Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
CAR-LOVE
Well, here's another enlightening story about dealing with that dishonest ilk - auto mechanics - who enjoy taking women for a ride, figuratively, that is. Maybe it's a "mother" thing. I don't know. But if I could find a mechanic who would tell me the truth about my car, I think I would die from the shock of it. Recently one did swear to me that he was always honest with his customers, including women, declaring, "I could never sleep at night if I did not tell the truth to a woman about her car." Yeah, right.
In any event, it was time to buy a new car - a situation that gives me chest pains and hives and nervous indigestion. It is so trying for me to buy a car - and probably it is for any woman. Luckily, I have my cousin, Matt, who is a car expert and knows how to handle car salesmen. Thus, all I have to do is go out and find the right car for me. Once I have accomplished this feat, I call him in Florida so that he can negotiate for me.
Before I get to that stage, though, the experience is very painful. I do not know if you have had this happen to you, but for a woman to walk alone into an auto dealership is to become prey to all the salespeople, waiting for a new mark. It is almost as if you have taken your clothes off because all eyes are on you, looking at you totally lascivously. Let me tell you, if you have had any experience with car salesmen, you just know these guys are figuring out how to work you to their advantage.
And, if there are any female car salespeople out there, I certainly haven't seen them. Therefore, as a lone woman, you are lost in Macho Hell and you are definitely the "little woman" to all these guys, no matter their age. They seem to come from the same mold - "You, Jane; Me, Tarzan!" Terrific.
Anyhow, I looked and looked down the Cape for a used Toyota Corolla LE - this was back in 2006 - and was unsuccessful in finding what I wanted because there was no inventory down here at all. So, a guy whom I knew and who had been a car salesman, advised me to go to AutoMile in Norwood to Ernie Boch's because he was certain that I would find something there.
Well, I really tried to avoid that suggestion because have you ever seen Ernie Boch on TV? I mean, he is totally wacko and I had heard bad things about his dealership. However, I was getting desperate because my 1997 Ford Taurus, was in pretty bad shape. So, bracing myself for a Twilight Zonish experience, I trekked up to Norwood to see what I could see. On the advice of Matt, I was not prepared to buy anything this day. "Just act as if you are browsing, Ellen," he advised me. "Once they know you want to make a purchase, you are sunk. They will do anything to gouge you." Advice that could really make you stay at home and in bed!!
But, being the intrepid person that I am, I NEVER give up!! It's a family trait!! - I drove up and entered the hallowed halls of Boch Toyota, definitely an alternate universe. First, there were only men there who were salespeople - any women were clerks, of course; very second class. And, second, the place was HUGE - with the new car models parked on the floor; a large TV room with loads of chairs; a Parts room; a Service Area; and a fast-food cafeteria.
Immediately, I was approached by an Asian salesman, who could hardly speak English. However, we did manage to communicate, with my saying, "Sir, I am not buying anything today. I am just browsing for a used Toyota Corolla LE, about two years old." He did not seem to understand me at all, but took me out to the back, where we picked up a golf cart and drove around all the Toyotas. I mean the inventory was VAST - like another world - Toyotas upon Toyotas upon Toyotas - the lot was endless.
Finally we came upon a sweet 2003 black Toyota Corolla LE, and he asked me, "If I can give you a good deal today, would you buy this?" I told him that I never do anything without my cousin, Matt. "Ok," he replied. "Let's call him!" Interesting how he suddenly could speak English very well! In any event, I ended up buying the car and Matt, indeed, got me a very good deal. I was so happy. And the car ran beautifully for 4 1/2 years, with just regular maintenance done on it.
However, last year, I ran into a tree in my driveway and completely flattened one of my tires. Being in this situation was a nightmare because I live down a very long road, where Triple A would have a very hard time finding me. However, I managed to drive the car to my health club parking lot, where I still had to wait an hour and make many calls to Triple A before Steve, arrived with his tow truck. I breathed a sigh of relief when he finally drove into the lot and happily watched him put on my spare tire. Then, suddenly, he stopped. "Gee, Ellen," he said, astonished. "I can't get this on for you. You've got a Hyundai spare tire here. Whoever sold you this car, put in the wrong spare!"
Can you imagine? I was dumbstruck!! and Steve could not believe it. I had been driving around for 4 1/2 years without a spare. What if I had had a flat in an out-of-the way place, all alone, without any help? It would have been a disaster. Luckily, Steve was able to get the car on his flatbed and drive me to Sears to purchase a new tire.
Do you think this was the end of the story for me? Of course not. I was not going to let Boch get away with this. How could they be so careless with my safety in this manner? How? Because all they wanted to do is sell this Toyota as quickly as possible, that's how.
But I wanted them to pay for my aggravation and for putting me in such an unsafe position without a spare tire for four years. How would they do this, you may ask? By giving me the correct Toyota spare and 5000 miles of free service. When I told Matt about my demands, he was certain that I would never get the service, but, then, he was forgetting about my Kagan persistence! Therefore, when I got home, I called Boch repeatedly - it was so hard to reach the right person. They kept telling me that the individual I wanted was not there or was tied up or would call me back.
I could reach no one and continued to call all week-end, talking to many, many men, refusing to give up. The women I talked with were only secretaries, of course. Finally, I reached the right person and told him I wanted a new spare tire pronto! and 5000 miles service for free. And, do you know what? without any muss or fuss, he ordered a spare for me and authorized the service! I was so happy - but, of course, this happiness was very premature. I mean, I was dealing with Boch, for heaven sakes - customer satisfaction is not in their vocabulary.
On Wednesday I drove up from the Cape to the Boch Service Department. When I arrived, the mechanic told me that he could do nothing for me - that I had to get everything okayed by the Sales Manager. Can you imagine? After putting me through spare tire hell, now I had to take more time to find the Sales Manager! And what about the authorization from the man who told me everything was ok over the week-end? Naturally, the Service guy knew nothing about that! I was beside myself.
In any event, I went to the Sales Floor and found the Manager. "Gee, Ellen," he said, when I told him my story, "we can only give you a tire, but as far as service goes - well, I'll have to check with my boss!" "How long will that take, do you think?" I asked. "Well, he's not here right now - it's too early - but when he comes in, I'll get ahold of him."
"I beg your pardon," I cried. "That is unacceptable! You have to help me now!" When he said that was impossible, I decided to take matters into my own hands. How, you wonder? Well, I proceeded to tell every customer and salesman in my vicinity, in as loud a voice as possible, what had happened to me and how Boch was not rectifying the situation.
"Do you know what Boch did to to me ?" I would ask anyone who would listen. "Boch sold me a Toyota with a Hyundai spare tire! Can you imagine?" Let me tell you, everyone was incredulous - they had never heard of such a thing! And they gathered around me, suggesting I see Ernie Boch, Jr. himself!
However, I did not have to take that step because, suddenly the Sales Manager planted himself in front of me and said, "OK, Ellen. We can straighten this out. Let's go over to Service and make you happy!" I gave him a very big smile and said, "You are so great to do this for me. I am so appreciative!" Then he accompanied me to Service where he conferred with the mechanic and immediately I got the free 5000-mile service, as well as the Toyota spare tire.
Of course, I felt vindicated, but let me tell you, this experience wore me out. It took so much of my energy to get Boch to do the right thing. And it was truly mind-boggling that they would have avoided it if they could. Thus, as I am certain you can understand, I shall never do business with Boch again.
Well, here's another enlightening story about dealing with that dishonest ilk - auto mechanics - who enjoy taking women for a ride, figuratively, that is. Maybe it's a "mother" thing. I don't know. But if I could find a mechanic who would tell me the truth about my car, I think I would die from the shock of it. Recently one did swear to me that he was always honest with his customers, including women, declaring, "I could never sleep at night if I did not tell the truth to a woman about her car." Yeah, right.
In any event, it was time to buy a new car - a situation that gives me chest pains and hives and nervous indigestion. It is so trying for me to buy a car - and probably it is for any woman. Luckily, I have my cousin, Matt, who is a car expert and knows how to handle car salesmen. Thus, all I have to do is go out and find the right car for me. Once I have accomplished this feat, I call him in Florida so that he can negotiate for me.
Before I get to that stage, though, the experience is very painful. I do not know if you have had this happen to you, but for a woman to walk alone into an auto dealership is to become prey to all the salespeople, waiting for a new mark. It is almost as if you have taken your clothes off because all eyes are on you, looking at you totally lascivously. Let me tell you, if you have had any experience with car salesmen, you just know these guys are figuring out how to work you to their advantage.
And, if there are any female car salespeople out there, I certainly haven't seen them. Therefore, as a lone woman, you are lost in Macho Hell and you are definitely the "little woman" to all these guys, no matter their age. They seem to come from the same mold - "You, Jane; Me, Tarzan!" Terrific.
Anyhow, I looked and looked down the Cape for a used Toyota Corolla LE - this was back in 2006 - and was unsuccessful in finding what I wanted because there was no inventory down here at all. So, a guy whom I knew and who had been a car salesman, advised me to go to AutoMile in Norwood to Ernie Boch's because he was certain that I would find something there.
Well, I really tried to avoid that suggestion because have you ever seen Ernie Boch on TV? I mean, he is totally wacko and I had heard bad things about his dealership. However, I was getting desperate because my 1997 Ford Taurus, was in pretty bad shape. So, bracing myself for a Twilight Zonish experience, I trekked up to Norwood to see what I could see. On the advice of Matt, I was not prepared to buy anything this day. "Just act as if you are browsing, Ellen," he advised me. "Once they know you want to make a purchase, you are sunk. They will do anything to gouge you." Advice that could really make you stay at home and in bed!!
But, being the intrepid person that I am, I NEVER give up!! It's a family trait!! - I drove up and entered the hallowed halls of Boch Toyota, definitely an alternate universe. First, there were only men there who were salespeople - any women were clerks, of course; very second class. And, second, the place was HUGE - with the new car models parked on the floor; a large TV room with loads of chairs; a Parts room; a Service Area; and a fast-food cafeteria.
Immediately, I was approached by an Asian salesman, who could hardly speak English. However, we did manage to communicate, with my saying, "Sir, I am not buying anything today. I am just browsing for a used Toyota Corolla LE, about two years old." He did not seem to understand me at all, but took me out to the back, where we picked up a golf cart and drove around all the Toyotas. I mean the inventory was VAST - like another world - Toyotas upon Toyotas upon Toyotas - the lot was endless.
Finally we came upon a sweet 2003 black Toyota Corolla LE, and he asked me, "If I can give you a good deal today, would you buy this?" I told him that I never do anything without my cousin, Matt. "Ok," he replied. "Let's call him!" Interesting how he suddenly could speak English very well! In any event, I ended up buying the car and Matt, indeed, got me a very good deal. I was so happy. And the car ran beautifully for 4 1/2 years, with just regular maintenance done on it.
However, last year, I ran into a tree in my driveway and completely flattened one of my tires. Being in this situation was a nightmare because I live down a very long road, where Triple A would have a very hard time finding me. However, I managed to drive the car to my health club parking lot, where I still had to wait an hour and make many calls to Triple A before Steve, arrived with his tow truck. I breathed a sigh of relief when he finally drove into the lot and happily watched him put on my spare tire. Then, suddenly, he stopped. "Gee, Ellen," he said, astonished. "I can't get this on for you. You've got a Hyundai spare tire here. Whoever sold you this car, put in the wrong spare!"
Can you imagine? I was dumbstruck!! and Steve could not believe it. I had been driving around for 4 1/2 years without a spare. What if I had had a flat in an out-of-the way place, all alone, without any help? It would have been a disaster. Luckily, Steve was able to get the car on his flatbed and drive me to Sears to purchase a new tire.
Do you think this was the end of the story for me? Of course not. I was not going to let Boch get away with this. How could they be so careless with my safety in this manner? How? Because all they wanted to do is sell this Toyota as quickly as possible, that's how.
But I wanted them to pay for my aggravation and for putting me in such an unsafe position without a spare tire for four years. How would they do this, you may ask? By giving me the correct Toyota spare and 5000 miles of free service. When I told Matt about my demands, he was certain that I would never get the service, but, then, he was forgetting about my Kagan persistence! Therefore, when I got home, I called Boch repeatedly - it was so hard to reach the right person. They kept telling me that the individual I wanted was not there or was tied up or would call me back.
I could reach no one and continued to call all week-end, talking to many, many men, refusing to give up. The women I talked with were only secretaries, of course. Finally, I reached the right person and told him I wanted a new spare tire pronto! and 5000 miles service for free. And, do you know what? without any muss or fuss, he ordered a spare for me and authorized the service! I was so happy - but, of course, this happiness was very premature. I mean, I was dealing with Boch, for heaven sakes - customer satisfaction is not in their vocabulary.
On Wednesday I drove up from the Cape to the Boch Service Department. When I arrived, the mechanic told me that he could do nothing for me - that I had to get everything okayed by the Sales Manager. Can you imagine? After putting me through spare tire hell, now I had to take more time to find the Sales Manager! And what about the authorization from the man who told me everything was ok over the week-end? Naturally, the Service guy knew nothing about that! I was beside myself.
In any event, I went to the Sales Floor and found the Manager. "Gee, Ellen," he said, when I told him my story, "we can only give you a tire, but as far as service goes - well, I'll have to check with my boss!" "How long will that take, do you think?" I asked. "Well, he's not here right now - it's too early - but when he comes in, I'll get ahold of him."
"I beg your pardon," I cried. "That is unacceptable! You have to help me now!" When he said that was impossible, I decided to take matters into my own hands. How, you wonder? Well, I proceeded to tell every customer and salesman in my vicinity, in as loud a voice as possible, what had happened to me and how Boch was not rectifying the situation.
"Do you know what Boch did to to me ?" I would ask anyone who would listen. "Boch sold me a Toyota with a Hyundai spare tire! Can you imagine?" Let me tell you, everyone was incredulous - they had never heard of such a thing! And they gathered around me, suggesting I see Ernie Boch, Jr. himself!
However, I did not have to take that step because, suddenly the Sales Manager planted himself in front of me and said, "OK, Ellen. We can straighten this out. Let's go over to Service and make you happy!" I gave him a very big smile and said, "You are so great to do this for me. I am so appreciative!" Then he accompanied me to Service where he conferred with the mechanic and immediately I got the free 5000-mile service, as well as the Toyota spare tire.
Of course, I felt vindicated, but let me tell you, this experience wore me out. It took so much of my energy to get Boch to do the right thing. And it was truly mind-boggling that they would have avoided it if they could. Thus, as I am certain you can understand, I shall never do business with Boch again.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
CAR-LOVE
Well, Guys,
Here's another of my really discouraging experiences with that great group of men - the car mechanics. I have to tell you, I think most of them graduated from the same place and got Ph.D's in the same course: BEING DISHONEST WITH A WOMAN! I say this because, in most instances, they take one look at me and decide to gyp me in some way. I mean, I think they make a concerted effort to do this.
Anyhow, about a month ago, my windshield wipers broke on my sweet Toyota Corolla and so I had to deal with a person of that ilk - the owner of an auto repair shop near where I live on Cape Cod. I had had experience with him before - and knew he would be dishonest with me - but, in this case, he was the most convenient mechanic to help me; I knew not much money would be involved; and so I decided to bite the bullet and drive over to him.
First, though, I got on the phone and asked him,"Do you sell windshield wipers?" He replied that yes he did. "Well, how much do they cost?" I reasonably asked. "Oh, Ellen, they're $7.00 to $12.00, depending on the length of the blade." "Great," I responded. "I'll be down very soon."
So, I trekked over and received the usual lascivous grin from the owner, which annoys me so much. He always appears to me to be trying to figure out how to outmaneuver me and charge me more than anyone else would - which is why I rarely do business with him. He makes me feel like prey, if you know what I mean. I managed a few pleasantries, waited for his man to help me, and finally his mechanic attached the wipers
As soon as this process was finished, I went to pay for the wipers. "How much?" I inquired. "Oh," the owner said. "That will be $21.00!" Excuse me, I thought to myself. What happened to the $7.00 and $12.00?, a question which I then asked him.
Giving me his annoying grin again, he said, "Oh, Ellen. That was just for the blades. But the windshield wipers altogether come to $21.00." "Well, why didn't you tell me that when I called, for heaven's sake?" I asked. "Oh, I figured you would know that," he answered.
"Come on," I replied. "I asked you for information and you did not give it to me," I retorted. Did this guy get great pleasure out of trying to make me seem like a fool?Well, in this case, he is the fool and not I, because finally I realized that I cannot do business with this jerk again - he cannot tell the truth to me at all - and stupidly, he lost a customer for the very low figure of $21.00.
Here's another of my really discouraging experiences with that great group of men - the car mechanics. I have to tell you, I think most of them graduated from the same place and got Ph.D's in the same course: BEING DISHONEST WITH A WOMAN! I say this because, in most instances, they take one look at me and decide to gyp me in some way. I mean, I think they make a concerted effort to do this.
Anyhow, about a month ago, my windshield wipers broke on my sweet Toyota Corolla and so I had to deal with a person of that ilk - the owner of an auto repair shop near where I live on Cape Cod. I had had experience with him before - and knew he would be dishonest with me - but, in this case, he was the most convenient mechanic to help me; I knew not much money would be involved; and so I decided to bite the bullet and drive over to him.
First, though, I got on the phone and asked him,"Do you sell windshield wipers?" He replied that yes he did. "Well, how much do they cost?" I reasonably asked. "Oh, Ellen, they're $7.00 to $12.00, depending on the length of the blade." "Great," I responded. "I'll be down very soon."
So, I trekked over and received the usual lascivous grin from the owner, which annoys me so much. He always appears to me to be trying to figure out how to outmaneuver me and charge me more than anyone else would - which is why I rarely do business with him. He makes me feel like prey, if you know what I mean. I managed a few pleasantries, waited for his man to help me, and finally his mechanic attached the wipers
As soon as this process was finished, I went to pay for the wipers. "How much?" I inquired. "Oh," the owner said. "That will be $21.00!" Excuse me, I thought to myself. What happened to the $7.00 and $12.00?, a question which I then asked him.
Giving me his annoying grin again, he said, "Oh, Ellen. That was just for the blades. But the windshield wipers altogether come to $21.00." "Well, why didn't you tell me that when I called, for heaven's sake?" I asked. "Oh, I figured you would know that," he answered.
"Come on," I replied. "I asked you for information and you did not give it to me," I retorted. Did this guy get great pleasure out of trying to make me seem like a fool?Well, in this case, he is the fool and not I, because finally I realized that I cannot do business with this jerk again - he cannot tell the truth to me at all - and stupidly, he lost a customer for the very low figure of $21.00.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Car-Love
Hey, hey, Guys,
Well, I am starting a new blog because besides having major adventures in Medicaland, as you can see from my blog, I am also having Twilight Zonish experiences in Car-Land, too. Let me tell you, folks, if you are a woman, dealing with auto mechanics is a true hazard here on the Cape. Is it possible to get an honest opinion about my sweet, sweet 2003 Toyota Corolla LE? I do not know - it seems to be an impossibility down here.
Let me tell you what happened to me last Friday. First of all, let me say that my car was riding just fine - I did not notice anything strange or weird about it and it had previously passed all its 5000-mile check-ups with flying colors.
Anyway, I went to a mechanic near the Sagamore Bridge and felt relaxed and pretty cheerful. With other cars, I used to hyperventilate before I got an assessment because who knows what they would tell me? I mean, usually, according to these mechanics, my other cars were close to death and I would have to spend thousands of dollars to fix them. But not with this Toyota. She is such a doll.
Anyway, I brought her in, with total confidence that, once again, my Toyota would be in great condition. I was all smiles, while I sat in the lovely waiting room and chatted with the owner, as well as one of his customers. We had a great time, discussing all the topics of the day - and actually solving them, too. So, as you can see, I was feeling pretty good and positive about the car and life in general.
In an hour, the mechanic came out and could barely look at me - he had death written all over his face. So, of course I asked, "Well, guys, how is my car?" Well, you would have thought the world was coming to an end because the owner, looking as if he were going to tell me I have cancer, said, "Your car is in very bad shape. You need four new tires immediately - and if you don't buy them, you'll probably get a flat - you need new brakes and struts and a bearing" - all to the tune of more than $1200!!
Well, guys, I do not know if you are in my position, but money is not following me at the moment - I mean, it is tough in this economy, especially with gas prices being what they are and no jobs to be found. In fact, that green stuff seems to be hiding itself pretty well from me. So, practically stuttering - and almost in cardiac arrest - I managed to squeak out "Do I have to do this all at once?"
"Well," said the owner, "You had better buy those tires - for $400+ - because I cannot promise you you will be ok. The other stuff can be done within three months! And I can promise you you cannot get it inspected. It would never pass." Stunned, I asked him to break down the costs for me and call me with them later that afternoon, which he promised to do.
At this point, I decided not to do anything because, having been down this road before with mechanics - meaning they are not honest with me - I decided I needed to talk with my cousin, Matt, one of my best friends and my car guru. He lives in Florida but is always accessible to me when I have car problems. In fact, he helped me negotiate the price for my dear Toyota. Anyway, I got into my car and ran home and called him immediately. His advice: "Ellen, go to Sears Auto Center immediately and see what they say," because they specialize in tires.
So, I got into my Toyota and drove like a bat out of hell to Hyannis and told my story to Lyle, the automotive sales rep. He looked at my tires and said, "Gee, your tires look fine to me!" and said that I could definitely pass inspection. Excuse me? What was going on here? The guy in Sagamore had just told me that I needed four new ones and Sears says that all four are fine and they are supposed to be tire specialists. In any event, Lyle took my car to look at it more closely and, a little calmer, I roamed the Cape Cod Mall for about an hour. When I returned, he had all the info for me.
As I looked at his figures, I nearly died. His total came to more than $2,000, which included fixing the struts and bearings. "I beg your pardon, Lyle," I said. "But I am not spending that on this car." "Oh, Ellen, you do not have to do that right now. Your struts and bearings will not hamper your safety. However, you should at least do the brakes - for $765!!" Can you believe my day?
Who was telling the truth, if anyone? Well, I certainly did not believe the guy in Sagamore was in the "honesty" business. So, being all nerved up from these gruesome few hours, I decided to wait before I did anything. Instead, I ran to my car, hightailed it to a liquor store, and got some white zinfandel, which I practically guzzled when I got home - only one glass, though. That was all I needed to somewhat calm down.
To say that I was a total nervous wreck would not be exaggerating. I called Matt, planning to do nothing about the car because of these diametrically opposed opinions. However, he was worried about my brakes and so told me to go to another place for another check-up the following week.
On Monday morning I went to the Bourne Police Department to report the guy in Sagamore, who is in the Bourne Police District. I believed that the police should be aware of his dishonest tactics. I also told Officer O'Rourke my story and asked for a referral.
Officer O'Rourke could not stop grinning at me when he learned why I was there - I guess with all the murders and robberies he has to deal with, a woman looking for a reputable auto mechanic is a new experience for him. Anyway, he referred me to Sullivan Tire in Wareham, which takes care of all the police cars in Bourne, saying, "You'd better take care of this, Ellen. I don't want you to crash!"
So I immediately jumped into my Toyota and again told my story at Sullivan. The mechanic took the car into the back and later showed me what my problems were. Do you think I could see what he was talking about? Of course not. According to him, I needed two new tires and front-end brakes immediately, with the back-end brakes to be fixed in three months or so. The job to be done on Monday was $1000+!
Who to believe, guys? Sears or Sullivan, definitely not the Sagamore people, who were over the top in their recommendations. So, I called Matt and we decided to go with Sullivan. It seemed to me that they were the ones because I felt good with them and they do all the Bourne police cars. However, who knows if they are right? I mean, I had gotten three opinions in two days - all of them different!!
In any event, I stayed for three hours, waiting for the job to be done, chatting up another customer, who had come in with his wife, his sixth, he told me. She was bundled up, with her head in her parka. From the time she came in to the time I left, she never came out - sort of like the headless horseman.
He, on the other hand, could not stop talking to me because he found me "very open" he said - and he ended up telling me how terrible the world is right now and that there is nothing to be done. Believe me, I definitely felt as if I were in the Twilight Zone with this couple, but, then, of course, I had been there ever since Friday when I had first begun this whole process in Sagamore.
I also watched The Young and Restless on the wide-screen television and, it seemed, after watching that soap opera, that my problems were not so bad. Moreover, I took a long walk and bought a Boston Creme Dunkin' Donut for myself and Munchkins for the group - but, in truth, I really needed more wine. That would have been a very big help.
I am willing to give Sullivan Tire another try because, after all, they do take care of the police. So I plan on going back for my 5000-mile check-up in June. But it is horrid doing business with mechanics when you do not know if the diagnosis is right or wrong. And I have to tell you - I have a gazillion more stories like this, which I shall write about in the coming days. Oh, by the way, the Sagamore auto repair shop never called me with a breakdown of the repairs, so I assume the owner did not have honorable intentions with regard to my car. See you later.
Well, I am starting a new blog because besides having major adventures in Medicaland, as you can see from my blog, I am also having Twilight Zonish experiences in Car-Land, too. Let me tell you, folks, if you are a woman, dealing with auto mechanics is a true hazard here on the Cape. Is it possible to get an honest opinion about my sweet, sweet 2003 Toyota Corolla LE? I do not know - it seems to be an impossibility down here.
Let me tell you what happened to me last Friday. First of all, let me say that my car was riding just fine - I did not notice anything strange or weird about it and it had previously passed all its 5000-mile check-ups with flying colors.
Anyway, I went to a mechanic near the Sagamore Bridge and felt relaxed and pretty cheerful. With other cars, I used to hyperventilate before I got an assessment because who knows what they would tell me? I mean, usually, according to these mechanics, my other cars were close to death and I would have to spend thousands of dollars to fix them. But not with this Toyota. She is such a doll.
Anyway, I brought her in, with total confidence that, once again, my Toyota would be in great condition. I was all smiles, while I sat in the lovely waiting room and chatted with the owner, as well as one of his customers. We had a great time, discussing all the topics of the day - and actually solving them, too. So, as you can see, I was feeling pretty good and positive about the car and life in general.
In an hour, the mechanic came out and could barely look at me - he had death written all over his face. So, of course I asked, "Well, guys, how is my car?" Well, you would have thought the world was coming to an end because the owner, looking as if he were going to tell me I have cancer, said, "Your car is in very bad shape. You need four new tires immediately - and if you don't buy them, you'll probably get a flat - you need new brakes and struts and a bearing" - all to the tune of more than $1200!!
Well, guys, I do not know if you are in my position, but money is not following me at the moment - I mean, it is tough in this economy, especially with gas prices being what they are and no jobs to be found. In fact, that green stuff seems to be hiding itself pretty well from me. So, practically stuttering - and almost in cardiac arrest - I managed to squeak out "Do I have to do this all at once?"
"Well," said the owner, "You had better buy those tires - for $400+ - because I cannot promise you you will be ok. The other stuff can be done within three months! And I can promise you you cannot get it inspected. It would never pass." Stunned, I asked him to break down the costs for me and call me with them later that afternoon, which he promised to do.
At this point, I decided not to do anything because, having been down this road before with mechanics - meaning they are not honest with me - I decided I needed to talk with my cousin, Matt, one of my best friends and my car guru. He lives in Florida but is always accessible to me when I have car problems. In fact, he helped me negotiate the price for my dear Toyota. Anyway, I got into my car and ran home and called him immediately. His advice: "Ellen, go to Sears Auto Center immediately and see what they say," because they specialize in tires.
So, I got into my Toyota and drove like a bat out of hell to Hyannis and told my story to Lyle, the automotive sales rep. He looked at my tires and said, "Gee, your tires look fine to me!" and said that I could definitely pass inspection. Excuse me? What was going on here? The guy in Sagamore had just told me that I needed four new ones and Sears says that all four are fine and they are supposed to be tire specialists. In any event, Lyle took my car to look at it more closely and, a little calmer, I roamed the Cape Cod Mall for about an hour. When I returned, he had all the info for me.
As I looked at his figures, I nearly died. His total came to more than $2,000, which included fixing the struts and bearings. "I beg your pardon, Lyle," I said. "But I am not spending that on this car." "Oh, Ellen, you do not have to do that right now. Your struts and bearings will not hamper your safety. However, you should at least do the brakes - for $765!!" Can you believe my day?
Who was telling the truth, if anyone? Well, I certainly did not believe the guy in Sagamore was in the "honesty" business. So, being all nerved up from these gruesome few hours, I decided to wait before I did anything. Instead, I ran to my car, hightailed it to a liquor store, and got some white zinfandel, which I practically guzzled when I got home - only one glass, though. That was all I needed to somewhat calm down.
To say that I was a total nervous wreck would not be exaggerating. I called Matt, planning to do nothing about the car because of these diametrically opposed opinions. However, he was worried about my brakes and so told me to go to another place for another check-up the following week.
On Monday morning I went to the Bourne Police Department to report the guy in Sagamore, who is in the Bourne Police District. I believed that the police should be aware of his dishonest tactics. I also told Officer O'Rourke my story and asked for a referral.
Officer O'Rourke could not stop grinning at me when he learned why I was there - I guess with all the murders and robberies he has to deal with, a woman looking for a reputable auto mechanic is a new experience for him. Anyway, he referred me to Sullivan Tire in Wareham, which takes care of all the police cars in Bourne, saying, "You'd better take care of this, Ellen. I don't want you to crash!"
So I immediately jumped into my Toyota and again told my story at Sullivan. The mechanic took the car into the back and later showed me what my problems were. Do you think I could see what he was talking about? Of course not. According to him, I needed two new tires and front-end brakes immediately, with the back-end brakes to be fixed in three months or so. The job to be done on Monday was $1000+!
Who to believe, guys? Sears or Sullivan, definitely not the Sagamore people, who were over the top in their recommendations. So, I called Matt and we decided to go with Sullivan. It seemed to me that they were the ones because I felt good with them and they do all the Bourne police cars. However, who knows if they are right? I mean, I had gotten three opinions in two days - all of them different!!
In any event, I stayed for three hours, waiting for the job to be done, chatting up another customer, who had come in with his wife, his sixth, he told me. She was bundled up, with her head in her parka. From the time she came in to the time I left, she never came out - sort of like the headless horseman.
He, on the other hand, could not stop talking to me because he found me "very open" he said - and he ended up telling me how terrible the world is right now and that there is nothing to be done. Believe me, I definitely felt as if I were in the Twilight Zone with this couple, but, then, of course, I had been there ever since Friday when I had first begun this whole process in Sagamore.
I also watched The Young and Restless on the wide-screen television and, it seemed, after watching that soap opera, that my problems were not so bad. Moreover, I took a long walk and bought a Boston Creme Dunkin' Donut for myself and Munchkins for the group - but, in truth, I really needed more wine. That would have been a very big help.
I am willing to give Sullivan Tire another try because, after all, they do take care of the police. So I plan on going back for my 5000-mile check-up in June. But it is horrid doing business with mechanics when you do not know if the diagnosis is right or wrong. And I have to tell you - I have a gazillion more stories like this, which I shall write about in the coming days. Oh, by the way, the Sagamore auto repair shop never called me with a breakdown of the repairs, so I assume the owner did not have honorable intentions with regard to my car. See you later.
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