Winston Tires & Brakes, El Cerrito, CA - paid $ 475 for brake work - brakes still don't work - told company filed Chaper 11 bankruptcy

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on September 30, 2002:

From:

RE: Winston Tires & Brakes, El Cerrito, CA - paid $ 475 for brake work - brakes still don't work - told company filed Chaper 11 bankruptcy

I brought my automobile into Winston Tires and Brakes in El Cerrito CA for brake work. I was called with an estimate of $650.00 worth of brake work, which I feel was a rip off. I came in and paid anyway and then was told afterward..it needed an additonal $475.00 worth of brake work and I couldn't leave with the vehicle because it wasn't driveable.

Then I was called and told the wrong part was ordered and the veh wouldn't be ready for a couple of days. I called in Saturday morning and told them what time I would be there, when I arrived there was a note on the door saying "gone to lunch, will be back at 1:30", my vehicle was parked outside but the owner had the key.

I came back at 1:30 and the note was replaced with another note saying sorry "we are out of business" if you have a vehicle to pick up call this cell phone #, I looked and my vehicle was gone. I called the cell phone number and the person called "Tyson" refused to come to the facility to release my car stating they filed "Chapter 11" and he didn't know when I could have my car back.

Long story short, I had to call the local police department who called the corporate office advising them that if they didn't open up the garage and give me my vehicle they would have to report it stolen. A manager magically appeared but would not release the car without the additonal $475.00 and guess what? The brakes still do not work!!..I have made a stop payment on the last check, however it's too late for the $650.00.

They stated I can bring my veh into another location to have them looked at but they can't guarantee there won't be additional charges. Where do you suggest I go for help?

Comment On This

go somewhere else for sure

explain your situation - mechanics do not like to learn that another has wronged you - its just plain wrong.