Bearsch's United Auto Center

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OPEN NOW - Closes at 6:00pm

To Whom It May Concern:



1. Yes the joint is clicking due to the fact that it is slinging grease. The clicking noise is the precursor to joint failure (if joint fails while driving, it could cause damage to the vehicle or an unsafe situation) due to a lack of grease. Maryland law says to reject vehicle if: “Any CV joint is torn or otherwise damaged so the lubrication (grease) cannot be contained.” We also never said that the repairs must be done by us. I also know for a fact that almost no shops carry a CV axle for a Land Rover. They are not that popular of a vehicle. It is interesting to note that Land Rover itself charges $312.20 (part #TBD500090) for the same axle, plus labor.

2. In regards to the L/R tire, the inside edge was worn almost smooth thus failing inspection, below 2/32. We did not try to sell a tire that wasn't needed. We suggested using the spare to save the customer money.

3. As to the removal of tint, we stand by our estimate. Maybe some other establishment can do if for cheaper; that is called the free-market economy we exist in. One again, we never said the repairs had to be done at United Auto Center.

4. Again we never said the repairs had to be done at United Auto.



The customer was free to have repairs done anywhere she chose and return for a re-inspection at no additional charge for 30 days or 1000 miles per Maryland law. If we were such crooks, why would we suggest using her spare instead of selling her a tire. Also, her claim of gender bias is totally unfounded as witnessed by our loyal customers—both male and female. If we were such crooks, why have we been in business for 27 years at this location and over 50 years of serving Harford County motorists while maintaing an A+ rating with the BBB.



We stand by our service and findings in the Maryland State Inspection, which can be confirmed by calling our Inspection Supervisor with the Maryland State Police. We would welcome this opportunity to have a fair trial. Ms. Ventura talks about our alleged gender bias while at the same time saying “a typical auto repair shop story of lies and scams.” It seems Ms. Ventura already had her mind made up the a “typical” auto repair shop would rip her off. Anything but the vehicle passing would be a “ripoff.”



Furthermore I can say that Charlie and the rest of the United Auto Center crew treated Ms. Ventura with more dignity and respect than her personal attacks against Charlie and United Auto Center and other “typical auto repair shops.”

I wish I saw the earlier review! I am also new to MD and only went to his butcher shop because they were on BBB! Dumb luck as these guys (aka especially Charlie) are lying, deceitful thieves - yes typical auto repair shop story of lies and scams. Unbeknownst to them, a week prior to my move and from taking my vehicle to them - I sent my 2006 vehicle for a full tune-up etc. from a highly reputable dealer prior to my move to MD - KNOWING FULL WELL MD BS red tape with new residence and their vehicles. I knew it is NOT GOOD NEWS when "Charlie" came up to me with a HAND WRITTEN estimate (FYI no reputable shop will give you a handwritten estimate) outline in chicken scratch all my issues and costs:

1. Left/Front CV Joint $195 (he said it has to be overnight from Houston, TX! BS because I made a call and found out it cost no more then $80 and any reputable shop will have it in stock) - So, this $195 "problem" won't kill me or anyone on the road - will just make a little clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel! I am so angry I can spit fire!

2. L/R Tire / swap out with spare $10.95 (NOTHING wrong is it because I just had an alignment done and tires are practically brand new!)

3. Remove Tint $144 (he must think that because I am a female therefore I have to be clueless and stupid! I have friends in the auto industry - sadly they are not in MD! Should cost no more then $50-$60! Yes, for the little strip on the windshield and driver/pass!)

4. Left/Front Park Light $28 (he must be crazy!)



I wouldn't let these people go near my vehicle if they are the last auto shop on earth! What ever happened to decency? I understand business but operating a business and taking advantage of hardworking people is just bad business and will catch up to you in the end. Don't underestimate anyone based on gender or otherwise.

UNITED AUTO CENTER, BEL AIR, MD 21015 - Go there at your own risk.

I went for state inspection. Before they did anything, I asked the guy to look van to see if I needed new tires. He looked at all wheels and said you’re Ok until next summer. I came back and he failed the van.

He failed it for the tires, the “Y flex Pipe”, and the “brake wheel Cyl” failed among other things.

I told Al that I will by 4 tires from The TireRack at a cost of ~ $307 (including shipping).

He said, no we can buy them cheaper from TireRack, install them for you and we can save you some money. On theTireRack website, he should be charging about $70 for Mounting, Balance, Valves, and Disposal. So that is about, $70 + Tax then add the tire cost $307 = $382.

I ended up paying $448. That means I bough a tire for $76, including shipping, and it cost me 141 out of his shop.

And he said, “…we can save you some money”. Thanks Al.



Now, the “Y flex Pipe” from the dealer is about $1100. At NAPA it is about $505. Guess how much he told me it will cost me for the part? $880 with out installation. I hate to see how he’ll do the fuzzy math here.

I decided to go somewhere else.