Sears review: automotive fraud

August 11, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

I have an unfortunate occurrence to report to you that occurred on July 27, 2010 at your Palm Desert Auto Center (44430 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260).

The service person informed me that I needed a new battery, after I described that my car engine would quit while driving and then would restart again, in a few minutes.

When I left, the same thing occurred, so I returned immediately and they decided I needed a new alternator.

The total cost to me is $490.76, plus an entire day of lost wages, $272.00. Copies of all documents and photos are available. (they were too large to upload).

When I drove home, the car was still idling low. I brought my Toyota Solara 2002 to my personal mechanic. He found that the PVC Hose was loosened, which really created this problem. I was misled to believe that I needed a new battery and an alternator. My mechanic also discovered that I did not need an alternator, nor were their signs that I needed a new alternator. Also, I paid for a rebuilt alternator, not a new alternator. Their alternator was spray painted, made in China, NOT a Toyota alternator, which lasts the life time of the car. In fact, all that was required was a simple fix of clamping the hose (photo available), which my mechanic performed free of charge. They also informed me that my AC compressor needed to be replaced. This is not true.

I am not sure if this situation occurred because of poorly trained mechanics or outright fraud. Either way, I was duped out of $490.76 and the loss of my day’s wages. When I found out that I was intentionally misled, I was very disappointed in Sears Corporation, as a whole. I specifically went to Sears Auto Center, because as a woman travelling alone, I thought it would be a reliable and trustworthy company.

Please refund my money immediately, or I will be compelled to report this incident to the Better Business Bureau and www.autorepair.ca.gov. There are also multiple web sights to share and warn other potential customers, as well as, family and friends.

Sincerely,

Jessica Krieger

[protected]@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 431
Placentia, CA 92871