4 years ago
I took my 2016 Lexus into the JM Lexus Collision c...
I took my 2016 Lexus into the JM Lexus Collision center on Monday, June 25. I was quoted just $1,500 to repair damage over the passenger front wheel well. The damage to my vehicle did not look that significant as it was the slightly larger size of my hand, my vehicle was drivable, all sensors working and headlights were in working condition and visibly undamaged. I was asked numerous times if I was going through my insurance and I explained each time I was paying out of pocket. I was told my car would be ready on Friday, June 29. With that said, I rented a car while I was there for $50.00 per day for the week.
On Tuesday, June 26 at 7:27Am, I received a text message stating the parts had been ordered and the vehicle is in the body work process.
On Thursday, June 28, at 7:29AM, I received another text message stating again the vehicle is in the body work process. Around 3:30PM, I received a call from the Collision department. I was informed, that not only will my vehicle NOT be ready to be picked up on Friday, June 29 but the new cost is over $4,600.00 plus the additional cost of the car rental!
I was reminded by the JM Collision representative that I signed a paper stating that I understood there may be unseen damage when they took the wheel well section off. While a reasonable person might expect $100 to $200 up or down, what reasonable person would walk away with a $1,500 quote expecting a total 3 times it s cost? What reasonable reputable company would even try to justify that as being okay, without a courtesy call PRIOR to beginning that work.
Again, I reflect back to my earlier statement, my car was in working order when I dropped it off. For me, I was on the fence for a $1,500 aesthetic repair. My 2013 ES 350 had extensive damage to the front end, sensors, grill, lights fenders etc the front end of my car replaced the cost of that was just a few hundred dollars more. That work was completed by the collision department at Lexus of Pembroke Pines.
The collision representative went on to tell me that my headlight bracket was broken and that alone was $1,800.00. This part well exceeded the original quote for the entire repair. When I told him, the new cost was too much and I would pick my vehicle up he informed me that this was not possible. My car is now in pieces and is not drivable because they are now unable to put it back together. I m also in my head trying to reconcile 1800 + 1500 = $4,600??
I called back to discuss with a manager. After hearing the situation, he told me he would look into it and get back to me. About an hour later, he called and explained there was miscommunication on their end. They thought I was using insurance. I stated multiple times that I would be paying out of pocket when I took my car in. And, WHY, would that matter? Was the cost inflated to force me to file a claim with my insurance?
I have been a loyal customer to JM Lexus for many years, 2 vehicles purchased and 4 under your service. When it came time to having the damage repaired, I didn t think twice about taking my car to JM nor did I consider seeking an additional quote from another Lexus dealership. I had complete trust in JM and their representatives. I depended on their expertise and knowledge to give me an honest, fair and upfront quote.
Never in all my years of dealing with services companies and getting quotes/estimates for work have I been subject to a total that was more than three times the price that I left prepared to pay. I ask you, has that ever happened to you? Would you feel like that was appropriate? Would you feel as though it was your responsibility given NO option to reconsider (earlier point, from quote to $4600 and being told there was nothing else that can be done, it can t be put back together, pay to pick it up)?
Honestly, the worst service experience I ve had in dealing with a service company. I at least expect Comcast to be bad, but even they haven t taken 3 times the promised length to deliver service or charged me 3 times the rate on a service I agreed to.