Fat City German Car

I have a 1992 BMW 325is--my second car. It was running a little rough, so I brought it in to Fat City (you'll see why they are fat below). A kind and attractive blond girl took my car promised an estimate and called me to come in after a few days. Well, the estimates varied, but to get my car up to "working order." There were several estimates, all adding up to $10,000. Yes, that's correct. The car is only worth about $3,500. So I decided on an estimate to get my car going ($2,500). The car was running rough, so I needed something in a hurry. I found out it needed (I don't recall the name) but spark plug capacitors (?) over each spark plug wire. All you do to install is unplug the spark plug wire and replace the caps.

Anyway, I declined their generous offer of "getting to know your car" for $250. Where a mechanic will I guess do what a mechanic is supposed to do for $250 on top of your repair. I also declined a steam clean for $300. After I left my car there, I called BMW. Here's the funny part. They said, didn't you just call from Fat City? And I said nothing. They said, yeah the parts are still $80 each. Well, Fat City quoted me $240 each. THAT'S WITHOUT LABOR! Remember, they are easy to install. So its a 6 cylinder so my parts cost is now $1,440 (dealer price is $480).

I called Fat City Ripoff back, told them to freeze all work and they said we will have to bill you for the work we have into it. They billed me $750 to get my car out (with no work done). Amazing since the parts just snap over the plugs. Since I had Texas plates, makes me think they were going for the ripoff. And they did. What a ripoff joint. Just do one thing, compare their part prices to the dealership--make sure you are sitting down. AVOID AVOID AVOID

Posted 11/12/09 | Report Abuse

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I have done business with these guys for 2 years and I'll still go to them for many more. I love they're business. They have great service and are fast. They fixed up my 92' Porsche and it runs great.

Posted 10/20/09 | Report Abuse

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