Tuffy Tire & Auto Service review: Improper repairs

On, 8/7/2022, I took my 2005 Dodge Dakota, to Tuffy’s Tire & Auto Service, 16676 US Highway 441, Summerfield Florida. I was told that my right control arm was bent & needed extensive repairs in the amount of $2000 plus. I informed the manager that I couldn’t afford the repairs. Joe, the manager, told me that he could reduce the charges for the parts which would bring the cost down to around$1500. I agreed, paid & the next day, I drove to Jacksonville. While in Jacksonville, I had an accident which I feel was caused because when I applied my brakes, I didn’t come to a complete stop causing a rearend collision. I left Jacksonville on 9/15/2022 & drove to Crystal River. While driving, I would occasionally hear a noise when using my brakes. Upon entering Crystal River, I stopped at Larry’s Auto Service to have my brakes inspected. I was told that I needed repairs. When I stated that I already had those repairs done, Ryan, the manager, told me that whoever did the repairs, did not do the repairs correctly causing my brakes to fail. I asked Ryan, if the improper repairs, could have caused the accident that I had in Jacksonville, he said yes, because the calipers were not secured, which in turn caused the brakes to shift. I called Tuffy immediately & talked to Joe, who asked me to bring my truck back so that they could check it. I told Joe, I was in Crystal River & that I could not drive my truck until it was repaired. After the repairs, I drove back to Summerfield, went to Tuffy & showed Joe the parts that Larry’s Auto replaced. Joe denied fault & even suggested that I had removed the bolts from the calipers just to get reimbursed for the repairs & that the parts that I showed him, were not the parts that they had installed.

I tried to resolve this matter, with the help of Crimes Against Seniors, but Tuffy’s corporate office, Mavis Tire & Auto, refused to acknowledge that their manager did anything wrong even though they replaced him. I feel that even though Joe, gave me a discount, the incorrect repairs, caused more damage & the accident. I also believe that Joe, had intentionally left the 2 bolts out, knowing that it would cause more damage in the hope that I would return to him for future repairs. I am also accusing Joe, of padding the bill by charging me $687.39 for 5 hours of labor when in fact it only took them 3 hours to complete the repairs & when I questioned Joe, he responded that although it was only 3 hours, there were 2 mechanics who were working together on my vehicle. I am requesting that Tuffy reimburse me for all repairs & for the increase in my auto insurance for the next 3 years.

Tuffy Tire & Auto — $1530.52

Larry’s Auto Service — $ 727.10

Increase in premium — $145.11 every 6 months X’s 2= $290.22 per year for a total of $870.66 for 3 years

I am also asking for punitive damages in the amount of $5000 for a total of $8128.28 because

I am retired & on a fixed income. I believe that Tuffy did not properly repair my vehicle, causing me a

financial hardship. This statement is true, to the best of my knowledge.

Paul Wolpert

View 0 more photos