If I end up having to I guess I will. I plan on probably contacting the BBB (Better Business), but if I remember correctly their powers are limited to filing a complaint report. The thing that burns me is this is a guy from my a chruch some of my family goes to, and being a "Christian" I expect him to do the right thing. Yeah right.

I hope he does do right. He might be frustrated either knowing he might have cut a corner to keep the cost in line or maybe he thought the job was done right.

I expect you will learn more today.

If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive.
Most people are really bad at seeing the other side of the coin and it's human nature to get defensive when confronted or criticized, even if you know you did something wrong. We all do it. Maybe try a different tact with this guy. He probably knows he did something wrong and doesn't want to admit it, plus you are questioning his knowledge and skill with transmissions (which may not be that good, but to him, he's a great transmission guy and you're someone he doesn't know trying to say he sucks). Try saying something positive and appreciative to him (stick with me here guys, this sounds strange but you'll understand in the end). Something like you appreciate him trying to help you out and that he knows way more about these things then you do (something along these lines returns his feeling good about himself - also...it has to be genuine appreciation, not flattery. Flattery is empty and most people see through it. Think about something you can honestly appreciate and use that). Offer to pay for more parts if he'll supply the labor and that you understand a gamble was taken to save money, and that you again, appreciate him trying to help you out. 9 times out of 10, once you restore how they feel about themselves, they can then admit to making a mistake and will then "fix" the situation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Also, getting the guy to say the word "Yes" a few times before the offer or compromise helps with him being in a more positive mindset. Even if it's saying yes to completely unrelated questions (Do you open at 7am? "Yes", Is that a Ford? "Yes", Is the sky blue because of the way light refracts off of water vapor in the atmosphere? "Huh?" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> ).

Of course if the guy is a total jerk <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> and is self-absorbed, he'll be the 10th and this tact won't work. It's at least worth a try! Good luck. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Well he didn't call me back monday, so I called earlier today before work. Mike (the guy thats from the church and handles the money etc) wasn't in, so Billy (the guy in the front that gets the customers in etc) told me he would get him to call me back. Billy of course hadn't even heard that I had called. I came home from work and there were no calls. Looks like they aren't too anxious to get back intouch with me.

With something like this matter it is best to deal with the whole situation in person. At least thats my opinion....best bet would be to go in a ask to talk to him personally.

Lots of the good words here. Go in person. Try to make an appointment, or at least leave a message that you will be there about X time and want to talk to the decision maker, and call back if that time is not convenient. Keep smiling. Never get mad. Mad words are like throwing sand in the motor. They just jam up the works. Smile a LOT. If you have to buy the parts, it shouldn't be more than around $700. Offer to pay $4-500 if he pays the rest of the parts and the R&R and rebuild labor.

A good deal is one in which both parties are equally dissatisfied....

Your final alternative if the in-person nice bit doesn't work is small claims court, or perhaps your state has something like my state's Governor's Office of Consumer Protection or a similar auto repair watchdog. Mostly toothless, but often inspirational to a balky shop manager. Getting served with papers from small claims court is nice, too, and may motivate a return call.

Small claims is informal and common sense. If it goes all wrong or you screw up somehow, you can get a "de novo" hearing in a higher court. De novo means a clean do over, no harm, no foul...

I have been thinking about going up there in person. Its a 40 minute drive with no traffic, and getting a vehicle to drive up there with isn't easy. But I will probably do that monday. 2 calls ago he said his manager (Billy I guess) had been sick so he wasn't able to get anything sorted out. And now I called 10 min ago, and Billy says they haven't had power all day. So I doubt anything has been done. Only good news is I got my taxes done today and I am getting back more than I thought. So if I end up having to pay 500 or so I can do it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />