Today I took the Mini (Van) to get its annual Texas Inspection done. The inspection sticker on the car expired in February so I was a few months late.
Everywhere I went the line was too long so I ended up going to a new place. They were able to get the car in right away and after about 15 minutes told me it had "failed" the inspection because of a leaky gas cap and that they could replace it for $18. I immediately thought "scam" in my head but I was in a hurry so I said ok. About 5 minutes later they said I was all done. I hopped behind the wheel and went a block to fill up the tank.
Problem. The gas cap wasn't locking and it didn't even look like a good quality cap. I went back to the place and told them it didn't fit and one of their techs came out and confirmed that. He got a new one and replaced it. Then the manager came out and I told him how disappointed I was in their service and that I questioned whether or not I was getting scammed. He was immediately defensive (go figure) and started getting all blustery about giving me back my original cap and telling me to call the state. I countered with "let's just go test it again." He agreed and we went into the shop where he clearly didn't know how to use the machine. I watched as he continuously hit the "calibrate" button instead of the "test" button. But what was funny is the machine kept failing the calibration. Then he called over another guy who couldn't get it to calibrate right. He continually told me that it had been calibrated that morning.
Anyways long story short they tested the new cap and it passed. Then I asked them to test the old cap and it also passed.
I told them to refund my $18 and put the old cap back on the car. They agreed.
Lars Win. Scammers Fail.
My advice. Only go to reputable shops and question all repairs they recommend. And, never feel pressured to get anything done without doing research on your own. It is also helpful to be 6'2" and 250lbs. If you are not that big find someone who is and take them with you.
