My car, '02 Chevy Impala has a safety feature in the shifter. Only when the shifter is moved into Park position, and a little lever inside the shifter assembly raises up, can one safely remove the key from the ignition, which is located on the dashboard. The inside lever has been getting stuck lately, so I fashioned a string tied to it, which, with very little effort, assists in lifting the lever in proper position. It's been working like that for awhile.

When I dropped off the car for an oil change, I told the counter manager about the string, so that they will not have any problem getting the key out. The employee said it was no problem, he's aware of some Impalas having that problem. The car was supposed to be ready in a couple of hours, with a call to me that it's ready. No one called that day. The next day I went to the shop to ask if the car was ready; it was; I paid, got my keys and went to leave. However, the key inserted into the ignition lock, but wouldn't turn. I immediately knew what happened. Whoever drove the car last did not pull on the string to get the key out easily, but instead forced the key out, damaging the ignition lock cylinder in the process. This is exactly what I hoped to prevent by telling the counter manager about the string.

After speaking with the shop manager, who identified himself as Tony Petrone, several times over the next couple of days, it became clear that he will not take responsibility for his employees' negligent actions. Mr. Petrone said it was just a coincidence that the ignition lock just went bad while in their possession, as opposed to his employee causing the damage. I, an adult, reasonable man, am supposed to believe that?

Mr. Petrone asked if I wanted him to replace the ignition lock assembly, at my expense of course. He offered to waive the installation fee, which is probably less than an hour. I told Mr. Petrone that I just wanted my car returned to me in the same condition as when I brought it to them.

After week and a half of not having a vehicle due to this situation, I finally picked up the car on 09/10/10. Mr. Petrone presented me with a bill for $234.99. I told him that I believe that his mechanic caused this damage, and I shouldn't have to pay for their negligence. Mr. Petrone told me and my wife that he will not release my car to me until I pay the $234.99. I told him that I plan to challenge this, but I had to pay, under protest, to get my car back.

A few other examples of the shop's employees' incompetence manifested themselves, from not delivering on the promised date or calling when promised, to having grease/oil on the inside of my car, smell of which is still present inside of my car. The steering wheel face has several scratches on it. And finally, the rubber/plastic cover that goes over the ignition lock is missing. Mr. Petrone said it's lost, and he will get me a new one. That was on 09/10/10, and to this date, 09/18/10, it has not been delivered.

Taking in consideration my experience with Goodyear Gold Coast employees, I allege that the employee who drove my car after the oil change damaged the ignition module by muscling the key out of the ignition. If he did not know about the usually problematic Impala ignition issues, he could have easily asked someone in the shop. Instead he just wrenched the key out, causing damage that I had to pay $235 for, and me not having a vehicle for a week and a half, plus all of the frustration it caused. And I still have not received the molding around the ignition module (somehow amazingly lost by his "wonderful mechanics"), which Mr. Petrone said he'll order and call me when it arrived. That was 09/10/10. Today is 12/9/10. In his usual irresponsible manner, Mr. Petrone keeps blaming manufacturer for failing to deliver the part. Does he really think any reasonable and prudent adult will believe in this nonsense? I have recently discovered yet another part of the mess the Gold Coast Tire created. Somehow the new ignition cylinder will accept ANY Chevy/GM key. Apparently, when the "experts" of the Gold Coast Tire were readjusting the cylinder to accept my existing key, they messed up in that too.
Now anyone with a GM key can start my car and drive away. So, on top of the expense Mr. Petrone's mechanic caused ($234.99) I have to have the expense of having ignition module removed and adjust it properly. I would bring it back to Mr. Petrone, but considering the total mess they've created (for an $18 oil change), I would not trust them to even look at my car. These "mechanics" are the worst I have ever encountered, the level of incompetency is astronomic, and Mr. Petrone's idea of customer service is appalling! I can't believe that a premier company like Goodyear allow these people to operate under its name.