Shell

Warning - rip off merchants - asking $775 for a $20 job!
My husband and I were referred to this shell by aaa. We were several blocks away, the car was making a screeching, metal horrible noise (All of the sudden), but we were able to nurse it to the station. Shell put the car on the lift and did a diagnostic. The estimate was $775! Their analysis - left frozen brake caliper which damaged our brake system (Newly replaced 3 1/2 months ago) - therefore we need to replace calipers, brakes pads, brakes disks and new cables with hydraulic system bleed.
We did not have the time or cash available to do the entire job that day and just wanted them to patch us together with the one new caliper ($380 total estimate), but they would not do the job unless we were going to do the full $775 job. We even pleaded them and said we could do the entire job with them next week, but just needed help to get on the road now. They were on the phone with the "owner" and said that he said no and they had no power. We paid the $65 diagnostic fee and screeched to alfa motors, our friend had just texted us the info.
We pulled into alfa. Ami put the car on the lift, called us to join him under the car and proceeded to pry a little stone out of the brake cover by the brake rotor. Five minutes and $20 (Plus a $20 tip for our thankfulness) and we were on the road with a perfect car.
We promptly drove back to the shell and plopped the stone on the counter. They promptly returned our $65 diagnostic fee. At least that … I cannot believe that shell did not see the rock during the diagnostic. Swindlers for sure!

We had a great experience at alfa motors (0.6miles away) they are great mechanics and friendly. 547 hicks street, brooklyn [protected] ask for ami. It turns out my friend has been taking his cars here for years - 5 star!