After calling to confirm that they had availability to see my car that day for an estimate, we had our vehicle towed to TL Motors. They did not look at my car that day. The next day we were told that it would be $1100 to run two diagnostic test. This did not include any parts or labor for whatever issue may reveal itself. Once we had agreed to testing, I was told 3-4 hours and that the tech would start after lunch. I was never contacted. This was a Friday. We reached out on Saturday and was told our contact was off and we would hear back on Monday. This was unacceptable as we are told 3 to 4 hours the day before. At this point everything started to feel kind of sketchy. After stating our unhappiness and the situation they have left us in, another employee called us back. He claimed that during the testing on Friday a different issue (one never mentioned in any prior dealings) and our new estimate was for $18000. Outrageous. When we spoke with the staff we were told that the machine they have to run these tests shows EVERY POSSUBLE thing that could need replacement and that that is what they would need to do a they can't just replace some things and not others. A new engine for this vehicle runs about $16-$18000 so this seemed a bit excessive. In the end we paid our balance for the one test that was actually run and towed our car to a dealership. Even if they were correct with their tests and what needed to be done their business practice was poor and lacked proper communication and allowed for us to believe we would have answers in a timely fashion and then left us on read.
2013 Range Rover HSE 5.0L – Mileage: 92,985 Carson Brian, Service and Parts Director I’m sorry for the experience you had at our store. I personally oversaw your vehicle inspection, initially authorized for $308.40 to test the check engine light and the starting/shutting off issue. While we scheduled the inspection the day your vehicle was towed in, unforeseen shop delays meant your vehicle didn’t reach the assigned technician as planned, delaying service. By Friday morning, the technician found the engine starting and shutting off intermittently and a louder passenger side. Six of eight cylinders were misfiring. Richard then requested authorization for a compression test ($539.70) and leak-down test ($257.00). After waiting about two hours for approval from Jennifer and Roman, the technician had to move to another vehicle as technicians cannot stay idle. I advised holding off on those tests, believing we could find the cause without them and save you $796.70. Though you called frequently for updates, no new info was available then. Our team operates with integrity, and I expect respectful communication. False accusations or pressure on staff are not appreciated. Further diagnostics confirmed good compression but incorrect engine timing causing hard starting, long cranking, misfires, and a noisy valvetrain. On Saturday, I discussed the results and repair estimate ($12,509.52 + tax) with you and Roman. Understanding your urgency, I offered a free loaner vehicle once repairs were authorized. Roman was pushy about the omitted tests; I explained the outcome would be the same. Roman expressed concern about costs, comparing to a claimed $18,000 new engine. I clarified that cutting corners isn’t acceptable and if he preferred, he should seek another shop. A full engine replacement, properly done, would cost over $26,000. We remain open to discussing options if you wish. To clarify: We never charged $1,100 in testing fees. The $18,000 engine quote came from Roman, not us. Roman declined further work and planned to pick up the vehicle Monday. Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who speak the truth are His delight."
- TL Motors Inc.