Business ProfileforRick's Japanese Car Care

Date: Dec 1, 2022 Amount: $368.78 Advertised price: $229 Dispute: False advertising and overcharge Action by Business: None Please see the detail in the attachments 1-4

On Dec 1, 2022 I went to Rick’s Japanese to perform my Honda Odyssey 90K mile service.  Risk’s Japanese had an advertised coupon for $229.00 which I took with me and showed to the agent at the car repair shop.  They collected the coupon, gave me an original estimate or $0 and I was told that they will check the car and if a service was not needed, they won’t charge me for it.  I was very pleased with understanding that the cost could be even less than advertised coupon of $229, but stated that my preference is to do everything for the 90K service as stated on the coupon.

When the service was finished, I was presented a bill about $450 (cannot recall exact amount).  I objected and referred back to the advertised price, where I was told it does not apply since they did not change the spark plug.  So I said, change the spark plugs.  I asked how much is spark plug and was told about $25/each (my car takes 6, hence $150).  After they made few phone calls, I was asked to wait for the manager who was on her way back to the shop.

After a further discussion with the manager, she adjusted the invoice and asked me to pay $368.78.  I still objected and referred back to the advertised price which states $229.00, additionally since they have not replaced the spark plugs, they should give me additional credit.  That is when I was told the coupon does not apply, it is for Honda civic (This is not true since there is nothing on the coupon stating or implying such claim), as it states “V6 is slightly higher”.  I agreed that the coupon states “V6 is slightly higher” and asked what is slightly? Is it 5%, 10%? That is when I was threaten and given an ultimatum, I believe the exact wording was, “Are you going to pay or are we going to have a problem?”.  Even though I paid in protest, I asked to speak with Rick (owner), when I was told he is in training and will call me back (which he never did).

I believe not only Rick Japanese have lied and provided poor customer service, they may have also violated California Business and Professions Code 17500 related to false advertising.  I understand their coupon states V6 is slightly higher but according to webster dictionary, slightly means “to a small degree; not considerably”.   Certainly, their original bill of 97% over coupon or even the revised bill of 61% over advertised price cannot be considered “not considerable!!”

After reviewing the bill, I noticed they changed a cabin filter which was not part of the coupon and cost $22.42, hence I am proposing the following:
Invoice should be $229 (advertised price) + $22.9 (10% higher) - $150 (credit for not changing the spark plugs, which was part of advertised price) + $22.42 (cabin filter which was not part of coupon)= $124.32.

Credit due to me $267.36:
$368.78 (Paid to shop) - 101.42 (as stated above) = $244.46