Engine repair service near Hyattsville, MD

YOU JUDGE: I bring car in for MD inspection to register it. While up on the lift then discover the rear drums and brake cylinders need to be replaced on both sides and they recommend a brake fluid flush. All total they quote me $950.00. I took the vehicle home and did the entire job in 45 mins with $165.00 in parts, WHILE teaching my 14yo how to do it. (He did the second side with my oversight and helped pump the brakes for me.) I return for re-inspection and ask the basis for their estimate. The Owner's reasoning: "We buy better parts than local stores so it costs more." Yeah. Right. My opinion... they tried to rip me off. I've been in the business and their excuse is the standard BS line given by those that lack integrity. Realistically. Say the parts cost TWICE as much... does that mean labor was $253??? for less than an hour's work? Remember, they already had it on the lift, disassembled. So labor would be in changing out the cylinders (15mins each) and grabbing the new drums for reassembly, then bleed the brake line (which is the same as replacing the brake fluid they 'recommended' for $99.00) Again. You be the judge.

This review is specific to the Tune and Lube on Windsor Mill Road. In July 2010, they replaced my lower ball joint, and other related parts, at the cost of $550. January 2011, I noticed a noise coming from the front end, and returned to Tune for a diagnosis. Fortunately, the owner failed to remember me. The diagnosis was a problem with the same ball joint that was replaced in July. Once I reminded the owner of his work only 6 months earlier, and produced a receipt, he appeared stupefied. His proposal: Maybe he could "cut a deal on the part" (the part's cost was $67). Essentially, he proposed that I pay again for the same work performed 6 months earlier. To explain his decision, he cited legalities such as his 90-day warranty. Dismissed was the basic premise of customer service, which would impel a conscientious businessperson to correct work that was obviously faulty in some manner. He actuallly expected me to pay again for the same work he was responsible for completing just 6 months earlier.