NEGATIVE FIVE STARS
NEGATIVE FIVE STARS: –★★★★★ ZERO STARS WOULD STILL BE TOO GENEROUS. I scheduled Instant Car Fix to complete a timing-belt-kit replacement on my 2008 Volvo C70 2.5T. The company placed an authorization hold of nearly $1,000 and confirmed the service. The appointment was originally scheduled for Wednesday. The day before, Instant Car Fix asked to move it to Thursday. I agreed. On Thursday, they asked to move it again to Saturday, stating in writing: «“We do have a special mech that can come out to do the job on Saturday.”» I specifically asked whether this mechanic had Volvo white-block timing and CVVT experience. Saturday was my granddaughter’s first birthday party. I rearranged my family plans so I could meet the mechanic, get him started, and then attend the party. Instant Car Fix confirmed: «“Mechanic is scheduled to arrive today between 11 AM - 04 PM.”» No mechanic arrived. I waited for hours, called, and left a message. At approximately 3:45 PM, the company finally called and said the mechanic had been in an accident. They asked to reschedule the job yet again for Sunday. Because the company already had a substantial authorization hold connected to the job and I still needed the work completed, I reluctantly agreed. Then, roughly two hours before Sunday’s appointment, Instant Car Fix informed me that it did not have a mechanic available who could perform the timing-belt job. The company later attempted to justify the cancellation by saying: «“The reason we cancelled the order is because the car is already torn apart and worked on.”» That information had been disclosed before the appointment was accepted. They knew the condition of the vehicle when they advertised the service, accepted the order, scheduled the repair, rescheduled it repeatedly, and claimed they had a Volvo-qualified mechanic. The company then sent me the following messages: «“Lol. You clearly messed up the car and not capable to do the job.”» «“But yes, please proceed with messing up with your vehicle.”» «“If you can handle the truth, we cannot help you with it.”» «“Lol. Dont waste your time in messaging us. Spend that time in fixing your vehicle.”» «“Your reviews dont mean much to us or anyone else.”» «“Create fake google profiles so that you can add more reviews since you have so much time on your hand.”» Those are not paraphrases. Those are statements the company sent directly to a customer after failing to provide the scheduled service. To summarize, Instant Car Fix: - Advertised timing-belt replacement. - Accepted the job knowing the vehicle’s condition. - Placed a nearly $1,000 authorization hold. - Rescheduled the appointment three times. - Claimed a Volvo-qualified mechanic would perform the work. - Confirmed an 11 AM–4 PM arrival window. - Failed to appear. - Failed to provide timely communication. - Ultimately admitted it could not provide the mechanic promised. - Then mocked and insulted the customer who complained. The hold was eventually released, but releasing money for work never performed does not erase the repeated scheduling failures, no-show, lost family time, misleading assurances, and abusive customer-service messages. I would not trust Instant Car Fix with my Volvo—or any vehicle. Consumers deserve honest scheduling, qualified technicians, truthful communication, and basic professional respect. BEWARE. — Ed Hoover