Car Repair Nightmare: AITA For Insisting On Fair Treatment?

A car can shake for a bunch of reasons, but OP’s nightmare started with a very specific one: braking from high speeds and feeling the whole vehicle fight back. Her dad said it was the rotors, and she actually believed him, mostly because the car she bought came with free diagnostics.

So she brought it to the dealer, got the “shave all four rotors and do an oil change” quote, and said the quiet part out loud: don’t touch the backs unless it’s absolutely necessary. Naturally, the guy cutting rotors did the exact opposite, first claiming it would not work, then calling again when he’d already messed with the back rotor, and suddenly the price jumped and the car was shaking so badly it was not drivable.

Now OP is stuck paying for a mess, arguing with the shop, and wondering if insisting on fair treatment made her the villain.

Original Post

My car was shaking when I braked from high speeds, my dad told me it was the rotors and I believed him but the deal I got the car from has free diagnostic so I took it there. So my dad was right, it was the rotors.

My friend had just done the brake pads like a month ago but not the rotors. So the dealer guy said it'll be 650 to get all four rotors shaved down and an oil change (synthetic oil so oil change is like 90 bucks itself).

I said ok. He calls me like an hour later and says his guy started cutting the front rotors and it wasn't gonna work so they needed to replace all 4 four 850.

I asked if they cut the backs ones yet and he said no. I specially said *do not* cut the backs ones "do as little as possible".

He calls me again and says his guy cut a back rotor and it wasn't gonna work so I needed to replace those too as it was too uneven now. I said I told you not to cut those and he was like "I was just tryna to help you out" I'm fuming at this point, go to pick up my car.

It's 750 for the two front rotors and the oil change (when they had quoted me 850 for all 4 and the oil change?!). I pay and leave.

My car is literally not drivable it's so shaky. I bring it back and tell him the car is dangerous at this point and it needs to be fixed.

We get into and he's like I'll do the back rotors for free labor but it's 200 for the rotors. I tell him I'll get a lawyer cause I'm not giving him literally another penny, I paid 750 for a car that's worse than before.

I ask for the manager and eventually they agree that it was their f**k up and they'll eat the back rotors. Pick the car up the next day and it's good.

I told my parents and they said they're proud of me but my one friend said I was a "karen" AITA?

Standing up for oneself, particularly in financial transactions, is crucial for maintaining personal integrity and mental well-being. When individuals feel they are being treated unfairly, they may experience heightened anxiety and stress, which can affect their overall mental health.

In situations like this, where a dealership attempts to overcharge, the psychological concept of fairness becomes pivotal. Addressing these feelings through assertive communication not only helps in resolving the immediate conflict but also reinforces one's self-worth.

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OP told the dealer “do as little as possible” on the back rotors, and then the shop still went ahead and cut one anyway.

When individuals grow up in environments where their needs were frequently overlooked, they may internalize a belief that standing up for themselves is futile. This aligns with the concept of learned helplessness, where past experiences shape one's perception of control in current situations.

Moreover, confronting unfair practices can be a transformative experience. Engaging in assertive behaviors can help individuals reclaim their agency, fostering resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity.

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Research from the University of Michigan emphasizes the importance of communication styles in conflict resolution. Assertiveness, as a communication style, is not only about expressing one’s needs but also involves maintaining respect for others. This balanced approach can lead to more positive outcomes when addressing grievances. These can include using 'I' statements to express feelings, maintaining eye contact to convey confidence, and actively listening to the other party’s perspective. By doing so, individuals can create a more constructive dialogue that is less likely to escalate into conflict.

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When they first quoted 850 for all four rotors plus the oil change, OP ended up paying 750 for only the two front rotors, and the car was somehow worse.

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

This also echoes the rent dispute where the roommate’s partner overstayed, and OP asked for more money.

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The moment OP brought the car back and said it was dangerous, the dealer guy tried to “help” by covering labor, but still wanted 200 for more parts.

Once OP asked for the manager and they admitted it was their mistake, the back rotors got eaten by the shop, not her wallet.

In the saga of the car repair debacle, standing firm against perceived unfair treatment emerges as a crucial theme. The Redditor's insistence on receiving fair service at the dealership reflects a growing awareness among individuals about their rights as consumers. This situation not only highlights the discomfort that often accompanies conflict but also underscores the potential for personal growth through assertiveness. While the initial experience may have been stressful, confronting the issue can lead to enhanced satisfaction in future interactions, both in the realm of automotive services and beyond.

Nobody wants to be called a “karen” when they’re the one stuck with a shaking, undriveable car.

Want another fairness fight, see what happened when a roommate ran a secret side business on your utilities.