Far Northeast Heights
Predatory upsell at Signal Ave location: Refused single spark plug fix on my stranded 19-year-old daughter's car Review (1-star): This is a serious warning for parents, students, and anyone driving in/around Albuquerque especially near UNM or the northeast heights area. My 19-year-old daughter was on her way from Farmington to the University of New Mexico when her check-engine light began flashing early one morning. She pulled over safely about 30 miles from campus alone, scared, and hours from home. I called Brown's Automotive Experts and spoke with a man named Chris (at the 6401 Signal Ave NE / Far Northeast Heights location). Chris mentioned he has four daughters of his own and assured me he would take care of her. That reassurance meant a lot in the moment. He called back with the diagnosis: one cracked spark plug causing the misfire. He then immediately recommended replacing all spark plugs plus a fuel-injection service totaling $1,800. I asked for the price to replace just the spark plugs; he quoted $1,300. I explained we couldn't afford that and requested they replace only the one cracked plug so she could safely reach school and we could plan the rest later. Chris refused. The shop would not do a single spark-plug replacement. It was pay $1,300 for the full set or just the diagnostic fee and they'd send her back on the road with the flashing light and misfire still active. They were ready to release a teenage driver with a known engine issue rather than perform the minimal, diagnosed repair. This felt like blatant upselling that took advantage of her vulnerability and my concern as a parent 150+ miles away. I've never posted a review this strongly, but I won't stay silent when a business exploits a young woman's roadside emergency to push unnecessary $1,300$1,800 services. If you have college kids, teenage drivers, or travel through Albuquerque's northeast side, avoid Brown's Automotive Experts Far Northeast Heights (6401 Signal Ave NE). Choose a shop that does honest, needed repairs without holding safety hostage. Brown's Automotive Experts Far Northeast Heights 6401 Signal Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 Phone: (505) 857-0868 You've lost any future business from our family and I hope others see this before they're in a similar spot
Mr. Brown. We are sorry to hear about the experience you had, our COO Terry had reached out earlier. Please contact him so you discuss the concerns at [email protected]
- Far Northeast Heights