Auto Specialists Auto Repair

I brought my vehicle in to address a coolant leak. At the time of drop-off, the car was holding coolant at a reasonable level and remained drivable, though there was a consistent drip from the upper coolant hose when the system was completely full. After diagnosing the vehicle, I was advised that multiple repairs were needed, including replacement of the upper and lower coolant hoses and the radiator, along with several additional recommended services. I authorized replacement of the radiator and the upper coolant hose, as well as a basic oil change and a fuse replacement. The total cost for these services was approximately $2,000. Upon pickup, I was informed that the vehicle had been test-driven for roughly two miles and allowed to idle afterward, and that no coolant leaks were observed. I was told the issue had been resolved other than a very small leak leak in the lower hose. However, after driving less than one mile home, the vehicle began leaking coolant continuously. By the time I arrived, the leak was significantly worse than before the vehicle was brought in, to the point that it is now unsafe to drive due to both personal safety concerns and potential engine damage. Prior to the repairs, the vehicle was at least operable; it is now in worse condition than when it was dropped off. When I contacted the shop regarding this issue, the only solution offered was to bring the vehicle back for further diagnosis at additional cost. No apology or acknowledgment of the situation was provided, only comments indicating that I would need to pay more, with vague assurances that the shop would “work with my budget.” I am extremely dissatisfied with this outcome. In all my years of vehicle ownership, I have never experienced a situation where a repair resulted in the vehicle being returned in worse condition than when it was originally brought in.

This time, only an oil change. Highly recommended. Why are they better than the cheapo places? (1) Wait time. Auto Specialists schedules realistic appointments. They'll get you in and out quickly. The cheapo places? I've waited hours, literally. How much is your time worth? (2) No pressure. They'll let you know about things like cabin filters and so forth. But, unlike cheapo, no pressure. You decline and no argument. (A cheapo place once told me that if I didn't replace a bearing NOW I'd be stuck on "a dark dessert highway" later. 50,000 miles later I still have the same bearing and not broken down.) (3) Confidence. Did you ever wonder if the cheapo place used a quality oil, the correct grade, or even changed it at all? I have. When I leave Auto Specialists I feel comfortable that all was done professionally and better than specs. (4) Price. They're only a few dollars more than cheapo. My time alone was worth it. Not to mention the relaxed atmosphere and the satisfaction that the job was done right.