I usually only read about this stuff - never posted online but this time I am really upset. My troubles started back in June. I have a 2001 Mazda MPV - it has been working great - just needed the oil changes and regularly scheduled maintenance. So back in June while driving the check engine light came on and the car stalled on the road. It started up again after a few minutes and stalled once more. I called the Mazda dealer I go to and they said they were full up and I would have to leave my car there until they fix it. So I called around and located Strauss Store # 425 in South Ozone Park - they said bring it right over.

I have free towing on my policy so I got the Mazda towed there and after taking it off the tow truck and putting it in a work bay, the service guy tells me that his diagnostic person has left for the day. So I left the car there went back the next morning. Around 10 the next day they were able to look at it and told me first that it was only a fuse. then they said the plugs and wires were really bad and I need a full tune up or the check engine light would come back on again. So I said ok and paid $719.

I usually take public transportation to work and the car only gets used ocassionally and on the weekends. Exactly 2 months later, the check engine light came on again and this time the car began to overheat. So I drove there again and let them diagnose the car. I know I should have gone to the dealer but they always had appointments for the next week. I now know that if you tell them the car is unsafe to drive they will give you a better date.

Anyway I got to Strauss Store # 425. And again his diagnostic guy is not in - I said no problem and left the car - got my wife to drive me home. Went back early next day. This time I apparently needed a new Mass Air Flow sensor. So - ok I got the print out and left. Then I get a call from this guy Vijay saying that the car was still over heating and I might need a new catalytic converter (really expensive) I asked if that would fix the problem and he said no next they might have to change the water pump. SO I said forget it I am coming in to get my car and take it to the dealer. Here is where the miracles start to happen - when I got there the car is parked outside and the paperwork is ready for me to pay the bill. Vijay was not there so I asked what happened and they was told that it stopped overheating. Then I looked at the bill while paying and the total is $100 more. When I asked why I was told that the air flow sensor was the wrong one and they had to order the right one. Then I saw that they have a 3 month warranty on the diagnostic and they charged me for that as well. So after I actually had to get on the phone and talk to the manager and complain about not being notified - he 'did me a favor' by refunding the diagnosis fee.

A month later again the check engine light is on again. This time I waited and took it in to the dealer. So here it is those ripoff Strauss guys put in the wrong air flow sensor ($417) and that full tune up ($719) - the spark plug tips were black and the wires had to be replaced also (something about arcing)- as did the coils and the EGR valve. I am sure my terminology is wrong here but basically if they had replaced the EGR valve the first time and did some troubleshooting I would not have to do the full tuneup again. HA - Strauss also charged me for something called a Run-Rite fuel system cleaning - this is supposed to clean out the spark plugs - strange when U just put in new plugs. Anyway - Just paid $820 to get everything done the right way. Lesson learned.

So that is how I got ripped off. Here is another example of how they tried to rip me off - I had taken my 1996 Ford Bronco to them because a brake line was leaking and they called me up saying I needed new calipers. So I said forget it just replace the lines, bleed the system and fix the leak. I paid the invoice to get my Bronco and there on the bill is a charge for the front brake calipers. Once again I had to go back and ask for a refund. I wonder how many people get ripped off at this place. Seeing as how my job has cut my hours - I have half a mind to go park on the street outside with a big sign that says 'CAUTION - YOU WILL BE RIPPED OFF HERE'.