Well the check first of all is postdated to MAY 9th....look at the check first...I also wrote a check for my records, not to cheat someone out of work and parts. I'm not shady. I apologize that I did not anticipate that he would attempt to cash the check FIRST thing in the morning.
second I work FULL TIME....Unlike some people....which means I'm in the office everyday ALL day, PLUS SCHOOL, so please excuse the fact if I ask my Mom, yes my Mom, all of you should have one and know who she is, to run a errand or two for me here and there.
Secondly, SO quick to bring your rep back up and down play me, you forget you forgot to produce ON TIME FOR THE SECOND TIME???
Did you forget to MENTION TO YOUR FRIENDS THAT WERE HELPING YOU THAT I GAVE YOU A EXTRA $20.00- IN CASH TO BUY A CASE OF BEERS FOR EVERYONE??
To Steven's friends that were at the shop did Steven buy you guys some food or drinks? Ask him about it....
I dont see that written anywhere??
I WILL VOUCH THAT YES, Steven installed a S14 motor, YES it did have very good and EVEN compression across the board, YES his girlfriend was just finishing cleaning the engine bay, YES she did do a good JOB, YES I could tell that Steven was very tired, a bit agitated but still continued to give me what I asked for i.e. Compression test, A/C compressor,
YES he did honor his word and did exchange the parts that I initially bought from him, HUD speedo cluster, and S13 speed sensor. Both parts I originally purchased were bad, but he said he would exchange them and he did without further issues, (I still have not installed them to see if they work) but +1 for coming though on that.
BUT SOME MINOR THINGS that were not done/broken:
Check Engine light is NOT functional (I asked Steven to please give me a wiring diagram and I would figure it out myself, still have not received any emails or PM's)
Brand New clutch (approx 2,000 miles old) is completely shot....My guess would be that there is oil residue on the clutch plate( not confirmed)
Another $200+ PLUS Labor to repair
Engine was clean as hell, but the rest of the car looked like it got into a dust fight.
Temp Sensor did not work initially (Steven replaced it on the spot)
Slight Exhaust leak, I looked at it today, there appears to be another spot for a O2 which was ripped off and the remaining casing pinched off...
Also ate approx 100+-/- in rental car fees for the 6 days past the due date...(Steven offset SOME of that by knocking off from the engine install price) THAT IS WHY THE PRICE IS $800 and NOT MORE.
Overall evaluation......
If this were done COMPLETELY RIGHT the first time AND delivered ON TIME....**SMOKING DEAL*** NO ARGUMENT!! even at full originally agreed upon price.(Steven if you want to post price that is up to you)
fact is it was 6 days late from the PROMISED date. a phone called was not achieved until I posted on here Tuesday May 6th 2008
As you can see from my user status for all you people that say it was my own fault for not looking on here before, I do not come onto forums often, if I had known of this review forum and information BELIEVE me it would of saved me a LOT of headache.
I received NO phone call NO response for over 6 days, it was until I turned to a public forum hoping someone could give me some options that might help.
Bottom Line
THE CAR is running!
I really think Steven could do well as a shop, its really only his communication that is killing him. He definitely has the right ideas, (updated motor from S13 DOHC to S14 DOHC) , he is willing to stay late and get it done.
If he steps up on picking up the phone, returning calls, and giving updates, (yes even if it is bolt by bolt, if thats what the customer wants) then I would vouch for him 100%
Parts wise despite all this BS I would still vouch for him, good prices on parts, and he is willing to make sure they work, despite having to drive back to and from OC....but nonetheless no questions asked exchange, hard to find these days.
1-10, 10 being best
Price 7 (would be 10 if on time, no doubt)
Quality of parts 8.5
Quality of work 5 (little details missed)
Follow up 2
Time/Urgency .05
Attempt to make things up with upgrades 6.5
Exchange of parts without complaints 10
Steve your a good guy, I can tell, angry from miscommunication but overall tried his best to make things right
