Margaret L. writes in an all too typical complaint of car mechanics taking the elderly for a ride.

We’re not talking one of those fun ones with ponies and streamers, either.

The basic gist is that she got widely varying inspection estimates from three different auto shops.

Anyone know a good, honest mechanic in Humble, Texas?

She writes:

“Took my car to “My Mechanic” 7432 1960 east, Humble Tx for an inspection, he failed it because he said the power steering pump was leaking, gave me an estimate $310.00 plus tax, took it for a second opinion to A&J Automotive also on 1960 east, they said there was no leak; So I took it to Kwik Kar lube and Tune, also on 1960 east, they did an inspection and the car passed with flying colors they said there was nothing wrong with the power steering pump; Went back to “My Mechanic” and confronted him, he accused the second opinion of wiping off the pump to make it look good, I told him he should refund my 39.50 he charged me, he refused.

My next call was to the Texas Dept of Public Safety, I am currently waiting for them to call me back. To date I have spent $79.00 to have my vehicle inspected; This is outrageous, I am a Senior citizen on a fixed income.

-Margaret Lloyd”

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