Diver - 2-25-2006 at 01:23 PM
I pulled into the Pemex in Santa Rosalia and ran into the latest thing in creative thievery.
I checked the pump as usual and we started filling at zero. A minute later the pump shuts off, the guy looks at me and restarts the pump. This happens
three more times and it seems they are using the little walkie-talkies to call the office.
When I went to pay, he stated the fee, then added up the 4 different charges on his calculator to show me their total. Problem was that he moved the
decimal over for one of the charges and screwed me of $3 right there. I decided not to argue over $3 since I couldn't prove my point now that the pump
had been zeroed. I thought "no big deal" and fired up the truck to leave. As I pulled out, I realized that the tank wasn't even full ! They had to
have gotten me for at least another $5 somehow !
My advice is just don't go there unless you know you're smarter than me !!!
I wonder if it's the same owner building the Pemex just north of town as well ? I hope not ! Looks to be open soon.
This was the only Pemex or any other store during our trip that wasn't fairly honest in their dealings.
rts551 - 2-25-2006 at 01:30 PM
Diver
I had the same problem last summer. I think what happened to me was that one of the resets put no fuel in the truck but registered a charge.
I avoid this station if at all possible. Too bad someone can't do something about it.
bajarich - 2-26-2006 at 10:50 PM
I never stop there anymore, they got me 3 years ago when 3 boys washed my window and I tried to give them a tip. One of them grabbed the whole tip
and stuffed it in his pocked. I told him to share it with the other two. While he was arguing with me the guy pumping gas told me he had shut off
the pump. He then restarted it and filled my tank. Then he added the two amounts together to come up with the total which I paid. After I left I
figured it all out and found I had paid enough to fill my whole tank. The only problem is that it was 3/8 full when I pulled in.
The last two times I've been through SR, I only stop long enough to go in and tell them why I don't buy gas there any more. Son ladrones
Fill up in San Ignacio
Hook - 2-26-2006 at 11:53 PM
They have diesel as well now. Even the redone bathrooms aren't too bad.
Of course, if you're fishing out of SLC, you dont have much choice when it comes time to fill the jugs. I have been meaning to see if the diesel pumps
at SR are also crooked.
chino - 2-27-2006 at 12:00 AM
I pride myself in not being ripped at the pump, but have to admit that it happened at this same pemex, it was the pump reset trick and then he tried
to short me on the change and I protested, a policeman was looking on and after I raised my voice I got my change, and got away with only 1/2 of a
tank, after two months on the road in Baja this was the only bad pemex story, on a positive not the pemex in insurgentes has free showers and a
lounge/restroom back by the diesel pump, a sweet deal for a dirtbag traveller!.
bajajudy - 2-27-2006 at 07:37 AM
Chino
I have always been curious about those showers. Is there one for ladies?
The thought of taking a shower with a bunch of truckers hanging around does not appeal to me...in any country! 
bajalera - 2-27-2006 at 01:08 PM
Steve's Mexican friends avoid that Pemex, too--they also get those creative rip-offs.
chino - 2-27-2006 at 04:37 PM
bajajudy, uni-sex, just post a guard!
cymeryss - 2-27-2006 at 04:45 PM
Man, they tried to rip me off during my christmas trip to Loreto area. Same story, and the funny thing is that I knew about it and was watching the
pump. It shut off after 9 pesos, so I thought, OK, we will just add them to the total. After it was done, the guy said, it was 90 pesos....he he...I
started arguing and called the manager, after which they both seemed to back out and said to go ahead... he he....unfortunatelly my friend was at the
other pump and got ripped off the same minute, so they got what they wanted.
Keep watching the pump, and show the guy that you are watching it...
Buena surte.
msawin - 2-27-2006 at 11:12 PM
Two weels ago got 500 pesos of gas in Santa Rosalia...Attenant would not take $50.00 dollars as payment..Showed on his calculator about $62.00 dollars
in his convertion.... Paid him in pasos.......
Marty
bajarich - 2-28-2006 at 09:43 AM
I always pay for gas in pesos. Doing so eliminates all the confusion over conversions and any chances to rip you off by confusion. It is important
to know how to count change in pesos and count it as they give it to you. That way they know when their short and have the opportunity to give you
the full amount so it looks like they just "forgot".
I was shortchanged by the attendant at a toll booth on the Ensenada Cuota one time. I counted the money out loud as she gave it back and just waited
for her to give me the rest. After some hesitation she just acted like she had accidentally mad a mistake and paid up. I had made a mistake by not
having small change and gave her a 500 peso note. Now I make sure I have change for the toll booths.
bajalou - 2-28-2006 at 09:48 AM
How about a digital camera - or a Polaroid - Take a picture each time the pump stops -they might not try anything if they know you have the evidence?
bajaandy - 2-28-2006 at 11:21 AM
Hey... I like the camera idea Lou. At least they'd know you were paying attention!
oldjack - 2-28-2006 at 12:19 PM
So here is an idea....
With my "Baja" sticker in plain view... let the operator know that there is an economic impact in giving poor service/dishonesty to members of this
group... since the group is 5,000(????) strong our members will immediately advertise on the web and NONE of our members will make any purchases in
the future....
Hey it might work for the short term.............