Southern Motor Works

Horrible experience!!! I brought my car into Jimmy to get a diagnostic testing on my vehicle. About an hour and half later I was presented with a list of items that needed to be corrected. When doing business, sometimes I can be naïve in thinking that companies are honest. I was 1^st quoted $ 847 for spark plugs, 1 coil, valve cover gasket, and boots covers. Immediately I was overwhelmed, because that was just one of the many issue areas that he stated needed to be completed. After hearing the analysis, I told the guy at the front desk I wouldn’t be able to have those services done until the following week. Now this is where it gets interesting. The guy at the front desk provides great customer service, however he is working for a not so honest mechanic. I do feel bad that he is has to do Jimmy’s dirty work. Once they noticed hesitation and my inability to commit to having the services done, all of a sudden the cost of the services were being slashed. Originally, we started at $ 847 now I was presented with a price in the mid 700’s. The problem with that is I felt like we were in negotiation, which made me skeptical. I was then asked how much I had towards the quote, which was $ 200. The guy at the front desk suggested that I pay $ 200 as a deposit so the parts could be ordered. I agreed and paid the $ 200. Later that day, I decided to shop around to see what other mechanics were quoting. (I know I did it backwards. Should have shopped around before paying for the «parts») Called other mechanics and they literally laughed at the ridiculous pricing. I was amazed that Jimmy quoted me such an extremely high quote. Overall, I thought no biggie I’ll just let him know that I’m not interested in his services because I was able to get it for a lot cheaper. When I notified the guy at the front desk he said that let Jimmy know. Jimmy started calling and texting attempting to find out what others were charging. I told him that I was quoted $ 480 by two other mechanics. Jimmy then started telling me how great his work is and how I get what I pay for. (Which I understand, but I don’t want to overpay to receive the same work.) All I wanted was my money refunded minus the fees for the diagnostic test and draining the oil from my coil. I informed Jimmy that I didn’t have a problem with him or the business, because at that point I had received exceptional service. Once he realized my mind was completely made Jimmy decided to say he could do the job for $ 600. Now if you are an «HONEST» mechanic there is no way he would have been able to drop almost close to 30% off of your original quote lol. I came to the office to have the difference refunded. The guy at the front desk said that Jimmy would have to put in a special code which is a lie. JImmy just wanted another opportunity to negotiate and earn my business. I waited along with another agitated customer for Jimmy for about 30 minutes on Saturday January 30^th. Unfortunately, I had other errands to run that morning and advised the rep to tell Jimmy I would be back because I didn’t have time to wait on him. Jimmy called me and again tried to sway me. I declined and told him I’ll come and get my money. I ended up having car issues and my brakes go out on me the morning of Feb. 1^st. Since Jimmy was closer and I didn’t have breaks I started to reconsider because I wouldn’t be able to make it to the other mechanics at this point. Jimmy still had my money so I called to see if he still had the parts because I was desperate. While trying to explain to him that there is something wrong with my breaks and that I needed those checked as well Jimmy started to try and hard close me.(Attempting to make me feel as though I had to make a decision immediately) All of sudden he started saying he didn’t have time to discuss my new car issue and I needed to make a decision. I just didn’t feel comfortable. Since he didn’t seem genuine I decided to go with my gut and use the other mechanics even if it meant dealing with towing fees. Jimmy thought that he had me on hold, but I was able to hear the entire conversation between him and his employee. He stated that I, the customer need to make a decision and advised his front desk rep not to become the middle man. Now at this point, I was coming to my senses and decided to just go elsewhere. Went to another mechanic and only paid $ 306 for a coil, censor, and back brakes/​shoes on my car! I went to have my money refunded to my card on Feb.2^nd because they claimed they couldn’t do it over the phone. Today is Feb. 11^th and still no refund. I was told that it takes 7 days, well today is the 9^th day. Jimmy attempts to come off as a nice and honest mechanic. All I want is my money back and to be done with this horrible ordeal. They didn’t give me a professional printed out quote, instead it was hand written. I will see if I can attach the handwritten quote as well as Jimmy’s text. Still waiting on refund as of ²⁄₁₁

Sit around for a hour for a small job, then they said they did not have the tool and I told them I had it in the back of the truck then was asked to come back another day.