Ok: so I take my wife’s car here because i already know my exact problem and I’m seeking a solution. I walk in and tell Luis the issue: “I do not know how to bypass the amplifier on my wife’s car. I need you to install this headunit. You will need to bypass the amplifier. How much?” Luis tells me “installation is $275.00 if we don't need to bypass the amplifier. It will cost more if we do. “ I said “ok. I am certain you will definitely need to bypass the amplifier. How much more will this cost? “ Luis would not give me an answer with ANY DEFINITION. He basically evaded the question. I then (regrettably) told him this was for my wife, and he replied “I guess you have no choice, then?” Insinuating that he knew he could squeeze me for more cash. At that point I should’ve stepped away. But I didn’t. (My mistake). So guess what? Luis called me an hour or two later, complaining that he had to bypass the amplifier. (maybe he wasn’t listening before when I told him the problem face to face and asked him how much it would cost; who knows?) so I AGAIN ask Luis directly (this time over the phone) : “that’s fine. We discussed this. how much extra are you charge me in order to bypass the amplifier?”
I swear to you, his response was: “How much is it worth to you?”(!!! I was shocked; was this a consensual transaction? Or a shakedown?)
I offered $300. He said no. Then offered $325. He said no. Then I said $350 and again he said no. By this point I’m losing my cool, and I told Luis that I’d rather pay him $200+ to reinstall the old headunit (a 15 min job) so at least I didn’t have to play these stupid games. He refused. At this point he’s basically holding my wife’s car as collateral until I pay some abstract fee amount. somehow, in between Luis muttering expletives under his breath and me offering more and more money , Luis begrudgingly agreed to accept $375, (a whole $100 more than I was originally quoted) . Then he remarked that he was “doing me a favor.” Excuse me?? Twice I asked him to name his price, ANY price. He couldn’t do it. If he had a price in mind, why wouldn’t he name it? Welp, Like Luis so astutely observed earlier: at this point I apparently had no choice. I had to pay the premium (ransom?) to get wifey’s car back with the new headunit installed. Regarding the quality of work completed: installation of the headunit was satisfactory; No complaints there (hence two stars instead of one). But rest assured: I learned many lessons this day. This business will NEVER get my money again, and I will be sure to advise all my loved ones against patronizing this business.