How did I find Lightning Auto? By a bad stroke of luck with another shop.
I took my Honda minivan to Preferred Auto for a 3rd opinion regarding the ding and knocking sounds coming from the motor. 2 other shops including Ray's Transmission and Wheelworks said the transmission was on its final life span. Preferred Auto recommended the $100+ diagnostic to find the problem. The gal (Sally) on the front desk said I had to pay the $100+ for the diagnostic and she sold me hard that every shop charges for a diagnostic.
I told her that 2 other mechanics recommended a new transmission. She was adamant to go with the diagnosis because she said "it may not be the transmission, we have to confirm for ourselves." I hesitantly agreed because I had a glimmer of hope that the other 2 mechanics were wrong. The lady (Sally?) said that my minivan needed a fresh transmission oil change with the Honda recommended transmission oil (Special oil for Honda automobiles) and that my problem could be solved.
I told her I wanted a quote for a new transmission. She said she could not give me a quote until she changed the transmission oil. I conveyed to her that the transmission oil was changed 1 month prior. She said the transmission would be fine and that the transmission oil change would lengthen the life of the transmission. However, she also stated that Preferred Auto could not gauge or estimate the life of the transmission. At this point I was frustrated because I needed to get the minivan to my wife for our family/kids weekend activities.
She said the transmission would be fine and that the transmission oil change would lengthen the life of the transmission. So I agreed because a a new or rebuilt transmission costs $2000 to $4500 and I would save thousands of dollars. I was hopeful but skeptical. However, Preferred Auto is suppose to have 'expert mechanics' who help customers make the best decisions for the safety of their families/autos.
Sally, charged me over $130 for the transmission oil change. That same evening and night my minivan drove smooth and I said to myself "wow, Preferred Auto did the right thing and thought the other two mechanics from Rays Transmission and Wheelworks were selling me a bill of goods at $3000 to $4000 for a new transmission.. The next day on Saturday, with my family in tow going north on 101 near Hollister, the transmission failed. I was traveling at 65 MPH and lost total control of the power in the minivan. This was scary for all of us. However, I pressed the hazard lights and was lucky enough that the momentum of 65MPH allowed me to turn into the only turn off on 101 going North, an RV station. BTW our minivan was going uphill on 101 North bound. My heart rate was elevated and as soon as I turned off into the RV place, my family and I pushed the minivan under a shady tree.
I called Preferred Auto several times, but nobody answered. After 3 hours of waiting for an available tow truck, the minivan was towed to Lightning Auto on Railroad in Gilroy, CA. Interesting NOTE: I saw 3 tow truck companies delivering 3 other automobiles. I spoke with the tow truck drivers and they all stated "Miguel, does excellent work so we recommend his shop over others in town, good price, honest and he makes everything right."
Miguel, the owner, said he could smell the burning oil either from the engine or transmission. He said the smell was very strong "like burning tires" and that most likely something is broken in the engine or there is an oil leak. Miguel asked me to give him 2 days since he has a ton of cars ahead of mine. He also does not charge a diagnostic fee. His diagnostic service is FREE!!!!!
So I left the minivan at his shop. He called me the next day and said the transmission needed to be replaced. Miguel also said there were other issues and asked to see me in his shop. I arrived at his shop.
He explained my options "Rebuilt or NEW." I decided on rebuilt since I met two other customers in his shop, not from Gilroy who said that Miguel replaced their transmissions with rebuild ones 1-3 years prior and their cars are running smooth, "like new." However, these customers were in his shop for another service. One customer told me that he drives over 1 hour to have his car serviced with Miguel. I was sold.
Miguel also showed me broken or warn out parts on the axle as well as other problematic areas. Again, Preferred Auto missed all the problems and the most obvious, that the transmission was done. Lightning Auto rebuilt my tranny and the minivan runs smooth. Price was right $2,400. He also fixed a lot of other issues that Preferred Auto missed.
In summary Lightning Auto has increased my confidence in mechanics, in the labor of love for autos, and my business long term. Also, Miguel has his finger print in all the work that is done in his shop. read more