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Midas Complaint - Free Check Engine Light Diagnostic - False Advertising
False Advertising - Complaint
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA -- Midas has an ad that plays on the radio station I listen to every morning, stating they offer a free check engine light diagnostic test. The ad states "if your check engine light comes on, don't wait...take it to Midas for a free check engine light diagnostic..."
So one day my car's engine light comes on and of course I call up Midas to set up an appointment. I specifically say I am interested in making an appointment for the free engine light diagnostic test. The guy answering the phone puts me on hold and then another guy gets on the phone to set up the appointment date and time.
I get to Midas on our pre-arranged scheduled time and start filling out the paperwork. The guy behind the counter, states the diagnostic test costs $105. I told him "No, I wanted the free engine light diagnostic test that you advertise on the radio"
stated "We don't have such an advertisement. You must be mistaken with another company. Midas doesn't advertise anything like that"
I argue with him again that it WAS a Midas advertisement and that this was the reason I called Midas up first...because THEY were the ones that advertise on my radio station.
He then stated I was welcome to take my car and go find another place to have the engine diagnostic done, but that I wouldn't find anywhere else that would do it for free so I might as well just have it done there.
I decided to go ahead and have the diagnostic test done there, because I knew he was right. I would have to pay for the test anywhere else I went, and the fact that I had my ride waiting for me outside while I left my car, I felt pressured into agreeing to the $105 fee.
Once I was back home however, I looked up the Midas online customer service email and explained the situation. I asked that I be reimbursed for the $105 fee when the ad clearly stated it was free.
I waited a week and got no response. I emailed again, and still no response. It has been months since this ordeal happened. Funny thing is Midas is STILL advertising the same thing on the radio station. I hear it almost daily! I wish I had a way to record the advertisement and even attempted to get in touch with the radio station, but just couldn't find anyone who could help me out.
So one day my car's engine light comes on and of course I call up Midas to set up an appointment. I specifically say I am interested in making an appointment for the free engine light diagnostic test. The guy answering the phone puts me on hold and then another guy gets on the phone to set up the appointment date and time.
I get to Midas on our pre-arranged scheduled time and start filling out the paperwork. The guy behind the counter, states the diagnostic test costs $105. I told him "No, I wanted the free engine light diagnostic test that you advertise on the radio"
stated "We don't have such an advertisement. You must be mistaken with another company. Midas doesn't advertise anything like that"
I argue with him again that it WAS a Midas advertisement and that this was the reason I called Midas up first...because THEY were the ones that advertise on my radio station.
He then stated I was welcome to take my car and go find another place to have the engine diagnostic done, but that I wouldn't find anywhere else that would do it for free so I might as well just have it done there.
I decided to go ahead and have the diagnostic test done there, because I knew he was right. I would have to pay for the test anywhere else I went, and the fact that I had my ride waiting for me outside while I left my car, I felt pressured into agreeing to the $105 fee.
Once I was back home however, I looked up the Midas online customer service email and explained the situation. I asked that I be reimbursed for the $105 fee when the ad clearly stated it was free.
I waited a week and got no response. I emailed again, and still no response. It has been months since this ordeal happened. Funny thing is Midas is STILL advertising the same thing on the radio station. I hear it almost daily! I wish I had a way to record the advertisement and even attempted to get in touch with the radio station, but just couldn't find anyone who could help me out.
Comments:
Posted by shakenbake on 2008-09-30:
Most local auto parts stores will pull check engine light codes for free.
Posted by cherpep on 2008-09-30:
Does the advertising also state "at participating stores"? Perhaps that store is not participating in the promotion.
Posted by Trixta on 2008-09-30:
cherpep is right, not all stores have to participate. When they refused to honor the add, that should have been the cue to walk out. Parts stores like Advance and Autozone will check the codes for free. Those adds are a way for repair centers to bring in customers so the place can upsell service. At least you didn't make the mistake of taking up Cottman on their "free" check engine light service. They'd probably have tried to sell you a rebuilt transmission.
Posted by nbaycaligirl on 2008-09-30:
I dont recall the advertisement saying anything about participating Midas shops, but you are right Cherpep and Trixta...they may not have been a participating shop.
But then I am a bit miffed at the fact that when I had called to set up the appointment to take my car in, I specifically told them over the phone that I wanted the free engine light diagnostic test. It should have been THEN that they inform me they dont offer that. Not wait until I come in for the appointment itself.
But then I am a bit miffed at the fact that when I had called to set up the appointment to take my car in, I specifically told them over the phone that I wanted the free engine light diagnostic test. It should have been THEN that they inform me they dont offer that. Not wait until I come in for the appointment itself.
Posted by donadame on 2008-11-02:
I agree with that. They should've told you over the phone that they don't participate. Sometimes I wonder if they would treat a man who called differently?
As stated above, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc. will do the diagnostic check free.
As stated above, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc. will do the diagnostic check free.
Posted by Openmindguy on 2009-06-15:
I understand that if they advertise it, they should honor it. Once you were informed of a charge, if you werent happy with that, you should have left. Most auto stores will read codes, not diagnose, an engine light--there is a difference. Do you think that these stores aren't trying to sell you a part based on what the code says? But seriously, how do you expect anyone to work for free? Mechanics have big money into tools, computers, and training to be able to properly diagnose an engine light. How do they make a living diagnosing your light for free, with no obligation on your end? Open your own auto repair facility and see how profitable it is doing things for free.
Posted by bchtony on 2010-11-20:
It's actually the way Midas does the business. They usually get you in the shop with something like low oil change price, but in most cases you will spend much more than expected, they can easily tell you that something something is wrong with your car (but you will never know the truth). You may find that their labor cost is reasonable but remember their parts are much much more expensive than other places. I also doubt the skills of their technicians as per my personal experiences.
Posted by brian o on 2011-05-23:
contact aamco , the transmission specialists. oou will do better withthe word FREE.
Posted by SHAME ON MIDAS on 2012-01-22:
So you know even when they say it free. and you let them do the work. they add the diagnostic in to the price of the labor and you dont know. heads up all auto zones do the check for free and then still take it to a mom and pops repair shop remember you will pay a lot at midas any midas
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