I have a 2019 VW Tiguan, unbeknownst to me, when your battery dies, that it, it's dead. So, since I live in Placerville, my husband walked over to Hangtown Foreign Auto, he spoke with the owner, and got a verbal quote and a business card (make sure you get a written quote, even though the owner says he is busy). I on the other hand, called Niello VW in Sac area. The quote over the phone was $10.00 less than Hangtown. Hangtown quoted $320.00 battery, and additional $90.00 to put it in and calibrate it. We had the car towed to Hangtown, and figured pick up next day or when they could get to it. (battery was in stock). So, later that day, at 6:15pm, I get a call from the owner, said looks like the battery and we can install and have ready tomorrow. I then asked how much,
He said $540.00, I was in shock and asked why so much when he quoted a little over 400.00 all said and done. He said he was busy that morning, didn't remember what he quoted, and didn't check price of battery, gave us a ballpark figure. I gave him the breakdown he gave us earlier, and then he said if I didn't like the price, he would leave the keys in the car and I could come and get it and take down to Niello and save myself the $10.00. He then went on to chastise me for "well, the last time you were in here was over 2 years ago".. I was speechless. (Not that it is any of his business, but we hadn't taken the car to anyone except Niello because of 2 recalls and some interior problems that only the VW dealership could handle, except an oil change.) I told him I was only asking because it was quite a bit higher, he said he could give me a cheaper battery and knock down the price by "$50.00. I told him I didn't want a cheaper battery, but I was only asking. He told me "well, I can just eat the difference, "I'll just take it in the shorts" and went on a rant about how he was busy, and didn't know the price when he quoted, and on and on about his business. He said he had worked all day and was busy, I told him I worked at the hospital and was still at work, and I was busy also. When I tried to speak with him more, he just kept interrupting and giving me excuses. I told him we would be down tomorrow (the next day) and we would pay the price. I am over 70 years old, owned 2 businesses in Placerville, and I have never, ever in my life had anyone speak to me like that and chastise me like I am one of his kids. Do not take you business to this man. He is unfair and unreasonable. Bad JuJu.
I did ask to speak to the owner, he said he was the owner!! read more