Elect Automobile Service

MOSTLY CASH/​CHECK business only.
I had tried to get my car into Elect Auto for 2 – 3 days when it finally overheated and I had to have my car towed into Ernest’s shop. (I had the car into this shop a month earlier.) Daily I had been putting water in my car yet Ernest did not say how serious this problem could be and that I should take my car somewhere else as quickly as possible.
Did he want my engine to fail to get a BIG $ job? He knew I had been a loyal customer.
An engine replacement takes about 12 hours. After 3 weeks, and a $ 500 CASH deposit, my car was still not done and he could still not tell me what was wrong with my car. Finally, I chose to RE-​TOW my car and another shop had it done in 3 days. Also, I was only able to get $ 200 of my deposit back without a fixed car.
In the end, Ernest said, «Some people wait longer.» He also said, «He shouldn’t have tried to explain anything and just fixed my car.»
Ernest never took any responsibility for the length of time (I had to borrow a car – very fortunate, yet, so not MY car… or would have had to pay for a rental for an additional cost).
Also, if it is MY money, shouldn’t the mechanic discuss ALL options – in language non-​mechanics can understand BEFORE doing something to a person’s car… and complete the job in a reasonable time frame? My TIME needs to be respected just as he would want his time and expertise respected.
After doing research, many said the best solution with a car with over 200,000 miles was to buy a lower mileage engine as you could fix the old one (the section broken) and have the section that was old, then go out. Ernest never told me this.
I know Ernest knows cars, has a good heart, yet he could improve his communication skills, especially with women.

Also, I have always wondered why why he always wants cash /​check transactions and says most customers don’t even check on how much he charges? Are these wise business practices?
Also, Ernest had said several times, «If you want to take your car somewhere else, no hard feelings.» Take that as a sign, ‘DO TAKE YOUR CAR SOMEWHERE ELSE.” He doesn’t want the business or is too busy. I should have heeded his words!