12/18/2006 at 6:00 AM, I dropped my car off at "America's Service Station" at Hamilton Mill in Dacula, GA. All I wanted was an oil change and tire rotation. The location did not open until 7AM, so I used their drop-off service by writing a note that detailed my vehicle and service need. They offer a 5x Oil Change/Tire Rotation service for $99, which I clearly stated.
The owner of this location (Doug) calls me in the afternoon, with a few pieces of info: (1) They recommend a coolant flush (declined - I do this myself); (2) They recommend a transmission flush (declined - I can do this as well); (3) Air filter (Ditto); (4) They destroyed the key to my wheel lock (each wheel has a special lugnut that requires a key to open it to prevent theft - it was on the car when I bought it). They said it would take several days to get the replacement key. I told them that it was not necessary, and to just put on regular lugnuts so that I could get my car back at the end of the day.
At about 5:45 PM, I stroll in to pick up the car. They had "just received" the lugnuts, and would have the car ready in about 10 minutes. They offered to check me out at that time in order to get me out quicker. Well, they charged me for the lugnuts. The owner was gone, and I was now dealing with the "Service" Manager. I explained to him that I'm not responsible for damages THEY created, and refused to pay for that material. He told me to hold, called the owner, and 2 minutes later said "Doug (the owner) talked to you about this earlier - you had an agreement, and you won't get your car unless you pay the bill".
I asked to speak to Doug, and was denied repeatedly. He was now "In a meeting". They said he was available from 7 to 7 Monday through Friday. I asked which part of Monday at 6:00 did not qualify for that time span. They said .. "doesn't matter, you're not talking to Doug. Pay or Walk".
They then tried to charge me for a tranny drain and coolant flush - at which time I had to PLEAD with him to read the original note I wrote, stuffed in the clear plastic envelope. He FINALLY read my note, and adjusted the charges. I was forced to pay for the lugnuts.
- I've disputed the charges with my bank
- I've filed a complaint with the BBB
- I've written into their corporate office
- I will send word to our consumer advocate Clark Howard
- And I have serious thoughts about taking a trip up to that place Saturday morning, coffee in hand, wearing a Santa hat, and a sign that says, "Merry Christmas - Think twice before taking your vehicle to America's Service Station". Only for an hour or so - just to prove a point.
And the cost for the lugnuts? $24.63. They treated me like a hostage, forcing me to pay for their mistake .. For $24.63.
Please don't use them!
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