Pros:
-They are OPEN 24/7 (for smaller issues such as a flat, an oil change, windshield wipers, etc.. great for travelers in a bind).
-Standard Oil change $19.99 all day long (no coupon necessary)
-Myles, a Mechanic (30+yrs of experience and KNOWS his stuff, Zen-like demeanor; I wish he was the Manager, I TRUST him to do the right thing.
-ALL major work covered under a NATIONWIDE 2-YEAR, 24K mile WARRANTY *WOW- AWESOME!*
Cons:
-Hourly Shop Rate is $125/hr (and I know they charge "book time" vs actual time worked) *literally the HIGHEST I've every heard of*
-It seems based on my last 4 oil change visits, that they ALWAYS find a big ticket item in need desperate need of repair.
-Based on my personal experience, it seems that the mechanics may likely be paid a base hourly + commission (not based on any factual evidence, just a strong gut feeling and associated quotes).
-The gas prices here are STUPID HIGH, try EXIT 14 instead *it's where the locals go*
Every single time I have come in for a simple oil change... I leave with a big ticket quote and fear of driving my car further. Oil change #1: I left with an oil change and a valve gasket replacement. Oil change #2: I left with a new alternator. Oil change #3: I had a new spool valve assembly and a 2nd alternator (covered under their STANDARD 2 YEAR 24K mile warranty 5 STARS)
Days after oil change and warranty item replaced: Battery light and ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED ON after less than 20 miles of driving *F*$%*
Took it in and they replaced the alternator for a 3rd time (under warranty) and then... they told me that the car needed a complete CYLINDER HEAD GASKET Removal and Replacement ($3,000) which includes: removal, replacement and resurfacing of heads at a machine shop, new head gaskets, clean and adjust (NOT REPLACE) all spark plugs, adjust the ignition timing, adjust the idle speed, replace the thermostat, replace the thermostat gasket, replace the coolant.
BTW: I went in for a warranty oil leak and came out with a rough running engine and multiple neon lights on my dash that I have never seen before: an engine light, a VSA light and another light signaling some kind of engine trouble *no bueno*
I got a 2nd opinion from A DIFFERENT Local Shop: They took their time doing an in depth diagnostic for $60; I'm glad I followed my gut feeling. I ended up replacing a single fuel injector that was stuck open. The fix seems to be unrelated to the original oil leak, but more of a coincidence instead. I ended up with a $500 fix INSTEAD OF A $3,000 fix that this place insisted I needed to do, or my car engine was going to blow (their words, not mine).
Please note: I fully understand that automotive mechanics is NOT an exact science; I get this. Trial and error happens, I would hope that a locally owned business would focus a little more on diagnostics rather than quoting a BIG engine job ($$$$) based on 1st glance or perhaps what anyone could do free (get a diagnostic computer code from the local car parts store down the street - FREE of charge). I just don't like the idea that mechanics are learning and on my vehicle, on my dime. IF I WAS PASSING THROUGH ON HWY 5, I WOULD NOT STOP HERE FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. read more