The beginning of this month was not a happy time for my mini-van. On the way to the airport, it started hiccupping and making knocking noises. Now I'm no mechanic, but I can tell whether noises are... More

The beginning of this month was not a happy time for my mini-van. On the way to the airport, it started hiccupping and making knocking noises. Now I'm no mechanic, but I can tell whether noises are going to cost me, and these were expensive noises. I chose My Mechanic based on one factor only - it was literally right across the street from me and I didn't think my car would make it much farther than that. My initial impression of their store was positive. Unlike many mechanics, their waiting area was clean, cool, and stocked with reading materials, although I didn't stick around to check it out. (I just live across the street, remember?) They also have a shuttle service to drop you off or pick you up, which is very nice, although I opted to walk home and get a bit of exercise. The staff was friendly and efficient; I dropped off my keys and hoped for the best. A few hours later, my worst fears were realized when I got a call from them with an estimate of nearly $1,000 dollars! I told them I would need to call them back as I had to check with my husband. Since they were so thorough in explaining what the problem was - truly the most detailed estimate I've ever received - I was able to call the local Chevy dealer and speak to their repair department manager. (He was also super, very knowledgeable with over 20 years of experience.) Without naming names, I told him the situation and asked if that was a fair estimate. To my delight, he said not only was it fair, it was a couple of hundred dollars less than they could do it for. It was still a lot of money, but at least I knew I was dealing with honest people. The car was ready later that afternoon, and when I went to pay, they asked if I had the 10% coupon they'd mailed out to area residents. When I said no, they gave me the discount, anyway! Hooray! The car was returned clean, by the way - no greasy steering wheel or black footprints on the carpet.) My auto runs like a top now, and since it was a fuel system issue, my gas mileage has improved. I was so impressed that I've since taken the car in for an oil change, inspection, and a brake light repair, and had another positive experience. Not only can I highly recommend My Mechanic @ Dairy Ashford - I can trust them, and that makes for a good ride!
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