the damage they caused and the cost of the extra repairs. How can a place of business do something like that? They could have caused my family bodily injury if the master cylinder would have gone out after it was returned to me by my mechanic. Any business that does this kind of thing should have their license revoked! I now have to pay for the replacement of my master cylinder and any other parts damaged by their reckless conduct.

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Original review: March 22, 2010

My husband and I took our 2004 Chrysler Concorde to the Meineke location on Broadway and Kolb on December 12, 2009 for a water leak. Meineke stated there were many leaks. We gave them the okay to do the repairs to the tune of $1,376.00. After almost a week, we still did not have our car and we complained to the main office. During the time they had our car, the service tech Sheldon lied to us about the car being worked on. We found out they left it sitting for 8 hours without anyone working on it. He also told us they would be there late working on the car and when we would go by after work to check they had already closed up shop and gone home.

Two days after we got the car back, we took it to a Brakemasters on December 19, 2009 because the check engine light was coming on. They documented it was one of the repairs that Meineke had done that was still leaking and they had damaged the fly wheel cover. The Meineke on Oracle arranged to have it towed back to the Broadway location for repairs. The manager at the Oracle location made arrangements to get us a rental. We picked up the car on Monday, December 21, 2009. The Broadway location told us that the seal they had replaced was defective. Two days later, we still had leaks. This time we refused to have the Broadway location work on the car. It was towed to the Oracle location and they supposedly corrected the work that the Broadway location did and completed repairs that the Broadway location should have done but did not do.

We picked up our car from the Oracle location on December 30, 2009. The manager documented in our paperwork that we were leaving with the same leak that brought us to Meineke in the first place. During this time, I spoke with Margaret at their main office regarding our rental and she indicated that she was told they did not put the car back together correctly. Meineke's corporate office did pay for a rental, but we disputed the charge on our credit card for the work that they did and it was removed. We also reported them to the Better Business Bureau but Meineke's only response was that it was covered under warranty and we should bring it back.

In the 3 months since our time at Meineke, we have had to have every single repair done by Meineke corrected at another shop and another shop diagnosed the water leak that brought us to Meineke in the first place. They indicated Meineke did not put the car together properly and they did not clean the areas they did work on. At this point, we paid for repairs that we cannot even prove the car needed and Meineke did not repair the leak we came in with. They also damaged our car during the process to the point that we are will have to replace our car.

Since we had our money credited back to our charge card and Meineke paid for a rental, I am not sure there is much more that can be done for us but we hope to prevent other people from going through the same experience. We have also heard complaints basically about all Meineke locations for the same reasons we experienced:

1. They lie about what needs to be done and what they are doing.
2. They do defective work and damage your car in the process.

3. You don't know if you really need the work they are claiming and they do not diagnose the actual problem accurately.

Before we went to Meineke our only problem was a water leak. After going to Meineke we have had many, many other problems to the point that we don't know how much damage there is and we are being forced to sell a car that was perfectly fine before going to Meineke. If you wish to discuss this further you can call me at ** or my husband Patrick at **.

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Amanda of Prescott Valley, AZ

Original review: March 7, 2010

I took my 2003 Volkswagen Passat into Meineke to have a simple oil change. I just bought the vehicle and asked if it needed synthetic oil since it had a turbo. I've owned a turbo vehicle in the past and it had to have synthetic oil in it. Well, they told me that it just needed 5w30. So I allowed them to put that in. Well, they come and tell me my vehicle is done, and as soon as I start my car, the check engine light is flashing and my car is vibrating. I went in and told them so they brought the car back in. They had broken a piece of my vacuum line. How they did that I have no clue. They replaced it free of charge.

The next day, I had to drive out of town and noticed my car was shifting kind of rough. I got to my destination and I came out about an hour later and noticed a huge puddle under my car. I looked at it and it was a reddish color. My transmission was leaking severely. I also noticed that my radiator was leaking too. I looked under my car and there were huge marks on my transmission. I don't know what they did, if their car lift was placed on my transmission or what.

But now, my car is violently shaking and barely wants to shift gears.

I have two kids and this is my only vehicle. I can't have it in the shop for a few weeks. Anyway, I called them and they told me to bring my car back in and they would look at it to see what the problem is. But I'm sure they will just blame it on me. If they do not fix what they have done to my vehicle, I will be taking them to court, and the lady I bought the vehicle from will testify saying that the vehicle never leaked when she owned it. Never go to Meineke, I had a simple oil change and now my car that I've only owned for 2 weeks is a piece of junk.

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Original review: Jan. 21, 2010

On Oct 28 2009 I took my car in, because it made a horrible sound; it shook every time it drove. So I replaced the battery myself then brought it in.

They scanned it and it took about 2 hrs and in the end I was told it just needed a flex pipe, but the car needed to stay overnight.The next day the flex was put it but the car still wouldn't run for long then, 15 mins, so I was told this was because it needed a bigger spark to run so I need a new distributor. I decided to buy a used one.

Well, it after a week it came in because it was ordered by mail, but the wait was for nothing because it was a bad part. So they ordered another used one but two weeks went by and the part never came to the shop. The guy said order a new part because the used ones have to be found in junks yards but new ones are from the company so it should come to the show faster.

So I told him, "order a new one." About 4 days later, it came in; the car started but I was told it needed to be tested again for a day.The next day, I was told when they started the car, the timing belt popped but they would replace it for free but the guy who does it wasn't there and he would be back in four days.

Well, when the day came ,I was told the belt was fixed but by the belt popping it messed up the head so the car wasn't working at all. So I needed to replace the head. The guy said the part should come within 3 days but it would take a full day to put it in and then some time to test it again.

So when the day came I was told the car was ready! I noticed that the check engine light was on so I asked why this was.They said it was nothing just that the car may take a few turns of the key to get it started but it was nothing to worry about. It ran fine for about 3 weeks but it makes a scratchy noise every time I would hit the brakes. Then one day, on the highway, it made a sound that sounded like a loud fan and it started shaking and smoking.Then it leaked oil all over and I had to get it towed. So now it doesn't start.

So only after 3 and a half weeks, the car broke down. I had taken it there and all it needed was a flex and a distributor but because they didn't test it fully, I had to replace the head. It took over a month to fix and it wasn't tested fully so not even a month after having it, it's worst than ever! It doesn't start at all now!

I went back there and told them what happened they acted shaken and said try adding oil and to bring it back if that doesn't work. I never did. I am going to take it somewhere else.

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Original review: Jan. 18, 2010

On January 9, 2010, I was in for an oil change and my breaks checked on my 1998 Buick skylark custom. This car is like new and is in perfect condition--every part on it is original. The friend who gave it to me was gravely ill and his last words to me before he passed away were that this car was his pride and joy and I should take care of it like he did.

After leaving Meineke, within 20 minutes of driving on the highway, three of the original Buick skylark hub caps fell off and were lost--an obvious sign of the mechanic not putting them on properly! I have complained to the owner of this franchise, Jeff, but he didn't seem to care about my complaint. I have made a complaint online to Meineke Canada, and have not heard anything from them either. I am a single father on Ontario disability and cannot afford new hub caps, which I greatly feel that Meineke is fully responsible for. So far, no one can help. Can you please help?

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Original review: Jan. 17, 2010

I brought my vehicle into Meineke car care center, to perform an inspection/diagnostic test, to determine the cause of a coolant leak, and a noise when I am starting my car. I was told it would cost $82.50, and it would take around 30 minutes for them to find the problem. I told the manager Tom to give me a call as soon as they are finished performing the inspection. More than two hours later, I got a call from the manager indicating that they had identified the problem as being a bent thermal fan clutch, a faulty water pump, and bent pulley. The estimated cost of repair is $699. I was surprised, because months earlier, I had the water pump, thermostat, belt tensioner, gaskets and hoses replaced. He said the water pump was improperly installed, and caused the pulley to bend, that caused the thermal fan clutch to bend.

Believing what he said had some truth to it, I told him I could not afford the cost of repairs, and that I only had a few hundred dollars. I was then informed about payment plans offered by Meineke, which I was not interested in, but then I was told that I can pay as much cash as I could up front, and a month or so later, pay the cash difference. He kept pushing this means of payment, and that we should go ahead with servicing the car.

I told him about the repairs done months earlier, and that I wanted to contact the mechanic that did the work. I called back and said that I wanted to pick up my car, and declined the suggested repairs, thinking I would only need to pay the $82.50 for the inspection. He then informed that they had to take half my engine apart, while performing the inspection, and that if I decline the suggested work, I would have to pay up to $200 in labor to put my car back together, plus the inspection cost of $82.50, and that it would be more cost efficient to accept the repairs, and pay a few hundred dollars more to have the work done properly with a life time warranty.

I was shocked. I did not give consent for them to perform any additional services, other than the diagnostic test. When I dropped my car off, I agreed to have an inspection performed on my vehicle for $82.50, not for my engine to be taken apart and reassembled for $200 more. I was not given an invoice of service when I dropped my car off, which according to store policy states that a copy of the invoice is to be given to the customer when service is requested, and that any additional services or repairs more than $20, can not be performed without the expressed consent of the owner. I was not informed of this additional work, nor did I give consent for them to disassemble my vehicle, yet they went against their policy to perform unauthorized work. I was not allowed to pick my car up, without having to pay the cost of reassembly. I had my dad speak with them, thinking that they were trying to pressure me, a student, into paying high price for services.

The entire day passed, ultimately forcing us to accept the repairs at a lower price, in the belief that the work will be done to correct the problem, with a lifetime warranty. Once they agreed, repairs were performed. They were able to find a more serious problem. They now thought that the reason my car was leaking coolant was because the intake manifold gasket was damaged, causing the leak. I later found out that they could have identified this problem when they performed the diagnostic test. At that point, I just wanted my car out of their hands.

This store cheated me out of money by performing extra services without my consent, claiming faulty parts that needed repairs, charging me additional fees if I declined work, and putting me in an uncomfortable situation. I felt as if I were being held hostage, either decline the work and waste $200 just to get my car back, or pay an extra few hundred to get it serviced. I brought my car in for a simple inspection for $82.50, that was supposed to take 30 minutes, which ended up costing me hundreds of dollars of work. My issue is with them not allowing me to get my car back without paying the $200, which put me in a situation that would require me to pay more than the quoted cost, regardless of my decision to accept or decline repairs. I ended up paying $550 for repairs, days later to have my car problems persist.

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Original review: Jan. 11, 2010

I brought my car to Meineke, so they can fix my Catalytic Converter and Sensor. I supplied the parts and they were supposed to put it in for me. Yes, I ordered the converter, sensor and gaskets.The price he told me at first was $160 for the service. I thought that was good, because I was buying all the parts. Once I brought him the last part, which was the sensor, he changed the price and told me it would be $240. I asked why. He said because he was charging me $80.00 an hour for labor plus he told me about a part, which might break off due to changing the converter. That price would be an extra $50 per part and my vehicle has 6 parts as I was told by him. That's not the problem; he did charge me for one part. My total was $290.I was told my car was ready, so I picked it up.

I got into my vehicle, and my radio wasn't working. The inside light was not coming on, nor was my alarm working.They couldn't find out the problem at that time. It was New Year's Eve, they were closing. I was told to bring it back that Saturday. So once I pulled out the lot, and drove about 1/2 mile, I heard a pop noise under the hood. I kept driving. Then my car started slowing down going no more than 10 or 15 mph. So I said it's doing the same thing all over again. That was the reason why I took it there in the first place because someone told me I needed a new converter and a sensor.The converter was clogged, that's why the sensor was over heating.Yes, I explained it to Brian.

Saturday came and I was taking my car back, I smelled something burning. I pulled over and lifted my hood up, and the sensor was melting. Now I'm scared to drive it, so I had it towed to Meineke again. My husband called them a couple of hours later; he said don't worry about it. He had fixed the radio, alarm and light, it was a fuse. That following Tuesday we called back. He said we need to take it to the dealer, he can't do anything with it. So I responded, "Can I get a refund?" He said no. I asked why not.

He said because he did his job, he put on the converter and changed the sensors. And I remind you that he didn't use the gaskets as he said he didn't need them. All I wanted was my money back, as my car broke down again, down the street from his place. Can someone please help me? Yes, I called The Cooperative Office. They said they can't make him give me a refund.

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Dereje of Minneapolis, MN

Original review: Dec. 13, 2009

I have Toyota Camry 2005, and at that time, I got Meineke coupon at $16.99 oil change and free tire rotation. With that deal, they said ok. After 45 minutes, they said done. I paid with tax - $18.11. The problem is after a week, oil change light is on. I think they didn't do anything. Even if they didn't rotate the tire. They are really liars.

Original review: Dec. 8, 2009

I needed to have a car inspected. The mechanic (using that term loosely) started the inspection, but said the steering was too loose and would not pass it. He recommended repair, but I decided to have it checked out at a different shop. I took it to a tire center and a different garage (Exxon) in town. Both agreed that there was nothing wrong with the car. I received my inspection certification from the Exxon garage. However, Meineke refused to refund my money even with evidence that their mechanic was in error. I should have known not to go to this place as their reputation is not good, but tried to stay close to home. I won't make that mistake again and hopefully, neither will anyone else.

Original review: Dec. 7, 2009

On 11/05/2009 I took my car to Meineke to have an A/C Compressor replaced. I was charged $311.42 only to be told that I purchased the wrong replacement part. My charges included a coolant system flush, coolant, Air Conditioning Evac and Recharge, none of these services were rendered. On 11/12/2009 Meineke put an A/C Bypass Pulley on the vehicle as a Temporary fix until I could find the correct A/C Compressor. I noticed the car squeaking alot so on 12/01/2009 I went back to Meineke and was told that I needed to replace the ALT Belt. I paid $83.33 to have the belt replaced and was told that the coolant system flush would be done at that time. Upon driving home the vehicle started making terrible noises. I took the car back to Meineke and found that the ALT Belt had began shredding off of my car. Meineke replaced it but the same thing started happening again. The Manager George at that time told me that he was not replacing the belt again. Becuase my car was now undriveable, I called After Hours Mobile Mechanics to fix my car and they found the problem for the shredded ALT Belts. The A/C Bypass Pulley put on my car by Meineke wasn't aligned with the other Pulleys on the vehicle and was the cause of the shredded ALT Belts. They also found that I needed a Coolant System Flush, a service I had paid Meineke to do that wasn't done.

Vikram of Hoffman Estates , IL

Original review: Nov. 12, 2009

This happened yesterday, when i took my car to this Meineke store on Higgins Road and Golf in Schaumburg.

The engine light was on and a diagnostic was conducted.I was told there are two errors coded coming on. EVAP purge Vent valve and EVAP Vapor Canaster are to be replaced. The parts were quoted to cost $204 for the former and $447.75 for the latter. I didnt have a choice and said yes. But soon after that i did a internet check for the parts quoted and found that the genuine parts were selling for $173 and $75. even considering all costs involved it should not be more than 40% increase to the cost above. I called him back within 10 mts and wanted to cancel the work order. They started stating that there will be 15% restocking fee, and other charges that were working out to be more expensive. So, I was totally taken for a ride by this service center. At the end i did realize that this center has robbed my of at least $300 dollars extra that what i should have paid. Feels very bad that service centers resort to arm twisting by threatening to bill unreasonably. Please stay clear of this service center.

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Original review: Nov. 10, 2009

This franchisee put the wrong oil filter on my car, causing my engine to empty of oil while I was driving, ruining the engine. They then stonewalled me for 6 full days, not returning my calls after promising to do so.

I finally showed up at the shop to get a response. Scott, the franchisee/owner, denied all responsibility, blamed me for driving the car, and essentially called my mechanic a liar by stating the filter my mechanic removed from my car was the wrong part (correct) and couldn't possibly have stayed on the car for 4 months before the day this happened (which it did). I allowed him to tow the car from my mechanic's shop to his shop on the day this happened. When I confronted him at his shop and he denied any responsibility, I said the least he should do is tow my car back to where he found it. He refused to even do that.

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Original review: Nov. 9, 2009

I am writing to register a complaint against Meineke Car Care Center #4180, as it does not honor its warranty despite the fact that the warranty is written on its own invoices.

In August 2008 the check engine light of my 1999 Honda Accord came on. I took it to a Honda dealership for a diagnostic and was told that the catalytic converter had a hole in it and needed to be replaced. I then took my car to Meineke Car Care Center #4180 at 1911 W. 15th street, Plano, Texas to do the replacement. I initially purchased a converter at a low price, with no warranty, but then changed my mind and then paid $292.58 for a heavy metal, catalytic converter with a 5 year warranty. When I paid for the job, I noticed that “No warranty checking light come on decline heavy metal one”, was printed on the invoice. But instead of issuing a new invoice, the shop manager just crossed out that part by hand and said that it wouldn't be a problem to obtain warranty service because “5 year 50,000” was printed under the warranty column of the invoice. I have a copy of the service quote, indicating that I did request a heavy metal converter. The service quote was signed by the manager. However, only 8 months after the installation, the check engine light came back on again. So I took my car back to the Meineke Car Care Center. After checking the car, the manager called and told me that the catalytic converter itself had no problem but that there were many other things that could cause the catalytic converter failure. He asked me if a tune up had been performed on my car, as well as if the timing belt, water pump and spark plugs had been replaced. I told him that had all been performed a year earlier. When I went to pick up my car, the technician who had checked my car said that he suspected there was a problem with the spark plugs. He then reset the check engine light. Two weeks later, the check engine light turned back on. I took my car to another auto repair shop to get a second opinion. They then ran a computer diagnostic on the car. The result of the diagnostic was code P0420, which indicated a problem with the catalytic converter. When I took the car to Meineke Car Care Center again, the manager and the technician still tried to convince me that something else was causing the check engine light to turn on. I then told the manager about the result from the diagnostic. The manager examined the car again and then told me the catalytic converter was burnt out. He asked me to show him the invoices for all the maintenances he had listed before because he could not install a new catalytic converter on the car until the maintenances had been made. After I collected the invoices and took them to the Meineke Car Care Center, he added some additional requirements: top end cleaning and fuel injector cleaning, which he offered to do for $79.99. I took the car back to the other auto repair shop and the technician there said the new requirements were unrelated to the way the catalytic converter functions and it wouldn't make any difference to the converter. I told him to do the cleaning anyway. After obtaining an invoice showing the completion of the top end cleaning and the fuel injector cleaning, I called the manager at Meineke Car Care Center and told him all the additional work he wanted done had been completed. However, he then stated no warranty would be applicable because the maintenances had not been performed before the converter was installed and the converter was purchased under no warranty. At the time the converter was purchased, none of these conditions were made clear to me. In any case, I have talked to several technicians, including one at a Honda dealership, and they all say the requirements imposed by Meineke Car Care Center have nothing to do with the catalytic converter. It seems that the manager at Meineke Car Care Center is trying his best to make it impossible to get the converter replaced under warranty. I filed complaint to BBB but they are unable to give me any help.

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Original review: Nov. 5, 2009

I brought my Honda accord lx sedan to this Meineke auto mechanic shop for an inspection. My mechanic lives in Maine so i needed a NH inspection sticker so i went to this Meineke. I went in the Man behind the counter wasn't the friendliest but i didn't hold that against him and i had them check my car anyway. About an hour later they called me and said it failed its inspection on the account of bad rear breaks. So i told the gentlemen not to put new ones on cause i wanted to see them for myself. When i walked back to the shop My car had been pulled off the lift and the gentlmen behind the counter told me it was 30 dollars for the inspection which i didn't get but i thought i had to pay for them to look at least that was until i gave him 40 and he whips change outta his own pocket and give me my 10 back. Why didn't he just use the register he was standing in front of. Never gave me a receipt and proceeded to tell me it was going to 159.99 to fix my rear brakes for them to do it. Well i said i'd rather my own mechanic take a look at it instead. Well I went out and bought rear brake springs and pads. When we got the wheel off it was very evident that they never took the rear rotor covers off to even see the brakes. It was like holding a new part to a new part. Which makes me feel i was ripped off from them even failing my inspection. So i do not know what to do either.

Original review: Oct. 29, 2009

I brought my 05 nissan maxima in for front break pads and oil change and to check on a noise it was making. They changed the pads and oil and said they could not hear the noise.

5days later my oil light comes on I drove it to the closest gas station and had 2 quarts put in. the next morning it was making a horrible noise so i brought it back. They said the oil level was fine but thats because I put the oil in it. As soon as I drove it off their parking lot drove about 200 feet the car shut off. I had it to towed to a reputable garage near where i live and they told the engine seized. and in his professional opinion it was because they neglected to put enough oil in.

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Original review: Oct. 8, 2009

The Meineke Econolube at 651 East 120th ave mails out coupons for $19.95 oil changes but it really costs $33 and they change your air filter without permission for $12 more. The employee that removed the air filter from my vehicle told me the manager makes them do this all the time. When the charges are disputed, the manager comes out from behind the counter and assaults the customer. I had it happen to me on 10-3-09 at 12:10pm and had to fight for my life after being placed in a choke hold. When I broke free, two more employees joined in the fray. The police (Officer Thomas Conner, Badge 08-7)said he issued a citation to the manager but refused to cite the other employees that took part in my assault. I had to get a tetanus shot due to all of the cuts from the assault. The corporate office at 1-800-275-5200 said the employees have a different view (spoke with Dave at corporate). My wife got to see me being choked on the ground by the store manager. I am nearing 50 years old, with arthritis and the employees are all in their twenties. I do not wish to be identified as I am trying to cope with the aftermath of such an assault. DO NOT GO TO MEINEKE...EVER.

Original review: Oct. 5, 2009

Meineke told me my truck was repaired and took $250 from me. They replaced parts that I since tested and there was NOTHING wrong with them. After paying them and before I left the parking lot I saw that the problem persisted. They refused to refund my money and say they cannot fix the problem. I spoke with Joe, the manager and Stanley the owner of the 7652 West Lake Mead Las Vegas NV 89128 car center. They were rude, used profanity and refuse to assist. If I don't receive my refund I plan to go to Consumer Affairs, the Better Business Bureau and if necessary, Small Claims Court. Please advise

Original review: Sept. 18, 2009

On July 27, 2009, we took our new 2010 Toyota Tundra to Meineke to have them install a dual exhaust system, cowboy cut, black chrome tips for my daughter. On September 13, 2009, we were on a freeway exit ramp pulling our horse trailer and we lost our brakes. We had the truck towed to Toyota. Toyota dealership service department showed me where the exhaust pipe had burned through BOTH brake lines. We also noted that the pipes installed were not stainless steel as they should have been. Also we thought we bought a system, not a jerri-rigged "mess". I talked with the Meineke shop owner "general manager" who for one whole day would not take my calls. The next day I caught him unawares and he had to talk with me. He agreed that morally he needed to pay our Toyota bill to replace the brake lines and towing bill ($555.90). I settled with him for $500. Took the truck back to the shop so they could re-configure the installation at no charge. They then called me and said we must have overloaded the truck so they were not responsible. I then took it to a fabulous shop, Katy Exhaust Pros, and they cut the pipe out and put a new one in using the correct installation techniques and supports and charged me $65. Meineke corporate does not answer its complaint line. Meineke corporate's website comment form does not work. I was ripped off and almost killed by Meineke!

Original review: Aug. 28, 2009

We were in West Hartford doing some shopping. The battery discharge light came on in our car and we knew the battery would lose power shortly. We were 30 miles from home and it was a Saturday, we were fairly unfamiliar with the area. We looked up for repair shops in the area and Meineke was the only one open close to us. The serpentine belt was visibly loose and we told the mechanic what the car had been doing. He told us we needed a new alternator and the cost would be around $600. I was skeptical that we needed a new alternator since we have a Toyota Camry with low mileage and is typically a very reliable car. He told us the chances of us making it back home without repair would be "slim to none." He replaced the alternator.

On our way home, the battery discharge light came on again and we began losing power. We started losing interior lights, turn signals, the horn and the car barely had enough power to get us home. When we pulled into the driveway, the serpentine belt was visibly loose. I tried to start the car the next morning and it was dead. The car then needed to be towed to my local mechanic. He said the problem was the harmonic balancer, which he replaced at an additional cost of nearly $400. After his repair, the car ran fine again. My mechanic said it was highly unlikely that I even needed a new alternator, especially given the reliability of Toyotas.

In sum, not only did Meineke charge an outrageous price for an unnecessary repair, we barely were able to arrive home safely after their repair. We then had to have our local mechanic do the proper repair at additional cost to us. My research into the cost of new alternators shows that Meineke charged an outrageous mark-up. The average alternator price I found was between $160-$220 and I was charged $422 for the alternator alone.

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Original review: Aug. 25, 2009

I took my 2002 Kia Rio to Meineke car center in Vancouver, WA on Mill Plain for a brake job, pads and rotors. They also were supposed to flush and bleed the brakes. When I picked my car up on 8-17-09 and drove it out of the Meineke's, the brakes started to smoke and they failed! The brakes went down to the floor! I only live 6 blocks from Meineke and barely made it home. I called Meineke and talked to Tom **, manager. He said to bring it back. I said I was afraid to drive it, too bad for me. Meineke wouldn't come and get the car. My son drove it back using the hand brakes. On 8-20-09, I called Meineke to see if my car had been repaired and was informed that the master cylinder had gone out. It would be a week before they could repair it. What choice did I have but to say OK, repair it. I called around and was told to get a second opinion. Using the hand brakes, my son then took the car to another garage near our house. They had the Kia Rio repaired in an hour. All they had to do was bleed the brakes, which I had already paid Meineke to do. It didn't need a master cylinder.

Original review: Aug. 24, 2009

I brought my 1975 Buick Regal in to have the front exhaust pipe replaced. (I had been in their shop a year earlier and had gotten the muffler replaced.) I had priced the pipe at Napa and I knew it would be at least $190 for parts. I was given the quote for over $800.00. I was in too much shock to ask for a copy of the estimate and none was offered. No one would look me in the face. When he quickly brought out my car, I again asked about the cost, telling him I knew the cost of the pipe. He replied the bolts were expensive. I drove down the street to Farm and Fleet. Same car, same repair, $466.00. I can only conclude he either didn't want the job or it was because I'm a woman. My trust in mankind has been severely altered.

How much should it cost to replace brake pads and rotors?

How much do brake rotors usually cost?