Any advice for dealing with a slow shop?

[wildstoats]

Just need to vent a bit here. I took my e30 to a local shop back in July to have a few things sorted out that I couldn't handle in my garage. Alignment and a couple of brackets welded up. While it was in I figured I would have them give it a valve adjustment and adjust the e-brake since I was busy with work and wanted to get to some events before the season was over.

I'm new to the area so I asked around and heard unanimously that this was the place to go so I stopped by one day and talked the plan over with the mechanics. The guys at the shop were nice enough, gave me the tour and showed me some of the projects they had going. Some engine swaps, roll cage fabrication, etc. I was pretty confident they would get everything sorted for me so I brought the car over and left them to it.

After a month I called just to check and see how things were going and was told that they hadn't gotten to it yet. Ok, I understand, summer is a busy time, lots of events, things come up, no problem. It starts getting into September so I called again since there was an auto-x in a couple of weeks that I wanted to try and make it to. They informed me that the car would be ready for the event, no problem. Unfortunately the date came and went and I still hadn't heard from them.

I called back after the missed deadline and they said they had been busy, the mechanic that was working on my car had been out, but that they had some of the work done and that they would try to get it finished as soon as possible.

Well, it's January now, I called yesterday and they told me again that it would be "a couple of weeks". I've heard that before so I'm not holding my breath. Have any of you guys ever had to deal with shops that operate this way? Any tips? I feel like it's my fault for not stating a hard deadline up front but I never expected the small amount of work I needed done would take 6 months. At this point I'm really just concerned that I'm not going to have it back in time to finish some of the other projects I wanted to tackle before spring. Live and learn I guess.

[e34john]

They have had your car in for half a year! I mean i understand if they are busy, but no updates or a call until you get in touch with them? How much money have you given them? I would get my car back and find someone who can take care of them. It seems like this isn't a huge deal because it sounds like you have another car but what would happen if you went back and urgently needed something fixed, I wouldn't trust them to get it done in a timely manner which can end up costing you.

The shop I go to has 2 guys and I know they can rebuild an entire car in half that time while servicing all their other customers. It might take sleepless nights and 7 day work weeks but its their job. Don't tell places to take their time and that it isn't a huge deal if they can't get to it right away. I've done that before and always gotten screwed for being nice. Get your car out of there.

[bastianshaw]

go pick it up?

[NotColtonOrr]

Are you sure it's even there anymore?

Honestly, I would probably just go there, let them know that their service (or lack there of) has been terrible, and then be on your way with the car. I'm sure you can find another mechanic who can easily get the work done for you in a week.

[graphikg]

Something kinda like this happened to me once - but that was because my car had a rare timing problem; even at that they didn't have my car for more than 4 months and I would be calling every other day. I would seriously call them 2-3 times a week and speak to the owner to check on updates. Advocate for yourself man! Get your car outta there I say.

[CrusherCurtis]

I fell ya. I had a car in a shop for about 1 year (actually started a thread about it on here). Have had another car in another shop that has been there since 4/11 so almost 2 years (wj transmission rebuild).
Valve adjustments and ebrake cable would only take you an afternoon. There numerous shops where that will do a wheel alignment for $30-$50 in about a half hours time. Maybe its the welding that's got them waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles footing around. I really only try to take tough jobs to mechanics ie my trans rebuild.

[MR 325]

How do people let this happen to them?

No the answer is NOT calling 2-3 times a week! Do you know why? Because the car shouldn't have been there for more than 2-3 DAYS. How can you let a car sit at a shop for 6 months and be ok with it? Call them, give them a 2 hour warning, and GO TAKE YOUR CAR. Don't let them charge you a dime either.

[archie]

Show up with a flatbed tow truck, load it up and go.

[wildstoats]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I was trying not to burn bridges since these guys seem to be pretty well respected by the local SCCA crew but at this point I have to agree that going and getting my car is probably the best option. For future reference, can anyone recommend a reputable shop in or around Pittsburgh?

[325ix]

I think the shop has already done a good job burning bridges. As others have said, just go pick up the car.

[dannyyisntt]

Give them a 2 hr warning. Tell them your coming to get your car and if it's not ready you'll be taking his daughter instead.

[LSM3]

The reason they are taking so long is because you are letting them. Imagine how many cars have passed through their shop WHILE yours is sitting there collecting dust!! Some guy comes in and has his car fixed and they are thinking "dont worry about that other car, its been here for 6 months and the guy is in nor rush. Take care of that other car"..

I dont understand why people accept such bad customer service? There are PLENTY of shops to get such minor work done and they will gladly provide you great customer service.

The previous owner of my M3 lived in philly and he had work done. Ill contact him and asked him who he used.

[LSM3]

MCB Autosport in Bridgeville PA. Hopefully its not the same shop your car is at now. lol. If it is pick it up and take it elsewhere.

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

I'm curious as to why haven't posted the name of the shop, who the owner is, etc. It seems like this should be out in the open and they should have to come to the interwebs and explain themselves. You'd be surprised how many guys troll the forums for their names and how quick they'll about face when you air their dirty laundry out in the public.

[randomtask37]

That all sounds like a job that should have taken a week or 2 tops... Even being really busy. Personally I would not have let this go on as long as it has, but you can't change that now. I'd call or go see them in person, explain your concern and disappointment then give them a definite deadline