Frenchy’s Cycle Repair

Summary:
Charged me $160 for diagnosis with no warning I would be charged after refusing to do a tune up because I questioned their prices and didn’t want to do part of their service. I had come in to check a simple mileage issue and was suddenly being charged $770 for a starter I didn’t need and a simple tune up. Extorted me and held my vehicle ransom, were extremely childish and hostile.

Short version of my experience:

Got angry with me because I didn’t want to do part of their service (the starter) which is not what I came in for, and I know does not need to be changed. I said I still wanted the tune up (mainly because they were so childish I was afraid I would be charged for nothing, and thought I should get something out of the ordeal). They refused to do a $285 tune up and hung up on me. I called back, they told me I would be charged $160 for an hour or less of diagnosis (some of which I assisted with without being asked if I had time… I didn’t). Tried to resolve this, they were extremely unprofessional over the phone. This was just the beginning.

Returned to pick up the vehicle with my friend, and tried to get them to a reasonable diagnosis fee ($50 is standard, especially for an hour or less of work). They were angry, hostile, unreasonable… Frenchy and wife got extremely aggressive with my friend and I, and Frenchy took my vehicle ransom in a fit of rage. I considered calling the police, but I thought the cops probably wouldn’t care, and also that it wasn’t worth it, largely because I didn’t want to take up any more of my friend’s time. When I went to pay the ransom, I was told the credit card machine wasn’t working. Could be coincidence, sure, but I suspect it was so they wouldn’t have a record of my payment. So on top of all that, I had to walk to an ATM.

This was far and away the worst customer service and/or mechanic experience I’ve ever had. I’m reasonable and patient. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I’ve never done that before. I really will put up with a lot, and nearly everyone I’ve ever dealt with will work with me and reason with me. Not these people.

My car broke down and I brought it to a Tripe A approve shop. The tripe A shop said I need $2000 in work. I said NO! Something is not right. Found out about Frenchy’s and towed my car there and only needed battery!!! Being a girl getting ripped off with cars is bound to happen but not with Frenchy’s. They were so knowledgeable and did tell me yes you need some other thing but the quote I got from them was not even close to $2000. I will only go to them and would defiantly recommend them.

Found them on Google maps when my hose assembly broke. They fixed my car the same day. Honest and reliable, not looking to rip you off. Family run business. You have a repeat customer. Thank you!

The people were great and honest and had tons of experience. I was glad to be away from all those 20 year olds at large corporate auto shops who know nothing about being a mechanic. The men were experienced in their field to say the least. They charged a standard price as opposed to all the other mechanics in the area who charged an extra 50-150 bucks for a $150 repair. Whats more these other locations couldn’t even diagnose such an obvious problem with any accuracy, and wouldn’t listen to you when you spoke. Frenchy’s was a lucky find – the kind of place I always look for when searching for car shops but hardly ever truly find.

It’s been a while since I had my car worked on by them… Feb 2013, but I gave my word that I’d write a review. These people were excellent! Nice, knowledgeable, enlightening, considerate family owned business. They fixed the alternator and battery port on my ’98 Eldorado, were very reasonably priced, and advised me about other things without trying to up sell and rape my pockets. I’m from the West Coast, but will deal with them and only them whenever in the South Florida area.