I went to AAA on Marginal Way for an inspection. I am a AAA member, but found out the discount is nothing to speak of. For example, as a member you pay $83/hr for labor, which is more expensive than many of the other area mechanics.
Pros:
They look over you entire vehicle inch by inch; so, if you don't want them to miss anything, they won't. Secondly, they do have a front end that handles customer service, however, they fail to actually explain the notes of the mechanic so that you feel you are making an informed decision - even after narrowed questioning, I got the same answer in different language telling me ""you need this fixed.""
CONS:
On the customer service side: You never speak to your own mechanic. They filter the communication through the front office; therefore, you never speak to the person actually working on your vehicle. I would have requested to do so if not for finding a better estimate (see, estimates below).
Estimates: WAY too much for labor, both the per hr. cost and hours total. They estimated 6 hrs. for a job that took only 2.5 at another shop I deferred to.
Their recommendations: They initially recommended, then required, I get my brake pads inspected ($45). I told them, I don't want an inspection, rather, just put new brake pads on as it had been at least five years since any new ones had been installed. They said that they first would need to do an inspection (regardless of my consent) which of course tacks on $45 for taking off the wheels, as one would have to do, to install new brake pads upon the consent of a car's owner. I felt, for everything I was getting NICKELED and DIMED. Long story short, however, I took my car to another mechanic who specializes in brakes and he said I have 45% left on my pads and to see him in the spring for a replacement, if need be.
In a nutshell: AAA tries to squeeze every drop of juice out of every lemon that walks into their repair shop. Don't go to AAA, and, if you have to, don't be a lemon.
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