Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  09/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  CAUTION:WHEN DEALING WITH NORTH GEORGIA AUTOMOTIVE...This owner and office staff has to be the most unprofessional company I've ever done business with. They WILL lie, cheat, and steal as much from you as they possibly can. *****, the so called owner is a *****. He talks a great game but he will lie to you in your face while taking your money at the same time. He sounds as if He knows all there is to know about vehicles yet he knows very little.In October of 2022 I requested an engine rebuild for my **** **** F150. ***** made me feel as if He rebuilds the greatest engines in the world, yet he NEVER rebuilds. Because he tried to pass blame on a quick lube company (because they used a thicker oil) , it (appears ) he keeps your same engine then tell you it's blown (ruined), then spray paints the outside of your old engine make it look pretty and shinny then resales the same old engine back to you for $5,000.00 +. (the engine didn't lasted a year)He is a con-artist. As a 27 year retired Army Veteran I've never been so belittled and taken advantaged of in my life. ***** and North Georgia Automotive is bad for the community. There is nothing honest about this company, period. His documents appear to be fake, his work is fake, his customer service is the worse. THEY NEVER COMPLETE THE WORK ON TIME.. HORRIBLE!!STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN...THEY'RE A RIPOFF. Notice there are NO signs on the outside of his building...it appears that this is to hide the company name from those he rips off. FRAUD IS THEIR MIDDLE NAME!! BE VERY, VERY, CAREFUL WHEN USING THIS BUSINESS...

  Business response

  09/29/2023

  The customer mentioned false information in his complaint regarding our rebuilt engine process. It is important to mention that this customer never hired us to rebuild his motor and nor was he charged for a rebuilt engine job. The customer purchased a used, low-mileage **************************** miles) and received warranty paperwork for this job. The customer acknowledged, signed, and dated this warranty paperwork once the job was completed. To make the accusation that we keep your same engine and then tell you its blown (ruined), then spray paint the outside of your old engine to make it look pretty and shiny to resell it back to the customeris absurd. Any business that would perform such work wouldnt be in business very long, especially nearly 30 years. This accusation holds no merit.
  The customer contacted our shop stating that he had just received an oil change from another shop and noticed some engine noise (he assumed was lifter noise) coming from his F150. The customer mentioned that we had performed an engine replacement about a year ago on his truck (F150) and wanted us to check it out and provide him with a quote to get it fixed. We advised the customer to have the vehicle towed to us and not to drive it to prevent further damage to the engine (assuming it was lifter failure).
  Despite our efforts to discourage driving the vehicle, the customer arrived at our shop in the F150 and stated that he drove the vehicle from his home to our location (70+ miles one way) and the noise was much louder than before. The customer provided paperwork from the previous shop that recently performed the oil change.Our shop owner noticed immediately that the incorrect weight of oil was used and explained to the customer that it was imperative to use the weight of oil recommended for his truck, otherwise this could lead to major issues (oil starvation and premature engine failure due to lifter damage and other factors). The customer acknowledged that the previous shop used a thicker oil and asked for our help in resolving this situation.
  The vehicle was left in our possession for less than a day when we informed the customer that his ******************** was blown. This was a result of oil starvation, and we would be glad to perform the work on replacing his engine if he decided to proceed with the process. He became very angry that his engine had failed and demanded that we fix it under his warranty. The shop owner explained that the warranty had expired (6 month/unlimited mileage warranty) from when we initially installed it in 11/2022. We offered to replace it at a discount, however the customer declined.
  The next conversation that was had with the customer was him stating that he was coming to retrieve his truck. We advised that he arrange a tow of the vehicle because the likelihood of it breaking down on his way home was imminent. He arrived later that day with a tow and became very rude to the shop owner.
  The customer states several negative things about our company that couldnt be further from the truth. We are a family-owned small business that has been servicing our community for nearly 30 years. We have hundreds of customers that absolutely love our shop, our work, and our staff.

• Initial Complaint

  05/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am in attempt to recover a **** ***** Caprice from the location with the services requested. The business has been asked to perform restoration services to the vehicle. The vehicle has been at the location since August 2019. I contacted the shop on countless occasions and received the response the car will be ready on a specific date/day. That day/date arrives, but the car has not been returned to my possession with completed services. I paid the business a substantial amount of money. I have text messages and phone log documentation of the calls trying to resolve this issue. I are seeking help from the BBB.

  Business response

  05/11/2023

  We have been in contact with the customer and have given her updates regarding the vehicle. This vehicle is nearly finished. The biggest issue with the progress of this vehicle was during COVID. Our body shop was shut down for an extended period. We are back on track and this vehicle is almost done. We have communicated this to the customer along with an updated video, and everyone is on the same page.

  Customer response

  01/20/2024

  Dear Better Business Bureau, I am filing a formal complaint against North Georgia Automotive regarding the restoration and repair services for my 1985 Buick. I believe their actions represent a breach of contract, financial losses, and a failure to uphold the commitments made. Timeline: July 9, 2019: Vehicle towed to North Georgia Automotive (NGA) for full restoration (internal and external) and transmission repair. Quote received: $17,000 with a promised completion date of May 2020. Approximately 85% of the quoted amount paid by March 2020. October 12, 2023: Car remains in NGA's possession despite multiple commitments and assurances. November 2023: Promised return of the vehicle to facilitate restoration elsewhere, but NGA failed to honor this commitment. Contractual Breach: NGA committed to a full restoration (interior and exterior) and transmission repair. *****, the shop manager, was made aware of the project's sensitivity and committed to prioritizing it. Specific Requests: Assistance with Retaining Vehicle: Request support in ensuring the safe and prompt return of my vehicle from NGA's possession. Itemized Billing for Repairs: Request a detailed breakdown of charges for the restoration and repairs conducted by NGA. Refund of $8,000: Request an $8,000 refund for the failure to complete repairs as promised and the subsequent breach of contract. Documentation: Attached to this complaint, you will find relevant documentation, including communications, and photos demonstrating delays and misrepresented progress. Conclusion: The consistent delays, breach of trust, and financial losses suffered due to NGA's actions are deeply distressing. I believe that filing this complaint with the Better Business Bureau will help bring attention to my case and facilitate a fair and timely resolution. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and hope for a swift resolution that upholds the standards of fair business practices. Sincerely, **********************************************

  Business response

  01/26/2024

  The customer has already picked up the 1985 Caprice a few weeks ago. We were hired to do a restoration on this vehicle and provided an estimate. It was made clear from the beginning that we do not perform any interior or vinyl top work. We sent the interior and seats to *********** Upholstery. The customer has been to this location and has seen the interior. The seats are not original to the vehicle because the original seats were unusable due to the amount of damage previously done to them. All the glass that was original to the vehicle was smashed out and it was apparent that weather elements have significantly destroyed the entire interior.The customer was not billed for any interior work.

  
  We worked diligently on the customers vehicle. The customer was not happy with the timeline of repair, so we discounted the bill over $3,000.
  In addition to that, we provided the following parts and service at no charge: front windshield,fenders, back glass, all 4 doors, trunk, hood, header panels, package tray, all windows for the doors, rear-view mirror, side view mirror glass, a set of seats,steering column, wiring harness, fan shroud, clips, hoses, fuse box, new carburetor,new starter, fixed the brake system, new spark plugs, spark plug wires, new water pump, new engine oil and filter, new battery, new distributor, distributor cap & rotor, fuel pump and transported all interior to upholstery shop at no charge at all.

  
  After all this, the customer was still not satisfied so we decided to discount the bill and allow the customer to find another shop that could accommodate her needs.  

  Customer response

  01/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 20036790
  
  I am rejecting this response because: as the information provided is inaccurate. NGA committed to a full restoration in 6-8 months, backed by 4.5 years of communication. I was initially quoted $17k quote on 8/2/2019. NGA argued that they were more than capable of handling the project and would ensure that it received the necessary attention and I would receive a project that my deceased son and I would be proud of. Excited and looking forward to a prize winning output I consistently made payments to NGA in good faith that I would receive what was committed. By March 2020, NGA had received $15,250. In May 2020, I contacted NGA for the final balance, aligning with their estimated completion month, and was told the outstanding balance was $5797.74. Over the next four years, NGA cited COVID-related labor shortages and parts unavailability for project delays. Importantly, the upholstery company confirmed NGA never paid $1800 for seat repair, and I discovered NGA sent the seats to Banisters by happenstance. In November 2024, NGA started reneging on the agreement, claiming only external bodywork and engine work. Legal threats were made. On January 4, 2024, I sought police assistance to retain the vehicle. Despite ***************************** claim of completion, he texted a fraudulent invoice and failed to meet me, necessitating a call to AAA. The vehicle wouldn't start, and the exterior bodywork was incomplete. ***'s actions demonstrate dishonesty and corruption, betraying the sentimental value of this project with lies and false promises.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  Business response

  01/31/2024

  We continue to stand by our previous statements. The customer was provided over $6,000 ** FREE parts and nearly $3,000 ** FREE labor. Weve exhausted our efforts in satisfying the customer.  

  Customer response

  01/31/2024

   
  Complaint: 20036790
  
  I am rejecting this response because: North Georgia Automotive has constructed their arguments on inaccurate information in an attempt to conceal their questionable business practices and subpar performance. Mr. ************************* was fully aware of the sentimental value attached to the full restoration, given that the car belonged to my deceased son. I would never have agreed to what ****************** is now asserting.
  NGA contends that they generously provided approximately $6000 in free parts and services for the vehicle's repair; however, the vehicle is currently inoperable. The car refuses to start, rendering us unable to verify the engine repairs that NGA claims to have completed. Despite their assertion of installing a new starter and battery at no expense, upon retrieving the vehicle, NGAs mechanic revealed that it wouldn't start, citing the need for a new starter.
  Furthermore, NGA stated that they supplied car body parts (hood, doors, windows, etc.) to facilitate the repair, and this was part of the initial project discussion and quote. Given the car's involvement in a shooting incident, it was evident upon arrival that these parts would require replacement. In October 2019, ****************** informed me of the necessity for a donor car, increasing the quote by $4k. I agreed with the condition of preserving my son's car frame. Payments totaling $6k were made in October 2019,bringing the total to $9k by month-end.
  Additionally, NGA held the vehicle in their possession for an extended period of 4 1/2 years, claiming to deliver a satisfactory and complete vehicle. However, upon its return, the vehicle is in worse shape than it arrived, with the car's interior completely gutted. NGA asserts they agreed to engine work and painting the vehicle, yet it remains partially painted and inoperative. Upon picking up the vehicle on January 4th, when I raised this concern, ****************** claimed not to have charged me for fully painting the vehicle, contradicting his prior claims and invoices.
  NGA's unethical handling of the project and the funds paid is unacceptable, diverging significantly from the agreed-upon terms and posing a serious threat to the restoration of my son's car.
  Examples of poor business practices by North Georgia Automotive (NGA) include:
               Misrepresentation of Agreements: NGA is accused of misrepresenting agreements, suggesting that they agreed to provide certain services and parts at no cost, which the customer disputes.
               Incomplete Work: Despite claiming to have provided engine work and painting services, the customer alleges that the vehicle was returned in a worse state than it arrived, with incomplete painting and unresolved engine issues.
               Lack of Transparency: The customer asserts that NGA failed to inform them adequately about the need for a donor car, resulting in a sudden increase in the project cost.
               Extended Possession Period: NGA held the vehicle in their possession for an extended period of 4 1/2 years without delivering a satisfactory and complete vehicle,raising concerns about efficiency and timeliness.
               Inconsistent Billing: The discrepancy between what the customer was told verbally (not charged for painting) and what was reflected in claims and invoices points to inconsistent billing practices and potential lack of transparency.
               Failure to Deliver Promised Results: NGA's inability to deliver an operational vehicle,despite claiming to have provided substantial free parts and services, raises questions about their competency and ability to fulfill promises.
  These instances collectively indicate a lack of professionalism, transparency, and customer-focused practices by NGA,contributing to unsatisfactory business practices.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/29/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I spoke with **** the owner said he would install a 66k motor from a 2011 Camry and it could be done in 2 weeks. I said great lets do it and he asked for a deposit of $2k which I paid and he picked up the car. I paid for this on March 9th and he bought the car the 2007 Avalon the same day. While in his care I was informed he had a body shop and could replace glass, so I had him refinish my hood and replace the windshield. The total price was $6774. What he installed was a 2007 ************ with 158k and the paint job is terrible. The vin number on the motor he installed is attached in a photo. He called me and told me the car was ready for pickup but after paying the rest of the money he tells me to just drive it around here first because it was not running properly. I did and it wasnt so I left it for him to complete.4 weeks later, He could not get the motor running so he dropped it off at my house for me to finish. He said it was something I did with the wiring harness but he had broken the harness in 4 places. Repaired 3 of the broken wiring with plastic cheap crimp clamps but missed the fourth wire that controls the throttle body. This is criminal and fraudulent. I have tried many times to reach out to him and he is screening my calls I have gone to the shop and he hid from me having his wife speak to me. He is not going to do anything about it. I paid almost $6800 for a motor I could buy for less than $1k, installation is done terribly, and the paint job that has cracks and peels.Now I have reached out to him again, and he has completely come up with a story saying he gave me 2 options. One for a high-mileage engine and one for a low-mileage engine. This is a lie. We never discussed any other engine. Only a 66k mile from 2011. He says he has recordings of this conversation. I would love to hear these and that would settle it all but they never happened. From day one he told me it would be the engine he said was in his warehouse from a Camry a tree fell on.

  Business response

  05/02/2023

  The customer contacted our shop requesting a quote to rebuild his motor in his 2011 ****** Camry. He then explained that he had done an enormous number of additions and modifications to the vehicle, including but not limited to a supercharger, cooler for the throttle body, an *** program to control parameters, high-performance injectors and various aftermarket sensors that had been wired into his wiring harness. This is exactly what led to his engine failure. At this point, rebuilding his engine was no longer an option and our service manager explained to the customer in detail that this ******************** was not designed to run with a supercharger and tuning. The customer assumed that the internals of this Camry engine were the same as a TRD engine, which it is NOT. Adding high performance parts to this engine will result in engine failure.The service manager provided him with two quotes providing that he would NOT run a supercharger and other high-performance parts on the replacement engine. The first quote was for a low mileage engine for $5995 and our average mileage engine for $4995. The customer did not make his final decision at this point. He contacted our shop sometime later and spoke to the same service manager and asked to replace his motor. The service manager asked him which price quote he would like, and the customer responded with the option of $4995, which is the standard mileage engine (which had lesser mileage than his 2011 ****** Camry). We apologize for any misunderstanding; however, we absolutely provided him with two options for his vehicle.

  
  When we received the vehicle at our shop, not only was it not running, but the engine was also taken apart.
  Regarding the statement that the customers vehicle was not running, this is untrue. The vehicle was running after the installation but required the use of the customers laptop to adjust the parameters that were previously set on the *** by the customer. We do not perform this type of work and informed the customer of this, to which he assured us that he would take care of it.  We offered to work on the wiring harness,but the customer declined and told us he would handle this as well. As a courtesy, we towed the vehicle to the customers residence so that he could work on the wiring harness and finish programming the parameters for his vehicle.

  
  This customer claims that the job took 4 weeks after the installation to get it running normally, this is untrue. The vehicle was running but required the use of his laptop to reset the parameters of the *** and bring the wiring harness back to factory specs as all the aftermarket parts will NOT work with the factory engine. This is not the type of work we do.

  
  The customer has returned to our shop twice, driving his 2011 ****** Camry that we recently worked on to retrieve aftermarket parts that were left on this original motor. Both times, never mentioning any issues with his vehicle and has not brought the vehicle back to our shop with any concerns.Our service manager wasnt hiding from the customer. He was in route to our other shop at the time the customer arrived at our shop. Our service managers spouse does not work for the company, nor has she ever worked for the company. The customer was speaking to the office manager when he returned to our shop and mentioned no issues or concerns with the vehicle.

  
  Regarding the hood, the customer did all the body work and simply wanted us to paint it and the hood scoop that was mounted to his hood and secured with *****. This is not a proper body job, but the customer wanted it painted. This is why its cracking.

  
  We provided this customer an average mileage ******************** for his vehicle, as his paperwork states. All work was completed in a professional manner.
  
  

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