THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ with interest the article in your Sunday edition of October 20, 2002 by Denis St. Bernard entitled 'Vehicle maintenance poses major challenge.' Question is, is vehicle maintenance really high or are customers being ripped off?
Some of us know nothing about cars, but when we are sent to buy parts, we would hope the auto parts shop would be patient and honest.
My car has been leaking brake fluid. I have been unable to get the seals I need. After making several phone calls around Central Jamaica, one auto parts shop said they did not have the seals but had the complete kit.
On Friday October 25, 2002 I went to buy this Break Master Cylinder Kit from Rippo's Auto Spares in Mandeville. This kit cost $3600. On Saturday October 25, 2002 I went to my mechanic to install this new kit in my car. My mechanic said to me there is one piece missing from the kit. The most important piece to stop the leak. I had to travel 20 miles back to Mandeville to ask Ripp's Auto Spares what had happened. I was told that I had to pay $1,100 more to get the other piece I need. I need to know how could I buy a complete kit, did not get a part of it and had to pay differently for the other piece. I told him to take back the part I had. Another surprise. I was told that he does not take back parts!
An argument ensued and the gentleman who owns the store came from around the corner and offered to me the customer slap, while telling me endless expletives. I went to the police station, where upon a police officer followed me back to Ripp's Auto Store. The owner keep insisting that he does not sell all the parts in the kit together nor does he take back parts.
As naive as I am, this is a very big rip off. Why should I pay twice for the same kit? I will have to get a lawyer and go through the vigorous forever court trial to get justice, if at all. My regret is that at that same moment I did not become my own judge, juror and executioner.
I am, etc.,
RICHARD SALMON
Watson's Hill P.O.
St. Elizabeth
