"0"^^ . "Today I went to Firestone Auto because I had a slow leak on one if my tires and what looked like evidence of pinching on another. Right off the bat, I told the service advisor that I had previously received poor service at another auto shop. She told me not to worry, as they don't work on commission. The service tech looked over my car which took about 20 minutes. I was called back into the garage to look at it and was told I needed 4 new tires and all new shocks and struts... for $1,578. Apparently my shocks were in bad shape, which had caused all 4 of my tires to have cupping on them (a term I'd never heard before and didn't know what it looked like). I was told (about 6 more times) that they, \"don't work on commission but work on my safety\" so I would know they weren't just trying to sell me parts or maintenance. I was also informed, \"shocks last about 30-50K miles at the most\" and I should, \"go gambling since they've somehow lasted 91K already\" and apparently have outrageous luck.\n\nCards on the table, I am a female. I am also small in stature and get mistaken for being a lot younger than I am. I have a habit of assuming people are genuine without them having to prove to me otherwise. I am a smart girl, but don't know much about cars, so I therefore fit into that female stereotype. I called my dad for advice before they started any service. He recommended to get a second opinion and I left Firestone.\n\nI went home, researched how long shocks typically last on my type of car and driving habits. I then went on Yelp to read reviews of other auto shops in my area. I drove to the 2nd highest rated auto shop in Las Vegas for a second option. I walked in and told them about my slow leak and nothing else. The owner looked it over and told me I did indeed have a leak in the seal around my rim which he could repair for $30. I casually asked about my shocks, and he went to inspect them. 10 minutes later, he reported back that they were in great shape and that he took his time carefully looking them over. I then inquired about my other 3 tires. He looked those over and recommended the front two be replaced in another 3K miles or so, but just because they were getting a bit worn. I then pulled out my quote from Firestone. The mechanic and owner of the shop looked it over and laughed. The mechanic said it was, \"all fluff and lies.\" I urged him to go check the shocks and struts ONE more time to be totally sure that they were fine, which they were. He fixed my tire, filled the rest and changed a few brake light bulbs. My total was $77.\n\nThis is why auto repair shops have a terrible reputation.\nThis is why salespeople have a terrible reputation (which is sad, as I am one myself).\nThis is why many females HATE going to auto shops without a male present.\nThis is why I will never return to Firestone, and why I will forever caution people against their service."^^ . . "1"^^ . "3"^^ . "2015-02-08T00:00:00"^^ . . . "0"^^ .