Feb. 19, 2019—A mechanic in Kansas is trying to keep customers positive about the automotive industry. According to News 9, Kerry Roberts, owner of Reliable Transmission and Auto Repair in Shawnee, Kan., is offering free and discounted car repair to those who were allegedly victimized by another mechanic.
News 9 reports that Keith Wheeler's shop, Patriot Auto, of Tecumseh, Kan., was raided by police after he was accused of taking money for repairs upfront and never repairing the vehicles.
Roberts told News 9 that Wheeler is a reason why the industry gets a bad name.
“It gives us all a black eye, gives us all a bad reputation,” Roberts said to News 9. “They have to trust you, and that's all we have in this business is trust."
“If you have a mistake, stand behind it. If you have a problem, stand behind it."
Customers who come in are often vulnerable, Roberts said to News 9.
“I'd say it's 98% priority in most people's life,” Roberts said to News 9. “A customer wants one thing, they want their car fixed right the first time and in a timely manner as possible."
Roberts told News 9 that he wants to help those who were victims of Wheeler by getting them parts at cost, or free work up to $200. In addition, any repair that's over $200 is discounted.
“I don’t want to sour the reputation just because someone does something they shouldn't, doesn’t mean all the rest of us have to suffer the consequences for it,” Roberts said to News 9.
