So sad story, our car was dropped off a ramp, right on its nose, while being transported over from…read moreHawaii and needs a ton of front body work as well as engine work. Budget (which is in no way affiliated with the car rental company) was recommended to us by one of my hubby's co-workers that also got work done on her car due to damages while being transported to USVI. She told him that they were very good and did awesome work on her car. This was the 1st of 9 car mechanic shops that I have been to in the past 2 weeks.
First off, getting to this location is just plain silly. The address is not on google maps, yelp, etc. so the internet is no help. Directions from the front desk lady, who was very kind went something like this........"Go past the KFC on the way to the airport, then go through the light, then make a left, then make a right, then pass a cemetery on your left, then go over three speed bumps, after the third speed bump make a left, drive until you see a water tank, then make a left, you'll see another water tank and make a right and we are right there." So did you get that? I didn't, this island has something against using street names But even if they did no one has address numbers on their building and street signs are so tiny and not posted on actual posts so its like where's waldo to fiind street names on random buidings.
Budget charges $40 for any estimate and will reimburse you the cost of the estimate if you select them for repairs. Walk-ins are welcome, but I'd highly recommend going first thing in the morning. The shop gets slammed, the later you arrive the longer you wait, and getting in and out of the facility is like parking lot tetris. I got to the shop around 2pm and it took two hours for them to get to my car and generate a written estimate. They do have a very air conditioned waiting area with leather couches for those that can't go anywhere. If you don't have a ride I suggest not trying to walk anywhere, it doesn't look safe. They also let me bring in my dog, so I guess they are pet friendly.
The problem with fixing our car on this island is that its a Mercedes. So body and engine work is near impossible with 98% of the mechanics out here. Budget unfortunately does not work on Mercedes engines, however they can do body work, and they work on all types of other car engines. Alfonso the mechanic that did my estimate told me that they sometimes have to get a guy out of Puerto Rico that has experience with Merceds to look at engines.
Overall I thought the estimate was surprisingly reasonable at a little over $4K. If I were back in Hawaii, it would probably cost twice as much, becaue we need the entire front grill, bumper, front undercarriage, front side panels, to be replaced and the front doors, hood, and trunk to be fixed. Not to mention some moron during transport sat in our car, played with the automatic rear sunshade, ripped it right through and got it jammed in a half open position. I know from experience that rear sunshade and motor is about $1500 to fix.
I've been told that Budget is the most expnsive car repair shop on the island, which is really funny given their name. If we decide to go with them I'll definitely update this review.
