The Pep Boys

On June 5, 2023, I contacted the Pep Boys at 7030 S. Cicero in reference to an Equinox vehicle for a family member of mine. The vehicle needed to be toed into the location and receive an overall assessment as to repairs needed. I spoke with Javier on the phone and asked him about toeing service from a home to the location and if there was a charge. I explained that I had AAA+ and could use that service for free toeing if Pep Boys did not provide such a service. Javier provided me with a phone number for Pep Boys Towing and said 'contact them and we will take care of it.' Now, I am not sure about you, but, I specifically asked if there would be a charge for the toeing and he said 'we will take care of it.' The car gets picked up a few hours later and take to the Pep Boys location. The next day, I received a call From George, the Service Manager, who called to ask me about the car and potential issues. We start discussing the car and he tells me that there is a cost for the towing as well as the overall assessment of the vehicle. I immediately spoke up and told him that Javier told me something completely contrary and that there would be no cost for the assessment of the toeing. To compromise, I offered to pay for the assessment if Pep Boys covered the toeing. On June 8th, George tells me he is writing up an estimate and sending me pictures of work that needs to be come. No such thing ever happens. Instead he calls me with a price of $2700+ for work. The work involved a new batter, which had just been purchased thirty days prior that I have a receipt for. There was other work recommended but no estimate or pictures. I was very transparent about my budget for the work. George continues by telling me that there is even more work on top of the $2700. I pushed back on him. I authorized George to proceed with the work and he agreed to a 15% discount on all the services. He told me that the work would take 4-5 hours and that I would be called back that day. Days go by and I hear from no one. Finally, 6/12/23, I decided to march myself over to the location (1.5 hours from where I live). I was not at all happy. I met with Javier. Javier had no idea as to the status of my vehicle and George was on vacation. Javier proceeds to tell me that the cost of my work is $1200 more than what George quoted me. And, Javier shows me his computer where the brakes did not need to be replaced yet he then called George who on the phone said that they did. What game was going on here. And yet again, a new price was being shared with me for the work.