This post is long, long overdue. I've been going to Tri Valley Auto for the past 8 years. I love Tri-Valley Automotive. After searching for a reputable repair shop, I was pleasantly delighted to meet Don and his great team. We had leased a car from a dealer (new) and after 3 years we bought it. About 6 months after that we took the car in for some upgrade and they came back telling us we needed new breaks and some other things. I took the car to Don and he evaluated everything and said none of it was needed- the car was in incredible condition. I walked out with an oil change (which was one thing I had come in for). It would have been easy for him to rip me off, had he wanted to, but he didn't ad I found him to be consistently honest and reliable. We learned that the vehicle we purchased (the type of car) has had a ton of recalls over the years. While we didn' thave problems with ours, I did talk to Don about whether or not he thought we should trade in or vehicle. With less than 15K miles and no issues, he suggesetd we keep it and I'm really glad that we did as we haven't had any major trouble with it or problems. I probably would have traded it in just from worry had I not talked to Don, and that likely would have been at a loss.
Another time, my wipers damaged (years later) and it was scheduled to be a very rainy weekend. Tri-Valley Auto is open M-F and I had to drive more than 40 miles on the weekend, so I pulled into Riley Auto Parts and bought some wipers and asked them to help me install them, since I didn't know how to. I walked out of there having paid about $90- thinking it was probably a good deal. About a week later, I was driving and the wiper flew off the car (obviously, not installed correctly). I called Don, he saw me same day and gave me a new wiper for something rediculously low- I don't recall, but I want to say it was less than $15 and maybe less than $10. I'll never go anywhere else.
Another think that I love about Tri-Valley Auto is that they give you an electronic email write-up, so I can clearly see the full assessment, any recommendations, critical needs and also coming future recomendations. As someone not versed in this, it's so nice to have it in writing to so I can review it and make my decisions without pressure. It also allows me to call around for other quotes (which I've done before) and have found that the prices are spot on here and often cheaper than elsewhere. It has helped reconfirm what I already supsected ealy on- that Tri-Valley Auto is really honest, quality service and they care. I love that I can book appoitnments online and that I'm texted as the work is being done and when it's ready to go. As we only have one car, it's critical to get this information in a timely manner. I have had horror stories in other cities where we've lived where the work was done at other shops in an hour but they didn't tell me to 6 hours later- making life very inconvennient when I was waiting around nearby at a coffee shop until they were ready. I never have that experience with Tri Valley Automotive. Also, the work has always been done the same day- even when I needed an oil change and new breaks. I've had other shops that are so slow and you're there forever, not with Tri-Valley Automotive.
Don is scheduled to retire (much deserved) later this spring and in discussing his transition and the shop, he's assured me that the work and honesty will continue. He's hand-picked the staff who work with him and they've worked together for years. They'll be taking over the business and it's good to know that not only do I feel comfotable continuing on because of their work ethic, but also that Don highly recommends them -- couldn't recommend them more highly.
I wanted to add this comment for those who are looking for reliable and timely customer service, good communication, fantastic prices, and more importantly- people who actually care about you, your vehicle, and your safety. If you're considering a shop, this is the one for you. Don't waste time or money considering anything else! You'll be glad that you came here. read more
