DO NOT GO TO FIRESTONE IN ENGLEWOOD

[Squeeze]

So, I took my 1993 Pontiac Grand Am (3.3L) to the Firestone in Englewood, CO yesterday to have the AC unit looked at. The lady I spoke to (Debra) advised me my car is still set up to use the older R12 Freon and they do not have the adapter to hook up their diagnostics system to it to properly test the AC system. That being said, below is a work order estimate she gave me to convert my AC unit over to use the R134a Freon. Note, they also wanted to charge me $223.83 to replace the serpentine belt on my car. I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts store and purchased the premier serpentine belt for $33.00 and I can replace it myself in about 35 minutes. So this is an estimate they pulled out of their ass without even testing my AC system. So, under no circumstances should you EVER take your car to these idiots. For the record, I'm contacting the BBB and Firestone Corporate.

[ray1970]

A bit shady for sure. Part of the estimate is to replace the compressor. Which involves pulling the belt off and reinstalling it when done. Yet they are still trying to ding you for what looks like 1.0 hour labor to replace the belt and then they even add a charge to the belt replacement because the compressor (which they're replacing) "interferes" with replacing the belt.

[ray1970]

Also, noticed it looks like $88 to replace the compressor but they want $110 to do the belt?

[TheGrey]

F-you-stones are the same all over the states. We were royally worked over by one in Maryland...and we won't go to one even if they pay us.

That estimate is ridiculous!

[Squeeze]

Yep, Goodyear down the road quoted me between $150 - $350 to convert my AC unit depending on the amount of work needed. The mechanic told me to go and buy the R134a conversion valves and he will put them on for me which will save me $25. I reported this Firestone to the BBB. Also, a friend of mine who is a master mechanic in Texas said he is going to call them tomorrow and talk to their head service manager to see if he can explain all that BS. I wish I could be there for that conversation.

[Gman]

I learned about Firestones in my yoot. Run away!

You're probably better off finding a reputable GM dealership.

[Aloha_Shooter]

I've got to say the Firestone on Peterson AFB has treated me well the few times I've gone in there.

[MrPrena]

F-you-stones are the same all over the states. We were royally worked over by one in Maryland...and we won't go to one even if they pay us.

That estimate is ridiculous!

+1
Firestone places are huge ripoffs. 1999 was the last time I've ever done with them. I don't do tires from them either.
Mine was at Chambers and Mississippi.

[Hound]

Finding a good reputable mechanic is like finding a gold nugget. They do exist but are few and far between.

[HoneyBadger]

Wait... You have a '93 Grand Am with only 60k miles on it?



Thanks for for sharing the good info.