My '94 Caprice "Kira"

[87gtVIC]

That blows. Just one more reason why I do as much work myself as possible. People just don't give a crap.

[Mainemantom]

Consider taking the bad garage owner to small claims court. If you win, you will get a judgement. You may never get any money. I would put a lien on anything valuable the garage owner had. They have to pay you off before they can sell whatever has a lien. Make life difficult.
Do you have a bureau of automotive repair in your State ? If so pursue that option as well. I would think it is not the first time the garage has done shady work. Who knows, you might get some money back.
Good luck and sorry about your experiences.

[DerekTheGreat]

^^^
This. Sorry about your experience. I guess I'm starting to realize why people are assholes to shop owners, seems the nicer and more understanding you are also means you're more likely to get taken advantage of & pimped for money.

[Arquemann]

Yeah that sucks alot. I have a couple experiences with shops that manage to get everything wrong aswell. Not to this extent but the worst being to the tune of around 1800€ for basically nothing. Obviously I won't be using their services again. One on my boycott list is the local Volvo dealership & service center, so it's not just not just small shops that bullshit you from your money.

My current situation is great, one of my friends is a senior mechanic at a cheap-ish local shop, and I know the owner of the place. Cheap prices and knowing I won't be bullshitted is great, I also appreciate the mechanic friend being dead honest with me every time, were it good or bad.

Shame your plans for Kira aren't due for quite some time, I just now happen to have a very similar car

[GM_Guy]

Just venturing into the dark side, that sucks big time. That first shop liscenced? Your fleet shop properly document what they found? A call to whoever the liscencing entity is to file a complaint about incompetance, and whoever does consumer protection about a rip-off shop (provided it was properly documented by your fleet shop).