I was overcharged 40% ($131.00) of a quoted price by a Loris Automotive Repair shop to get a heater core replaced when no additional work had to be done.
The quoted price was $124.00 for the core, and the total job was to be $325.00.
But when I went to pay, the price for the heater core was $154.00 and the total job was $456.00.
They also had charged me for some environmental supplies of $32.00 (they said it was for rags and chemicals). And then I got charged $32.00 more for 2 gallons of antifreeze. And they had not used all of 2 gallons. I found out when I asked for the remainder.
The Motor Vehicle Repair Act in North Carolina would have protected me, because an auto repair shop must provide a written estimate for any job over $350.00, and if the charge exceeds 10% of that, the owner must be notified before any work is done. And the shop has to give the owner of the vehicle the option of looking at the repaired parts.
I hope you sign my petition and get us consumers protection here in South Carolina from scrupulous auto repair shop owners.
I have contacted Mr. Hardee, the state rep. for Horry County in the north district, for help in getting this Act introduced in the South Carolina State legislature.
Thanks.
