So after 2 years and over $20k spent at Batlground Atlanta, I finally picked up my 700hp (formerly) Evo on a tow truck today. In those 2-years, multiple motors failed within break-in, one transmission failed within 30-miles of picking up the car because there was no oil in it (Yes). Entire pulley system including timing belt had to be replaced during break-in because an improperly torqued bolt backed out and almost caused catastrophic failure.

I decided after the last engine failure which occurred at their shop that I'm not gonna let them fix the car for a 4th time. So I got a tow truck and went to pick up the car today. After all that I'd been through with these guys, they refused to release my car. When the engine blew up on their dyno I was like what the hell happened this time???? They promised they'd figure it out... apparently they wanted me to pay them for "figuring it out" even though they never were able to explain the failure.

So they wanted more $$$ from me on top of the tens of thousands I'd paid and my car leaving with no motor in it. I even called the cops who said there was nothing they could do since the law says despite everything, if they touch the car at all, I have to pay whether they fix it or not. So I paid them $769 CASH and finally got my car outta there.

I'm thinking through what I'll do next, I'm still rather stunned by the whole thing and I'm sharing this experience for anyone who cares. I've been hearing today that my case is not unique and I wish I knew this before. Ultimately, the only way to stop this type of thing is to expose it and hopefully save someone from a similar fate. I bought my Evo brand new and have loved it since day one and this whole thing has been depressing.

BEFORE:


AFTER:









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What you folks think I should do now?

 

get a lawyer, do a small claims.

there insurance will cover it.

 

The amount exceeds small claims threshold. But its an option for sure...

 

... if they have insurance.

Man that's a bummer. I feel for you. Try and get as much info about their previous builds as you can. If you can prove they aren't professionals, I'm sure it'd help your case.

There are very few tuners in this country I trust with evo engines, let alone 700whp evo engines. Hope it all works out for you.

 

Damn I'm really sorry to hear, no one should have to go through stuff like this but unfortunately it happens all the time. Your doing the right thing exposing them.

 

Yeah, its insane. Gotta go by there tomorrow cause after doing inventory at the new shop, I'm missing parts. Will be calling attorney tomorrow as well.

 

I left out dirty details that'll leave you basically speechless... the fact that workmanship and professionalism has reached such a low-point is part of the reason that this industry is in decline. You'd think that these folks would take care of customers that pay especially in this damn economy but they really just in it for the quick buck and when something goes wrong they start pointing at the other guy.

These dudes blamed AMS for the first motor, then blamed Buschur for the second and 3rd and blamed Shep Trans for the tranny failure. And at no point did they admit even the slightest error on their part. Shameful!

 

I don't know, even the way they spell their shop name seems legit. Good luck sir, for 20k+ wasted...that building would have had an Italian touch to it.

 

Wow, that sucks! If it was my Evo and money spent, I would be very tempted to BURN that place down! Good luck to you and hopefully you will get her up and running again.

 

Which shop is that? Seriously, just by looking at the pictures, I wouldn't take my car to a place like that.

 

Holy crap man, good luck. You seem to be a level headed individual and sounds like you'll be able to build a strong case against them. I just hope they don't put you through too much red tape and all that crap before this gets settled.

Way to write a thread too. Not very many "This shop blew up my car" threads come out legible and without emotion. +1000 for saving the messy details for later and just giving us the lowdown.

 

Sorry to hear about your loss, I thought everyone with an Evo in Atlanta knew to stay away from that shop. They are known haxs. They've torn up so many cars it's amazing they are still in business. I have heard recently that the owner is trying to sell the shop and get out the business. I'm not sure if its true but I would take action quickly.

 

Did you have any form of signed paperwork approving them to work on the car originally? And after the incidents mentioned? If you didn't sign anything approving them to work on the car(which this last time I doubt they did) for an additional fee after each incident, you should contact a lawyer as I believe the law is on your side. B/c if the law is as the police told you, I'd be rolling in dough from people whose vehicles I have worked on at the dealership and didn't want to pay the repair charge.

 

Sorry to hear. But there are shops out there that will treat you and your car right.

P.S. What front bumper is that on your car? I like it.

 

Thats such a sad story to have such a beautiful evo treated like that. hope u take her to a new place which can treat her like the way she deserves! =/