Took my VW GTI to Active Collision, GOT LIED TOO AND RIPPED OFF by Leo Gutierrez…read more
Feb 2nd 2023, I took my car to get repaired, with front bumper damage. Dropped off my car Feb 19th, went out of the country for 3 months on deployment, paid Leo $3526.99 check from the insurance company. I never heard from Leo or anyone at Active Collision, I was always the one calling for updates, like many other people in the reviews, I was given the same song and dance, my car is ready for paint, they are waiting on parts, parts are on backorder, then I get told by Fernando that Leo is not here, and he cant be reached. This was in June 2023.
Everytime I called I never got a hold of Leo, there was always a reason, I finally called and informed Fernando that I'm going on Friday Aug 4th to pick up my vehicle, to have it ready, and to have any parts that were removed or they had bought to put in the car that I would take with me. I arrive to pick up my car, and when I arrive got asked who I was, and what did I need. I told him I had called the other day and was there to pick up my car. He goes in the shop and informs me that my car is burried and will have someone bring it out shortly. Before he hands me the keys he said that he had talked to Leo and had a paper for me to sign, and that stated I picked up my car as is, O.k. just give me my car, while this is happening another customer has come in asking for Leo, talks to Fernando, and starts cussing at him. By the looks of things it seamed that this happens often and this guy he has working the front desk is the guy that gets to hear it since Leo isnt there.
It takes a while to get my car out and when I finally get my car I get informed that a gate swung open and my car got hit and has another dent on it. I was more than pissed, my car was in worse condition as I had dropped it off 6 months earlier. Same damaged front end, same zip ties I had used to hold up the damage! I get in my car and have the check engine light and about 8 other warnings on the instrument cluster. I drove my car home that way just to get it out of there, I had to stop on the side of the fwy to cut a piece that was flying off.
Finally get a hold of Leo some time in October, and asked for a refund, crazy is that he actually answered the phone, I asked for $2000 back and we would be good, she agreed and was told that he had some things going on and that he would deffinetly refund me $2000. I called him, left messages and emailed him, he emailed back a few times but never issued a refund. fast forward to March 2024, sent her a demand letter asking for a full refund $3526.99, or I had no other choice but to take Leo to Small Claims Court. Leo emails me hours later, stating that I broke contract by picking up my vehicle, and to take him to court. O.K., I submit a small claims case against Leo, and when he gets served with court papers he emails me" I want to take care of this matter soon, please give me until next month to resolve this. I am catching up with emergency matters I have to attend to."
Lies, he never reached out. I go ahead with the small claims, I have to use the West Covina Courthouse, that is 4.2 miles down the street from Active Collision. Leo never shows up to the hearings. I won the case by default. The courts awarded me $3626.99, after winning the case he had 30 days to dispute this claim, does not. I served Leo again with court papers to submit financials so I can collect my money the court awarded me, Leo does not show again, the judge finally places a bench warrant for Leo to appear in court. He finally apears on July 31st, I see him in the hallway and start asking him why he ripped me off and who else has he done this too. Leo starts giving me excusses, that he had family issues, incompedent workers, that his business isnt doing good, covid, never once did Leo mention that he would do the right thing and refund my money. He was put on the payment plan, $500 down payment, $500 every 22nd until debt is paid... to date Leo has missed 3 payments, going to take him back to court.
This is my experience with Leo at Active Collision, and by reading others reviews that arent his friends or family, seams like im not the only one that he owes money too.