‘He doesn’t let you in the shop’: Knoxville auto repair customers waited up to 2 years to get their cars back — after paying thousands. Here's what happened and how to avoid a repair scam

What did authorities do?

After receiving multiple complaints, Knoxville Police obtained a search warrant and had the building manager unlock Affordable Automotive Repair's garage. Inside, investigators found over a dozen vehicles in various states of disrepair. Some engines had been removed; others appeared untouched.

Among the cars was Len Nymeyer's 1964 Ford Thunderbird. He paid Beeler $8,000 in January and hadn’t seen his car since.

“I’m hoping it is in the building, but I don’t know,” Nymeyer said before the search. His car's engine hadn't been touched, according to WATE 6 News.

John Kohlman’s 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix was also in the shop for a front-end repair. Beeler said it would take two weeks. But five months later, during the police search, officers found the engine had been removed.

Police documented each vehicle as part of their ongoing investigation. In some cases, parts were found scattered across the shop floor. Erasto Abalos had waited two years for an engine rebuild on his 1956 Ford — only to discover the engine in pieces.

“He kept saying it would be ready in two weeks,” Abalos told reporters.

Beeler was charged in March with three felony counts unrelated to his auto repair business and is currently in Knox County Jail. Detectives are expected to conclude their investigation soon, which will determine whether additional charges related to the alleged repair fraud will be filed.

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How to avoid getting scammed by repair shops

Stories like these are unsettling — especially for busy car owners who may not know the warning signs to watch for. Here are a few ways to protect yourself from shady shop owners.

Ask for a written estimate before agreeing to repairs

Always request a written estimate that includes parts, labor and potential additional costs from a licensed shop. This gives you a baseline for comparison and can help you dispute charges later if something feels off. If the bill seems high, consider taking the vehicle to a second repair shop for another opinion.

Ask for an explanation of the repairs

Trustworthy mechanics will take time to explain the repairs, show you the issue and won't pressure you into immediate service. Ask for the specific diagnostic code or the part that's causing the problem. If a mechanic can’t explain the issue clearly — or seems evasive or rude — it’s a sign to find another shop. The mechanic's explanation will also help you learn more about your vehicle — which could save you from unnecessary repairs in the future.

Learn about car mechanic red flags

Be wary of pushy upsells, especially on services like fluid flushes or premature brake pad replacements. Dishonest mechanics might pull out a dirty air filter (that may not be yours) and tell you it’s urgent to replace it, or claim to find a cracked hose or damaged part caused by their inspection.

Research prices before you go to the shop

The more you know about your car’s symptoms — like odd noises, warning lights or performance issues — the better. Research common fixes and average costs ahead of time. Being informed gives you leverage and helps you spot inflated estimates or unnecessary repairs.

Not every mechanic is out to scam you, but the ones who are often count on customers being uninformed. Doing your homework and asking the right questions can go a long way in protecting your vehicle — and your wallet.