Finding a quality, reasonable car mechanic can be an immensely daunting experience. I have owned…read morefive cars in my lifetime thus far and I have a fundamental knowledge base when it comes to cars. Couple that with experiences at unsavory auto shops over the years, I tend to be well-versed in what to look for, what to ask, and know when the proverbial wool is being pulled over my eyes.
I recently went to another auto shop because I received a coupon for a heavy discount on an oil change and the usually "multi-point inspection" - something my car needed so not having a regular mechanic and steering away from the "chains", I decided to use the coupon instead of going to the dealer.
The quick story is the previous shop told me I needed front brake pads (which I knew). However they said it was imminent as the pads were low. I asked, "How low?" The quote was I had 6mm left and the rotors were very rusty.
Pads generally can wait until there's about 2mm or so left. Since I drive 95% highway, I was not concerned about pads right now and could get away with driving a few more months. Rotors get rusty, but I wasn't experiencing any vibration, noise, or longer stopping times, plus the pads obviously weren't being worn down fast (they were 4 years old) so I opt'ed not to have any brake work done. Certainly not at the quote of $445.
While that experience was eye opening in terms of what they were trying to tell me my car needed at exorbitant pricing, I asked around my inner circle for recommendations on a car mechanic. My inquires led me to Willard's.
I bought my own brake pads (for less than $50) and called Willard's to see if they would put them on for me. I made no mention of the rotors. I wanted to see what they find. I called and spoke with Larry, the owner, and setup an appointment.
When I arrived (you have to walk around back, not the front door), I met Larry whom I liked immediately. He's very pleasant, no frills, no BS. He offered to drive me anywhere I needed to go, even home! I said I could wait and asked for an estimate. He said he'd shuffle my car to the front as it's a quicker job and so I'm not kept waiting. That's great!
In about 25 minutes, Larry comes around the front counter with my rotors. They were indeed rusted and grooved, but Larry explained and showed me why they should be replaced (being somewhat savvy, I knew already). I really liked that he came out with the rotors and explained it all. I went ahead and asked for the rotors to be replaced too.
In about an hour or so, my car was ready. My own pads were on, new rotors, and they even cleaned and lubed the caliper sliders, plus changed the brake fluid!
The cost after tax? $216.71! That is a savings of $228.29 based on the other shop's quote!
My car now stops on a dime and I feel better my work was done by an honest mechanic. Larry is also an Army veteran, which resonates with me as I whole-heartedly support veterans in anyway I can, so knowing I wasn't getting screwed and supporting a local business owned by a veteran really made me day.
If you need a mechanic who's honest, available (open Saturdays!), and does great work, please, please call Willard's. I don't give out 5 stars often, but when I do, it's for a reason. Cars are expensive, but quality repairs don't have to be as exemplified by Willard's.
