Falls Auto Tech

I completed my emissions test at Oil Express, and I failed the «catalytic Converter» test. they handed me the printout and said «get a new O2 sensor»; however, they didn’t specify which O2 sensor was needed, and I didn’t ask for further information about the sensor. They referred me to Fall Auto Tech. I dropped my car off at Fall Auto Tech at 9am on a weekday, Falls Auto Tech explained where the loaner car was parked, gave me the key to the loaner car, and asked for my signature on a piece of paper, which I thought an agreement for borrowing the loaner. Falls auto Tech called at 11:30am, saying that my rear 02 sensor needs replacement, costing $ 415. As my car is not worth that much, I brought their loaner back to pick up my car/​pay them for diagnostic, which I then realized cost $ 115. I asked them why they did not tell me the test was going to cost $ 115 before I left that morning, to which they replied: ‘the price was printed on the piece of paper we gave you.’ They explained that they had done in-​depth diagnostic testing to know that it wasn’t simply a case of the O2 sensor needing replacement, but that the heated circuit INTEGRATED WITHIN the O2 sensor which was broken. But regardless of the specific cause, a new rear O2 sensor will fix the problem.
Complaint #1: conveniently omitting verbal discussion of price
I am at fault for not reading the paper I signed, but Falls Auto Tech is also at fault for not verbally discussing the price and making sure I was ok with it. when they asked for my signature, it was right after they told me about the loaner car, and after they handed me the keys. They never said anything about the test costing $ 115. I thought the signature was me agreeing to driving the loaner! The way they conducted the conversation/​transaction in the morning was misleading and convenient negligence in my opinion.
Complaint #2: completing more work than necessary in order to charge the customer more
If I knew the diagnostic test was going to cost $ 115, I would have taken my car instead to my usual repair guys, whom I talked with at length after my experience at Falls Auto Tech. After my usual repair guys learned what diagnostics Falls Auto Tech completed, my repair guys told me that they would have charged $ 20.95 for diagnostics, which would have been SUFFICIENT, and told me that a simple engine light test for example, would let them know with reasonable certainty that the rear O2 sensor needs replacement. In a less common case, they might conduct further testing, for which they charge $ 95/​hour, but they probably wouldn’t have done that for my car, because it simply isn’t necessary for common cases.
I can say that Falls Auto Tech charges more than 5 times as much as another repair place, simply for going unnecessarily over the top with diagnostic testing. I’ve had to replace O2 sensors countless times, and I’ve never been charged close to $ 115 to diagnose the problem.
What I learned:
1. Read everything you sign, DUH! you can’t count on Falls Auto Tech to hold your hand in any way.
2. Follow your gut instincts. I heard the two guys working in the office speak harshly/​passive aggressively when I first walked in to drop off my car. Happy employees usually indicate good, honest business practices. the opposite? you can guess.
3. no matter how inconvenient as far as location or whatever other reason, stick to your usual repair place!

Took my Jeep there to have an electrical issue looked per recommendation by the oil change place in town. The owner was very pleasant but unfortunately niceness doesn’t get the job done. $ 760 and two visits and NO resolve of the issue. I am grateful that I was given a ‘free’ loaner vehicle (a 90’s turquoise mini van) as they had my car 3 days. I feel I was overcharged AND the fact that there was ABSOLUTELY no improvement adds insult to injury.

I just stopped buy the place to check them out because it nice to have options for automobile repair and because it’s a jungle out there.
I didn’t have any auto repair work done and my average review is biased on talking with Bruce and chuck to get a feel of the business.
The place is nice and clean for a repair shop that is not a fancy dealership. There is some hands on displays to better understand how components on your vehicle work. The customer area has lots of visuals on how vehicle systems work to educate people.
Overall I had a good feeling after visiting the shop and will file it in the back of my mind as an option for future options. It never hurts to just explore options even if you are not buying anything at the moment. If they treat you good while not spending a dime with them you probably will be treated good when doing business with them.

I came here for an emissions test after having recently moved to Wisconsin. The shop was busy but they got my car checked out right away and I waited less than 5 minutes.
I also mentioned that I was having trouble removing my old out of state license plate. (it was attached with non removable pieces) One of the mechanics helped me get it removed and attached my new one for free!