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RICHLAND COUNTY -- Chandra Holland trusted Import Specialties to install a new engine in her 2003 Ford Focus.

“He installed it in the car, and when he got it in the car it wouldn’t crank,” said Chandra Holland.

The engine came from Gaston Auto Parts and Sales, a place recommended by her mechanic.

Chandra paid a $1,000 dollars for the engine, and another $1,300 to have it installed.  It’s been two months and she is still without a car.

Chandra has called Gaston Auto several times.

“It makes you not want to trust people,” says Chandra, “you don’t know who’s trying to get one over you.”

Late Friday afternoon, WACH FOX accompanied Chandra to Gaston Auto to get some answers.

They refused to comment, but they were quick to place the blame on Chandra’s mechanic as to why the engine wouldn’t run.  They believe that whoever installed the engine broke a part on it.  Chandra was in disbelief.

“He (her mechanic) has known these people for 10 years,” says Chandra.  “He was surprised that the engine didn’t work.”

We also went to Import Specialties to talk to Chandra’s mechanic, only to find the shop closed and Chandra’s car sitting in the lot.

But Chandra’s story doesn’t end there.  Gaston Auto has agreed to tow Chandra’s car to another mechanic of her choice, and if a problem is found with the engine, they’ll replace it free of charge.

Otherwise, Chandra will have to take it up with the mechanic who installed it.