I took my 1999 Toyota Sienna in for new front tires and a front end alignment. They had the best "out-the-door" price for the tires and I had a 20% off coupon for the alignment. After getting the call I went to pick up the car only to learn that 1. they did not do the alignment because, according to the mechanic, it need it the front wheel bearings replaced at a cost of $600.00 for the 2 front wheel bearings and 2. It also needed the rear shocks replaced – at a cost of $400.00. I drove 1/4 of a mile down Joppa Rd. to NTB and dropped the vehicle off for the alignment, they called 2 hours later and the job was completed as needed. When I asked the mechanic if there was anything wrong with the wheel bearings he said "no, the alignment was off by only +/- 5% on the right wheel and no adjustments were needed on the left side at all”. I also purchased the rear shocks at Advance Auto and replaced them in one hour (myself) for a total cost of $32.00 for Heavy Duty shocks.
It’s evident to me that the folks at Mr. Tire on Joppa Rd. were trying to drum up expensive repairs to my vehicle that were highly overpriced and, in the case of the wheel bearings, not even needed. Not an uncommon practice with dealerships and unscrupulous shops. However, the Mr. Tire folks took it a step further by refusing to do the work pending their misdiagnosed and overpriced repair. Maybe the 20% coupon was a deterrent to them.
I do not recommend Mr. Tire for any work on your vehicle as the lower tire price serves as bait to get you in the shop so they can have the opportunity to create new (unneeded?), repairs for your car or truck.