The water pump blew in my SUV on my way to an important meeting in 29 Palms. I was traveling from the Victorville area, the pump blew-anti-freeze everywhere, and I found myself stranded on Old Woman Springs Rd. north of Johnson Valley.
As I awaited AAA to come to my rescue, (if you don't have a AAA membership living in this region, you're nuts!) I started calling repair shops. I called every shop I could find online from Yucca Valley to 29 Palms and everywhere in between, and none could help me. They all had waiting lists of up to two weeks. As a small business owner, I don't have two weeks to leave a vehicle waiting for repairs.
By the time the tow truck driver arrived, I still hadn't found help. As he put my Tahoe on the back of his truck-all I could think was "I have nowhere to go!" The driver gave a couple of different search terms to use, and Julio's garage popped up. I read and repeated the name, and the tow truck driver said call them!
I was fully expecting to end up shot down in flames for at least the l10th time (literally) but the guy on the phone said bring it in and we'll do our best! My gut told me they would help...and when I arrived, I felt that I was in good hands.
I left the truck with them-and asked if Uber or Lyft or a car rental place was close by. When they found out I was heading clear out to the Marine Base, they suggested I go next door and rent a U-Haul because it would be a lot cheaper. Next thing I knew, I was behind the wheel of a small moving van at $29.99 a day plus mileage, and while I was 2 hours late to my meeting, I MADE IT.
About 4PM my phone rang, it was the guys at Julio's, and they said my truck was repaired and ready to go. I was shocked!
I finished up my meeting at the base, jumped in the Uhaul, and headed back toward Yucca Valley.
Sure enough, there sat my truck as I passed by to turn in the Uhaul. She indeed needed anew heater hose and a new water pump.
The mechanic noticed that one of my tail lights was out and replaced the bulb for me.
I could not be happier or more grateful for the wonderful service I received-and I was able to drive my truck home that same evening.
This has got to be the longest review I have ever written in my life, but good local businesses deserve to be recognized and thanked publicly for bending over backwards to help me when I truly needed it. I'd give 10 stars if I could. Thanks guys!!! read more