I own a 1999 Sebring convertible that had FOR SALE signs in the windows . The top had a broken hinge on both sides. I parked my car at the sales area of the dealership. A saleswoman greeted me. I mentioned my top and 2 hinges were broken and I wanted to know the cost of having the hinges repaired. The saleswoman told me to just leave the car here and go to the service area and they can look it up for you. I explained this to a lady when I entered the service department. I was told that the service people were out to lunch and would return at 1:00 pm. I chose to wait for the 30 minutes.

Around 1:00 a young woman showed up and wanted to know what I wanted and I also told her. She asked for my keys and I thought that strange. She then started inputting some information in her computer. I stated that she was going to a great deal of trouble just to get a price. She replied that she “needed the information in the system so the next time I returned all she had to do was change the mileage." I again told her all I wanted was a price on 2 hinges. She ate her yogurt and ignored further conversation

There were no other customers there. I stood and waited and could see everything. At 1:15 pm my car was brought into the service department by Harry. I was watching as he started to look for what hinge I needed. I told the woman that I could show him exactly where it was. She stated that I was not allowed back in the service area. After a moment I was waved back to show Harry where the hinges on both sides were broken. He agreed they were both as I stated. I then went back to the service desk area and waited as he then showed 3 other employees my hinges. It was then 1:25 PM by the time everyone looked at my problem that I was already aware of and only wanted a price.

I went to Driver Motors to ask how much it would cost to get the broken hinges fixed on my Sebring convertable. I was told that it would cost $4746. plus tax. I was then told that I had to pay $85-$95 ( can't remember exactly as I was in SHOCK) for the estimate. My car was in their less than 10 minutes. Perhaps I should have known when someone asked for my keys and started entering in her computer.

I asked to speak to someone else and she lowered the cost to $45.12. I was still very angry and felt it was unfair. However, she took my keys and I wouldn't get them back unless I paid. It wasn't till I returned home that I looked at the invoice. I was charged 40.80 for labor. $4.08 for materials and .24 for sales tax.

NO MATERIALS were used and there is no tax on labor. Later I noticed the 2nd page titled 'VECHILE CHECKUP'. Someone wrote 'May need a tune up' on the bottom of the page. All my fluids, Lamps, Air Filter, Drive belt/Hoses, Coolant, Motor Oil and Battery, Tire Tread and Wipers were marked as CHECKED and OK. THE HOOD WAS NEVER RAISED!!!

I left numerous phone messages with the General Manager, Daniel Gardner and e-mails with no return. I posted a complaint on EDMONDS.COM also. THEN on March 31, 2009 he sent me a letter. It stated 'I am deeply sorry for the experience you had in our service department.' He offered me a FREE oil change or Detailed Clean Up as they 'SURVIVE on LOCAL BUSINESS like yours'.

I wanted my $45.12 nothing else. I certainly don't want them doing anything under my hood since they use ESP to check everything. I returned today to speak with the General Manager in person. He stated 'I'm not giving you back your $ we charge for DIAGNOSTICS and every car that enters our service department. Take me to court. I intend on doing exactly that and spreading the word.