I got my alternator replaced here when my regular mechanic down the road was slammed. After the service was performed, I was talking with my uncle (whom is a mechanic) and he insisted I was overcharged. He told me to call my usual mechanic and compare. So, I did.

I discovered George’s Shell charged me double. I usually go to Inglewood Auto Repair, which is about 1-mile from George’s Shell. Inglewood Auto’s cost to do the job was $376. George’s charged me $697.

Curious, I drove over to George’s (with original receipt) and explained the circumstances. George was clearly agitated (which was scary and uncomfortable) and validated the $320 difference stating he uses a different quoting system and that his system quoted 2.8 hours to do the job at a rate of $150/hour.

He said it doesn’t matter because even if it doesn’t take 2.8 hours to do the job, it’s to his benefit and he gets to keep the extra money even if it didn’t take 2.8 hours.

Regardless, my conversation with him is what I’m here about. He yelled at me in front of my 11-year-old son, mocking me in a childish tone. He became unhinged, shaking and belligerent.

There’s nothing I can do now except tell you guys to call Inglewood auto repair and/or shop around diligently for quotes because we are being hustled.

I have a Lexus SUV... and we have family friends that go there as well as neighbors. They have an outstanding reputation.