From start to finish the experience was fantastic! Going to an auto body shop usually means you've had something unfortunate happen to your car which is angering, upsetting, frustrating, etc. My car was only 90 days old when someone accidently ran into the back of it with a cherry picker! So I wasn't very happy to have to be going to any auto body shop but from the moment I walked into Mullikin's - after visiting a few others - I knew that this was the place I was going to go with. The place is clean, comfortable (you're not sitting in a "garage" type setting but a real sitting area like in a commercial office), and everyone is pleasant and attentive.
When they did the initial inspection, because there was a potential for damage that couldn't be seen from the outside, they asked if I had time and they would do a deeper look under the bumper, etc. So I said yes as that would get a better of deal of the extent of the damage and a better estimate. When they came back with the car, the did find a couple of things and they also put on a "crash wrap" which is a clear heavy duty plastic sheet that sticks to the car and keeps the rain water from leaking into the trunk and causing more damage. I thought that was really thoughtful and much appreciated as at this point they didn't know if I was going to do business with them or not, but they went ahead and did it anyway.
They are also totally "full service" in that they work with Enterprise Rental Car and will arrange a rental to be there when you drop the car off and you leave the rental there when you return the car. I had done some of my own car rental research and you get the same pricing but they take care of all the arrangements so it's less hassle for you.
They are great when it comes to keeping you informed on what's going on, if there are any issues/delays, etc. They are always pleasant on the phone, explain things very clearly and in simple terms and where possible offer reasonable options if something new or different comes up when they really get into the work.
In my case, the person who caused the damage wanted to pay for the repairs out of pocket vs. going through insurance. Mullikin's doesn't take credit cards to pay for repairs - cash or check - and they do remind you all along the way (when appropriate) so you're not surprised at time of payment. It would be easier to be able to use a credit card particularly if the damage cost is high and your cash on hand is low. Just something to keep in mind if you're not going through insurance for repairs.
As far as rates, their initial estimate was a bit lower than the others I had received. The actual cost was a bit higher but again, that was because of the damage that was discovered deeper into the underbody of the car and inside the truck area. So overall I think they are competitive price-wise for the area.
The end result of the work was perfect! Where they had to match paint on parts of the body that weren't replaced but were damaged is completely undetectable. Everything looks just like it did 90 days earlier when I drove it off the showroom floor.
I couldn't be happier with the work they did which - for an unfortunate and upsetting situation - that's a great thing to be able to say. While I hope to never have a reason to go back there again, if I do at least I'll know the car will be repaired right and my experience will be a good one.
I give them my highest recommendation!
Thanks, Mullikin's - you did a fantastic job with the car and your outstanding customer service! read more
