Marco Muffler

This review/testimony is not related to service done by Marco Muffler, it is however about the lack of integrity in my opinion of the owner Mark Fereira.

I purchased a truck from Mr. Fereira in the middle of July, 2015. I use to be a mechanic but have back issues that prevent me from crawling under, and around a vehicle without pain.

I asked Mr. Fereira if there was anything wrong mechanically with the truck, and what repairs or service might I have to do to it. He told me there was nothing needing attention, and all I would have to do is put gas in it. That was not true... turns out the timing chain/gears, and guide were shot, so too was the front end. The guide had literally disintegrated with only the bolts that hold it in remaining, the rest is probably in the oil pan. The reason I did not notice this upon first starting the engine up is because it was not "just started up" I suspect. The tensioner works off of oil pressure, it's a simple plunger that pushes towards the chain to take up slack. Once extended, it could "mask" a sloppy loose chain for one to several hours, but eventually the oil will bleed out of the plunger, and it will recede. That is why the loud rattling sound of a loose chain slapping against the cover is usually heard first thing in the morning when being started after sitting all night. Prior to inspecting the truck, I called Mark and told him I was about 20 minutes away and see him then. I can't prove it, but I suspect he told one of his employees to go out and start up the truck to make sure the plunger was fully extended.

I suspected something wrong with the front end upon inspecting the wheels, and during the road test which was only around Orangevale and I was not able to go more than 40 mph. Loose front end parts are more noticeable at freeway speeds. Mark said all it needed was a alignment, and that the front end was in good shape, that too was a lie!

After I bought the truck and began to notice these problems, I took the valve cover off and was shocked to see that the chain was so loose and had been for so long that it cut a groove approx. 2 mm to 4 mm deep, and several inches long into the side case/housing. This is evidence of a chronic condition. The truck swayed dramatically side to side while driving on the freeway, so much so that it was difficult to keep it in my lane and I appeared like I was driving while intoxicated. I felt too unsafe to drive the truck on the freeway since.

I took the truck to a very reputable repair station for a second opinion, and even though the owner tired to be diplomatic, he told me he found it very hard to believe the prior owner did not know of these conditions. Now for the fun part; Mark's response to this "new" information. First he denied that he knew any of this, then after pressing the issue and asking him to be straight with me, he finally came out and said, " Ya, I knew, but you bought a used vehicle, and there's nothing you can do about it". I told him I thought he was a gentleman and I trusted him, his response was, "Well that was your mistake". He's right there, question is, do you want to make a mistake?

If that's how he conducts his personal sales dealings, how does he conduct his customer dealings? Can you trust this man?

Richard was great ! Was very detailed with the process of installing my exhaust .. was very nice , and helpful . Great customer service and I am very happy with the service

These guys are FAST! Catalytic converter done in less than 1 hour. They made it look so ease that if I had an arc welder, I could have replaced the cat myself but, my wife would tell you otherwise and she'd probably be right. This was the best $200 I ever spent on my car. Now it will pass smog!