First, I'd like to say mechanics get a bad rap from only a few. It's hard work to be a stella auto mechanic. It's hot, it's cold, it's dirty, customers usually don't know jack and are suspicious and hate paying big bucks usually via ignorance and the story goes on and on. If you find a stella shop stick with it and gift them occasionally.
Began having service done at the PP a little over a year ago. Reason: I had a 2010 Ford Fusion inspected at another local garage and some additional service requested. I was satisfied for the most part. But one thing stood out from the service. I requested a transmission fluid and filter change. The owner said he would not recco it until I had the Trans cooling line replaced as it was leaking. Total line and replacement cost was $650.00. I fell out of bed! The section of the line that was leaking was a small rubber section at the radiator. This is a long dual line with a 6" rubber section. Very expensive and labor to install. He showed me where it was leaking. I passed on the line. The car is 12 yrs old. I won't keep it more than 2 more yrs. then another car purchase that's 2 yrs or less old. With that in mind on to a 2nd opinion. I ended up two wks later at the recommendation of my son at the PP. I explain. He gets his LED headlamp and looks down at the line. Oh I see it. Small leak. I can replace another rubber section that will last as long as you have the car. $100! He asks when was the last time you changed the trans fluid. Never! I'll change it for you if you waive any issues after the change. I say why? He explains. I don't get the trans change. I still think why? A couple of wks later on YouTube my favorite Scotty Kilner the Toyota/Lexus guy (most reliable cars ever made) made a video on why not to change trans fluid if you never changed it over 100K miles. I look further and it's true. You should not. If you do save the old fluid. These guys at the PP know their stuff. They realized and were in sympathy of my thoughts: it's an old car and it's going soon. Some places only repair how the OEM engineers designed it and some improvise. Which way is correct? As a matter of (fact) it depends on the issue and the age of the car; Secondly, the original design is not always the best way or the only way to repair; (watch Ray Rainman on YouTube); Thirdly, if another way is just as good or better and you can save the customer hard earned cash, that's just good business sense and a win-win for all. Few think outside the box while others just follow the original design. This one thing as well as quality service, won my business. read more
