Ballantyne
This place USED TO BE GOOD, NO LONGER!!!! I have left 5 star reviews for them in the past, when they had a tech that owned the same NA Miata that I had, I had great service. Recently, I needed a new alternator. That was no problem. The problem started when I left them a car with absolutely no leaks from the radiator. NEVER A DROP ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. I always check my fluid levels. I received a call asking me if I knew my radiator was leaking? Of course not. But apparently NOW it was pouring out coolant all over the tech's head? Hmmmmmm. From no leak WHATSOEVER to a radiator that had a profuse leak? At this point, what could I say. I needed a new radiator? I'll never know. According to them I did, so I ok'd the replacement. $2,000.00 later, between the radiator and alternator, I get my car home and NOW, FOR THE FIRST TIME, I DO have a coolant leak, all over my garage floor!!!! I have to bring the car back now, AGAIN!! Oh, but it is not the radiator this time, it is the thermostat housing. So, I tell them it is ok obviously at this point to replace the thermostat and gasket. But now, OH NO!!! We cannot do that. We cannot unbolt the 2 bolts because apparently someone had, retapped the holes and put in oversized bolts and the tech cannot loosen them. He tried so hard but didn't want to break the bolts. Well I know that isn't true because, I REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT MYSELF 3 YEARS AGO AND THE BOLTS WERE ORIGINAL. They are large bolts and anyone who knew about the NA Miata would know they were original. He tried SO HARD but could not get them to open. So, I took the car home to try it myself. I had nothing to lose at this point but to do it myself again. When I got it home, not only did the bolts come loose, they were almost not tight enough. I called immediately and was told they would ask the tech and get back to me. They never did. There is no way they could have even attempted to open them, THAT is how easily they unscrewed. Now here is the reason why I have decided to write this extended review. I had to order a new thermostat and gasket so I obviously had to retighten the bolts until I received the parts. So, I ended up snapping off the head of one bolt myself!! My torque wrench was set properly so either the wrench setting wasn't accurate or the bolt was so old it could not take the specified torque. Whatever the reason, a job that they could have done, should have done, has now left me with a complete disaster on my hand. I should have never been put in the position of having to do it myself. I'll never know what actually went on with the car obviously, I only have the obvious suspicions, but I will NEVER return to Woodies, NEVER recommend them and will avoid now at all costs. I have gone from an almost flawless little classic, that has been well cared for and worth a nice buck, to a possible pile of junk that if I cannot fix myself, will require a hugely expensive repair. Thank you very much Woodies! PS I wish I had gone back to read the reviews! UNBELIEVABLE how many people have had the same problems. Always something else wrong, always $500 plus! I am sure I never needed a new radiator, at least when I dropped it off, and that I have thrown over $2000.00 down the drain, and I'm on a fixed income. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU WOODIES! PSS. STILL WAITING. I called the owner, as he requested last week in response to his answer to this review. I am still waiting to hear back. It will be interesting to see just how much customer service is their "Number One Concern?" I will update this to its conclusion.
Dear Steven, we're sorry to hear about your recent experience. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused. We'd like to address your concerns and see how we can make things right. Please contact us directly so we can further discuss the details of your visit. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
- Ballantyne