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CharacterBrief9121 t1_ix9w2g6 wrote

Was mechanic, you got these guys by the throat. They’re going to be more scared of you than you are of them. Have fun and bring a snack. That officers going to rip open some new exit holes.

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Yodasballcheese t1_ixa3vk3 wrote

Former license Pennsylvania state inspection mechanic here. And You got them by the balls. They will hamper your car if they’re on like it was their own. Bring everything that you have with you as far as evidence, they will get an earful probably fines and possibly suspension of their licenses. Also be aware now this opens them up to a full investigation of all their state inspection records.

I have seen this happen firsthand, I had a technician in the shop that I worked at that was a thief, and they got him good. So much so, He had to surrender his inspection license on site, was let go from the shop and never worked in the state again as a mechanic.

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HWTechGuy t1_ixamgte wrote

Many years ago, I worked at a shop doing oil changes and stuff. It was a part-time job during high school and college. There was a smaller shop up the road that didn't have an alignment rack, didn't have the stuff to do AC work, and some other things - so they would sublet that work to us.

They ended up getting shut down for some shady stuff like what the OP described and the shop I worked for ended up getting all of their business. I remember hearing that both mechanics lost their inspection licenses - one of them was the owner.

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mandyaffogato OP t1_ixaasiu wrote

Oh man. That kind of makes me feel better but honestly I’m worried about retaliation. Maybe I’m overreacting or overthinking this, but the idea of having to engage with a possibly disgruntled person is worrying me. I know the QAO already called the shop to notify them that we’re coming in tomorrow. I work in HR which is a very different field, I know, but anytime I’m going to give a person some bad news or have a difficult conversation, I usually give them very little if any notice (more so for their own mental health but also for my security). I’m overthinking this, I’m sure. I just don’t like the confrontation 😩

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CharacterBrief9121 t1_ixabjdd wrote

Unless you live in some podunk three house town I think you’ll be fine on the retaliatory front. If they did something wrong I know they will feel guilty as soon as they realize what’s going on. The mechanic will probably be the only one at fault. And going to the facility is only a formality at this point. That officer wouldn’t take cases lightly I doubt you would have made it this far otherwise. Those guys at the garage know they messed up already, if the use online inspection recording the officer already knows what’s up but a lot of shady garages won’t input a failed car into the inspection system online which is a problem in and of itself. You going there is probably just so the officer can try to make the mechanic show him what failed in person and possibly a refund.

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mandyaffogato OP t1_ixac33h wrote

Ok that’s fair. And I don’t live in a podunk three house town (😂) so fingers crossed it’ll be fine. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Thank you for your support and for sharing your own knowledge

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PM_Me_Your_WorkFiles t1_ixb5aiy wrote

Please also keep in mind that you’re saving innocent people thousands in the long run, guarantee you’re not the only person who they’re trying to scam. You’re doing a good deed and it’s a little scary but your neighborhood/town will be better off for it. I don’t mean to go on too long, but this is genuinely the kind of civil engagement that maintains communities and you should be proud.

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Dry-Coyote540 t1_ixcrpm4 wrote

Wish I lived near you to have your back. I am so sick of these stories in PA. Toyota garage in DuBois PA tried to keep my friend's RAV said there was something wrong with brakes and wouldn't let her take her vehicle. Her dad came in and told them to eff off there was nothing wrong with brakes and they were taking it and did. She never did have the problem with brakes they said she did.

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key2mydisaster t1_ixdi8ji wrote

>Unless you live in some podunk three house town

I totally read this as 3 horse town. Well pardner, there ain't room for your vehicle in these here parts. Lol.

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Yodasballcheese t1_ixag7cq wrote

You have nothing to worry about. They have to prove why the said you need these repairs. If they don’t fall within the PA State Inspection rule book, then it’s all on them. And since you have a passed sticker, they are in a world of poop. The QAO is going to make sure they are held accountable. Also, FYI, most QAO’s are former state police officers.

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No_Marionberry4370 t1_ixb1wtk wrote

My dad was quoted 13k in repairs to pass inspection and none of it was needed. He went back and shouted at the service manager, reported them, and told them he would "stop people on the street" and tell them how terrible this dealership is. And actually did .anage to work it into conversations with anyone he met for several years, and they didn't retaliate.

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