I actually found Gil and Dauntless Transmissions through the CitySearch recommendations about 3 years ago (when my husband and I moved to Raleigh).
I always get stressed looking for a new mechanic because I have been BURNED so many times. Plus, 'mechanics' nowadays can't do anything until they plug in the computer for a diagnostic because they can't diagnose a car. (I mean, yes, the computer is helpful but I also want an old school mechanic who can ferret out potential time bombs based on a shimmy and a description of noises. Which - by the way - they totally do.)
I simply can't say ENOUGH about Gil and his son, Max. They are straight up GOOD PEOPLE and have been invaluable to me. I know they aren't milking me for all I'm worth, I know that their work is always high quality, and I know that I can trust them.
They are also super flexible schedule-wise.
Unfortunately I know that some people will read this and think that Dauntless can be steamrolled into bending themselves into a little pretzel and cutting the price of their work. If that's you, then STAY AWAY.
They deserve the absolute BEST customers; people who truly appreciate what an asset a great mechanic can be, who know that they'll spend less money in the long run, and who value relationships with people they can trust.
As a woman it has been EXASPERATING finding mechanics I can trust who don't automatically think I am just some stupid person with a credit card for their enrichment. Gil and Max always talk to BOTH me and my husband whenever we are in there and NEVER make me feel ignorant or stupid. Also, they take the time to explain what's going on and why whatever-it-is is happening.
Frankly, I absolutely love these guys and I'm heartbroken I bought a new car that they can't work on. (Saab) The work that they did on my Taurus was absolutely exceptional.
I'm a little sad that their name is Dauntless Transmissions because they are such PHENOMENAL all-around mechanics. Don't get me wrong - they are insanely knowledgeable transmission people - but they are also just insanely knowledgeable car people.
Anyway, if you ever want more information on how AWESOME Dauntless is, feel absolutely free to email me at hayden [dot] tompkins [at] gmail [dot] com.
(If you can't tell, I feel very passionate about Dauntless and giving them a review is the only reason I set up an account on CitySearch in the first place.)
Pros: beyond honest, totally upfront, insanely helpful, good peopl
Cons: a little far from where I live (but totally worth the drive)
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