Choosing a new auto shop is a difficult task. I know very little about cars, and it seems like…read morealmost everything related to cars is very unfriendly to women, or maybe to people in general. So I looked on Yelp to find a place in the area that had good reviews.
Pleasant Street Auto only had two reviews, but they also took the time to post their own description. And, I liked the range of photos (I'll admit that I was a bit charmed by the photo of someone spray-painting a dinosaur) and the notion that there would be a place to sit and do work, comfortably, not literally sitting outside on a curb as I've had to do on occasion in the past.
I was not a great customer up front, I'll admit. I completely forgot our first appointment, and then I became lost on my way for the remedial appointment. Throughout, the staff was patient and professional with me.
I can't say a word about the garage/work area because I never saw it, which felt a little odd, but I could certainly get used to it! I don't have the slightest idea what the machines and tools are for, anyway, and so I don't know that seeing and hearing mechanics work really enhances my experience. Instead, I left my car and keys and waited inside.
The front desk manages repair work, body work, and also Hertz rentals. When I made my oil change appointment, I was a little worried that I might have a serious issue discovered, and I might therefore need to rent a car. If this had been necessary, I could have managed it all at one location. Convenient!
The oil change didn't seem to take all that long. I should have timed it, but I didn't. I think the total wait - even though I was late for my appointment, was well under an hour. During that time, I tried to take advantage of the homey waiting area with a t.v. (though the cable was stutteringly-intermittent), WIFI that didn't seem to work at all, and computers with internet service that required someone to come in and fix it for it to work at all. The computers were kind of old, dodgy, and dirty, but I was able to do some work, which was great.
For families, there are toys and books (for kids and adults) and an area for children to hang out and play. I can only imagine that, since the space is open and adjacent to the desk area, it's not much fun for staff when the space gets "active," but it's very nice an accommodating.
Overall, this is a huge leap over sitting on a solitary chair in a drafty space next to a noisy garage, or as said, literally sitting on a curb because there's no indoor seating at all.
The best bit was that Lee, I believe a member of the family who runs this business, came out to speak with me personally while they were finishing up with the car. He spoke with me in language that I could understand, but not with condescension. There were a number of potential issues with the car, and he prioritized them for me, but he didn't make me feel pressured in any way.
I feel like Yelp helped me to find a great fit for a new auto shop, and it's a great relief. I'd highly recommend this establishment to anyone who wants to feel confident about a family-run business that is professional, caring, and extremely well-rounded in terms of services available at a single location. With comfort, too!
Great, great experience overall.
