We got a lot of great recommendations for this mechanic, even from our parents. They must do some great work, but we just haven't had luck with them. First off they are pricey and they only use top of the line parts - which I can see the sense in that, but we had old cars that we weren't planning on keeping super long and would have appreciated they use less expensive parts that would have suited our purposes well. But our biggest problem with them was that every time we brought our car in with something, the problem we brought it in for was fixed, but as soon as we got it home the car started having another problem and would have to go right back to the shop. And yet every time we asked them to do a thorough inspection of the car they said it was fine. One time the car wouldn't start so I had it towed to Frederick's, they called and told me the starter had to be replaced and that they had already replaced it with a $350.00 starter - I was furious for two reasons: 1) $150 starter would have worked just fine and I would have preferred they call me first to discuss and quote prior to replacing. 2) As soon as I got there and paid and went out to my car ... the car still wouldn't start! It turns out the key fob was dead and just needed new batteries ... I doubt there was ever even a problem with the starter. Needless to say that was the last time we ever went there.
I will admit the whole thing is weird, because everyone else I talk to who uses them, totally loves them. They just weren't the right fit for us. If you are in the area and need a mechanic, I would recommend Auto Tech Solutions (ACDelco) or KRW, we have had much better luck with them.
In regards to Ron's comments below (since I don't seem to be able to reply directly to his comment):
Clearly I dispute his version of events below, as I know I was not informed about the cost of the starter prior to it's installation, and our key fob still works just fine to this day and simply needed batteries. I will, however, clarify that we do not attribute not being informed about the cost of the starter to a lack of honesty, but rather would guess it was more of an oversight and do not imply that any deliberate underhandedness went on. read more