UPDATE -Stranded folks in Portland, OR -RIPPED OFF BY.......

[Manfred]

I just read Jason's blog. I would have lit that place on fire! What a scam artist.

You probably did the best thing you could do at the time. Better the money go into a new engine than in the scammer's pocket.

I would report him to the better business bureau.

Anything you guys can do in the Portland area?

[Gypsie]

yes, but according to the "State" I have been rehabilitated....


Better Business Bureau is a good start. Filing a report and posting at the 'business review' sites as well.

A clear post of the 'bad moves' woudl be helpful too. The 'ripped off' part can be tricky when it comes to the variables in 'service' and recommended practice. Writen and verbal statements can be turned on a person if someone claims that is has caused financial harm and the 'proof' is tenuous.

The fact that they could not produce the original case is very concerning.

This may just be another buyer beware story that I am thankful has been posted here. This should help in keeping our ears pricked up and to help others to keep theirs up.

I know I will not recommend the shop.

[jmiller]

Ok, I just looked, and here is his posting on Craigslist...

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/aos/1396731891.html
LETS FLlAG THIS GUY INTO NEVER NEVER LAND!!!!

[dtrumbo]

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/aos/1396731891.html

If he can't spell brakes, I doubt I would want him working on mine.

[hiwaycallin]

I really sympathize with these folks but based on what he himself wrote in his blog, WTF was he thinking ... !!!

After getting lot’s of recommendations for VW shops in the Portland area (thanks!), I called pretty much every one of them to see what they could do. Most folks could rebuild what I had, but weren’t sure when they could get started or when it would be ready. I did more research and ended up calling every other shop in the greater Portland area and found the same story – nobody has a rebuilt bus engine ready to go and pretty much none of them could start on mine right away – except one.

[Gypsie]

Desperate times desperate measures and what sounds like a guy (Mr. Bodeswell) that recognizes that in his haste he made himself vulnerable.

Does not excuse what appears to be out and out thievery.
Had Mr Mechanic been able to produce the original engine (with potentially valuable components) he may have had a good argument for billable shop hours. without it he puts himself into the 'scoundrel' category.

Still wasn't a "rebuild" but a 'replacement' that required modifications to be usable.

there was likely no contract or service agreement in place which makes it harder to pursue in the legal world, though the witnesses present would be helpful.
The 'dont f#@k with Gypsie' part of me would make this shop's life miserable for as long as possible until I was satisfied, if for no other reason than to make the point that one shouldn't f@#k with folk you don't know. The 'other shop' line would have sparked a 'why don't you give them a call so we can confirm that it is there and we can pick it up. The missing engine would have prompted a cop to be present for the robbery that just took place. photo's and police reports would soon follow.

I also understand that the family is on the first legs of an extended road trip and letting go is also an important factor to consider.

I think I'll drive by and give the shop the evil eye...

[Manfred]

Was there any kind of receipt given to Jason for the engine? Maybe one is not needed because it was a bus engine that was taken and not a bus engine that was given. If you have serial numbers to your engine, I would file a police report.

He refuses to give back your engine and did not perform the repairs you agreed upon. I don't think he is owed anything. Any time he put into the bus that was outside of their contract is on the mechanic.

[Gypsie]

I believe they did not take anything away with them. They actually were down one engine that could not be located. ????!!!!????

It may have been located, if I am recollecting the post I read this morning (short term memory anyone?....) but to get it back the shop was extorting $$$ for 'labor'...

I do think that at the very least a police report should be filed for the stolen engine/extortion attempt.

[amishman]

And they should go over on the Samba forum thread posted earlier and give this place very bad feedback. That link only showed one so far so it needs a 2nd bad one for sure. tj

[hambone]

It seems a little selfish to not take the matter further to protect others.

[bretski]

It seems a little selfish to not take the matter further to protect others.

Agreed. Shysters should not be allowed to get away with crap like this.

[justgimmecoffee]

Should we all put on our flannel shirts and go park on his lawn?

[bretski]

Should we all put on our flannel shirts and go park on his lawn?

Word. Bring this dude, too. His blue doggie looks tough.

[ruckman101]

Bullocks!

A business that racks up enough complaints with the BBB forces the owner to attend business classes. That way they are clear on what's legal, and illegal, acceptable, and unacceptable. Unfortunately, the consequence is a much better informed, harder to prosecute rip-off artist.

But you have to start somewhere.



neal

[chitwnvw]

It seems a little selfish to not take the matter further to protect others.

See Polanski thread...