Most of us depend on our vehicles on a daily basis: commuting to work, visiting family and friends, doctor appointments, grocery store you name, but when malfunctions or break downs happen, you need it fixed and you need it fixed fast. The problem is: where can you go locally to find a repair facility reliable enough to fix it fast and fix it right the first time?
Here’s A story : the short version (2020). Had a Check Engine Light
Took it to Brake Max, explain the problem, they assured me they could fix it. All they needed to do was put it on their diagnostic machine for $150. They did, informed me the problem was a fuel modulator, installed the part. I drove away, later that day check engine light comes back on. Next day I took it back. They informed me they didn’t see anything else wrong. A few days later I took it to Firestone. They inform me of the same to put it on their diagnostic machine. I informed them I already had that done. If I did it again with them and the problem wasn't fixed I didn't want to pay. They did, then informed me it was the fuel filter. Paid the fee. A few days later check engine light is back on and now it’s hard to start and keep running. I asked for a refund and they did. I had it towed to Brake Master. They informed me of the same about the diagnostic machine $150. I gave them a list of everything that already been done and informed them I didn’t want to pay for the same repairs that were already completed. They informed me they understood the dilemma. Their diagnostic came back as a fuel rail pressure sensor. It was installed. The truck still wouldn’t start. My bill was now $490 and they were asking me if I still wanted them to continue? I immediately visited their shop to find my truck engine in parts. Now they were telling me I needed an electrical harness, which wasn’t available at the dealer or auto part store. I would have to find it as an aftermarket product or junk yard. After 2 weeks (with the truck still in their possession) I ordered the part thru a junkyard locator. Paid $200, had it shipped to Brake Master. Another week goes by and I'm informed I needed a new engine for $8000, but if I didn't want to fix it the best they could do at this point was buy the truck from me for $900. Of course corporate was called and legalities ensued. Truck was returned to me 1-month later then sold on Facebook marketplace AS-IS as a "mechanics dream" for $3700.
(2021)
Purchased a Car Shield Warranty for a used vehicle. 1st Year no problems. (2023) Starting hearing a noise that sounded like tin cans rattling. Took my truck to local repair shop Brake Max. They informed me of the usual....We can put it on our diagnostic machine for $150. I agreed. Had the problem listed on the repair order. Had the job done. Repair was completed. Problem listed was air conditioning fan plate was loose and Freon was low. Left the facility without checking anything before leaving. Next day rattling noise was still present. Spoke with and visited (rep Tim) for recheck of the problem on several occasions over a couple weeks without a remedy to the noise. I asked Tim if I went to another repair facility and had the problem fixed would he reimburse me? He stated NO. I had a discussion with a friend regarding my frustrations with local repair facilities. She referred me to John at OOROO Auto - 250 W Calle De Las Tiendas, Green Valley, AZ 85614. I called, made an appt, took my truck in for review. Right away the mechanic stated the problem sounded like the timing chain (no diagnosis machine or charge). John handled everything necessary to deal with the warranty company from start to finish. I was taken home after I dropped off my truck and picked up when my truck repair was completed. BONUS: All repairs come with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty!NOW THAT'S AWESOME SERVICE!
This company has worked to earned my business above all others! As a retired flight attendant there is a event called a "Check Ride" where an experienced pilot or flight attendant rides along with the employee (of the same job) and monitors their work activities to ensure the job is being completed up to industry standards. As the vehicle owner you should do the same when taking your vehicle in for repairs.The Top 3 complaints that most customers have is:
••••• related to pricing,
••••• an issue with the car not being fixed even after repaired,
••••• the length of time it took for the repairs to be completed.
•It is important from Start to Finish to make sure the mechanic puts everything in writing of your vehicle operational concerns/noises etc.
• In the Beginning (Ask for the return of your old parts. - This is to give you peace of mind that the actual work was completed. You can trash the parts yourself later.) In doing so, when the mechanic claims your repair has been completed you can go over the initial notes to make sure the "Check Ride" and "Check Engine Light" codes have been addressed. • BEFORE MAKING A PAYMENT It is also important to take a "check ride" (ride along) with the mechanic who completed the repairs to make sure all was addressed and any questions you have answered. Pay with your personal credit card not the company's credit account in case something goes wrong you are in full control to cancel the repair. ALSO: Make sure their stated warranty is printed out on your invoice. Don't take someone word for it...Oh Yea...we offer a 1 year warranty, just come back and ask for me. • PAY WITH A (MAJOR) CREDIT CARD - (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo) If you have issues later with the repair and the facility is not cooperating it is not necessary to keep arguing with them. Let them argue with someone else who has YOUR best interest in mind. If you used a "in house" finance company for your repairs (one offered by the repair facility) it may be harder to get a refund.