LaMettry’s Collision, Inc

If Unilocal would let me I would rate LaMettry’s zero stars. DO NOT GO HERE. I had been to LaMettry’s two times before without incident, but with the terrible experience I had recently I will never go again. It took me over a month to get a refund for service I decided to cancel. The staff and «billing department» continually gave me the run around and would not return my calls. Very shady way to conduct business.

LaMettry’s had the lowest quote for a new windshield and installation for my car. I called and set an appointment and a really nice technician (I can’t remember his name) came out to my work in Bloomington. He called me when he arrived and I came out to meet him when he was finished. I had already prepaid with my card over the phone, but I wanted to see the install as soon as it was complete. He told me that I had no rust under my windshield, so I got a warranty from LaMettry’s for his work and the glass, which was a nice bonus. He also told me that he had an issue with my window trim and that it might pop out of place — the trim, not the glass. But, as he also said, I was able to call them back a few days later when this did happen, and he came to my house the next day and fixed the trim free of any additional charges. On the phone, in person, and in their billing/​quoting, LaMettry’s people were nice and honest. I’d recommend them to anyone who’d ask and I’d go to them again if I ever needed a new windshield.

I brought my 2 month old 2015 Audi to LaMettry’s Maplewood after a heartbreaking and expensive encounter with a narrow parking ramp. Eli walked the car with me and explained everything that needed to be done to put the car right again. The car was so new I decided to bite the bullet and go for the certified repair. The repair looked good until I drove the car into full sunlight and saw some swirling in the paint. Prepping for a battle I drove back to LaMettry’s to show them. Instead of a battle they quickly apologized. Just as quickly they scheduled a time to bring the car back. In a few days the car was perfect in every way. Communication was great. No arguments or excuses. What I experienced was a company that is proud of their work and reputation. After this experience I’ll never go anywhere else. Though since they specialize in collision I hope to never see them again.

My car was rear ended on Jan 2, 14. MN has had such intense weather this year with lots of accidents in the metro. The soonest they could get my car in was Feb 6^th. That’s totally understandable because of the amount of accidents… they were very busy. I have a Mercedes E350 which needed special parts so during the month I waited for my appointment, they had already reserved the special parts necessary. I went to pick it up 7 days later and noticed there was a scratch on the trunk that wasn’t there before. I told the Manager, and she seemed hesitant at first but I explained that I had photo’s on my phone of that area from the day I brought it in for repair and there was no scratch. They agreed to fix it and said it would take 2 more days. Well, they called the next day and it was ready! I picked it up and it is beautiful. They did a nice job and were fair and friendly to deal with. I would go back there again (but I sincerely hope its not due to another crash… stupid snow and ice… hahahhahah)

I have had work done on my car twice at LaMettry’s in Maplewood. Their quotes have always been accurate, they had my car done and back to me early, and it always comes back cleaner than when I brought it in. It’s hard to find an honest vehicle repair shop, but this is the place. They’ve made a life long customer out of me!

A friend of ours accidentally backed into our car, causing some minor damage to the door. We worked with Lamettry’s in Richfield originally to get an estimate. Then, we moved to the east side of the Twin Cities, so we had Lamettry’s in Maplewood do the work for us. They seemed friendly and professional, getting our car in for repair in a timely fashion.
The problems arose when we went to pick it up. We have a manual transmission vehicle (stick shift). It is standard practice to ALWAYS use the parking brake when parking a vehicle — especially when you have a manual transmission as the car will roll/​move if it’s not set. This is taught in driver’s ed and is in the owner’s manual of every vehicle. Unfortunately, these auto «professionals» do not follow 1) common sense 2) standard driving practice and 3) policies outlined by vehicle manuals because they did not use the parking brake when parking our vehicle.
So, when getting in to the vehicle and starting it, it sprung backward a few feet (because these geniuses not only didn’t use the parking brake, but they also left it parked in 1^st gear versus neutral) — hitting another vehicle in their lot. Then, the staff there basically demeaned us saying it’s not their problem and that they don’t follow standard driving practice. Huh?
I then called the General Manager of the store, Joe Larson, to discuss this issue because I didn’t feel it was fair that we be 100% liable when they could have simply followed proper driving practice and avoided this whole mess. After much back and forth, Joe Larson agreed they would split the costs with us ⁵⁰⁄₅₀. I agreed to that, and then emailed him to see what the final total was. He then informed me that he already submitted it to my insurance and that I was basically screwed.
This shop not only demonstrated a high level of ignorance by not following a standard practice specifically outlined in the vehicle manual — but then was deceptive and unethical.
UPDATE: I was able to speak with the COO who was very professional and responsive to my concerns. He apologized for my experience and offered to uphold the compromise I had previously negotiated. I have changed my rating from 1 to 3 stars because of this. I advised him that they really should have a policy about this — or at least let owners know so it doesn’t happen again. It sounds like they are going to consider adjusting their policies/​practices.
If it weren’t for this unfortunate incident, I would give them 5 stars.