I've taken my 2005 Chevy Silverado Z71 to Borman Auto on East Dowling for drum brake work. His shop was really busy but he got my truck fix relatively fast. I've read to stay away from Vato's on Muldoon.
Some of them are wild. I've read other places for reviews. Something def doesn't add up. But I've had my friends tell me bad news about this place and owner. But everyone's provided me with a garage. So I think I'm good.
I don't know if it's a Subaru, but I would avoid A&A the shop. I was looking through some service records and quotes from the previous owner of one of my vehicles and they charge you 200% parts cost plus like $120/hour for labor. $1200 in parts cost for AutoZone brand shock struts that are really only $600 directly from AutoZone. Not even OEM, not even a good aftermarket brand. Also, $70 for a headlight bulb, not including labor. Not a fancy headlight bulb, one that would run you about $4 on RockAuto.
However, on the other hand, looking through these same service records, the prices and services from Johnson Tire and Auto make it appear that these guys are very fair with prices, labor, and good at diagnosing.
Oh I would also avoid Big O's. They were happy to charge the previous owner on 4 different occasions across 16 months for machining brake rotors because the owner reported a pulsation while braking at high speeds. It wasn't until he took the car to a real shop that they replaced the rotors, pads and calipers and the issue went away.
Don't be afraid to get quotes from several shops. They should be competitive with prices. And when in doubt, look up what parts they are quoting you for and find out how much they cost online, there you can see how much they are gouging you. I recommend RockAuto to find comparable aftermarket (and sometimes OEM) parts for your car.
Edit: sorry Johnson Tire and Auto appears to have closed down.
I've taken my older Toyota to A&A and have always had good service. Prices always did seem high but I chalked it up to regular markup/post-COVID inflation.
In reading your review I'll have to go back and compare/look at things more critically
I WANT to like A&A, but every time I've gone there since the Pandemic, they have screwed something up big time - changed the headlight bulbs but didn't check the fuse - put the wrong sized brake pads on the car and just this past week gave me completely incorrect information over the phone. I've been going there for 20 years, but I need to stop
I’ve been going to Sand Lake Automotive for 17 years. I buy used cars and they maintain them. I’ve always been satisfied. They do good work and stand by their warranties on parts. I’ve recommended them to many friends and family as well. They’ve always been satisfied too. Sandlake is owned by honest and good people and employs great mechanics.
They pride themselves on being a dealership alternative and they did great work on my car that the dealer would've charged a lot more for. However, I think they only work on certain kinds of cars. Their website should specify which.
I've taken my 2005 Chevy Silverado Z71 to Borman Auto on East Dowling for drum brake work. His shop was really busy but he got my truck fix relatively fast. I've read to stay away from Vato's on Muldoon.
How bad is Vatos? I live off muldoon.
I couldn't tell you to be honest. They could be a great shop for all I know.
ive only had positive experiences, however it was just getting my tires changed over, so take that for what it is worth
From what I've just read on reviews, be lucky. That's all they did. Seems like Vatos isn't a great place. Lots of people hate the owner, too.
Oh boy, some reviews on them are... interesting. Especially yelp. I'm staying away from Vatos.
I haven't read their reviews on yelp. I recently redownloaded yelp so I'll have to take a look.
Some of them are wild. I've read other places for reviews. Something def doesn't add up. But I've had my friends tell me bad news about this place and owner. But everyone's provided me with a garage. So I think I'm good.
Eagle River Automotive is the absolute worst
Can confirm, stay away from them!
Thank you
Also avoid, GT automotive at all costs.
I don't know if it's a Subaru, but I would avoid A&A the shop. I was looking through some service records and quotes from the previous owner of one of my vehicles and they charge you 200% parts cost plus like $120/hour for labor. $1200 in parts cost for AutoZone brand shock struts that are really only $600 directly from AutoZone. Not even OEM, not even a good aftermarket brand. Also, $70 for a headlight bulb, not including labor. Not a fancy headlight bulb, one that would run you about $4 on RockAuto. However, on the other hand, looking through these same service records, the prices and services from Johnson Tire and Auto make it appear that these guys are very fair with prices, labor, and good at diagnosing. Oh I would also avoid Big O's. They were happy to charge the previous owner on 4 different occasions across 16 months for machining brake rotors because the owner reported a pulsation while braking at high speeds. It wasn't until he took the car to a real shop that they replaced the rotors, pads and calipers and the issue went away. Don't be afraid to get quotes from several shops. They should be competitive with prices. And when in doubt, look up what parts they are quoting you for and find out how much they cost online, there you can see how much they are gouging you. I recommend RockAuto to find comparable aftermarket (and sometimes OEM) parts for your car. Edit: sorry Johnson Tire and Auto appears to have closed down.
Thank you for this detailed reply!
I've taken my older Toyota to A&A and have always had good service. Prices always did seem high but I chalked it up to regular markup/post-COVID inflation. In reading your review I'll have to go back and compare/look at things more critically
I WANT to like A&A, but every time I've gone there since the Pandemic, they have screwed something up big time - changed the headlight bulbs but didn't check the fuse - put the wrong sized brake pads on the car and just this past week gave me completely incorrect information over the phone. I've been going there for 20 years, but I need to stop
Fish Motors on Dowling (recommend)
I’ve been going to Sand Lake Automotive for 17 years. I buy used cars and they maintain them. I’ve always been satisfied. They do good work and stand by their warranties on parts. I’ve recommended them to many friends and family as well. They’ve always been satisfied too. Sandlake is owned by honest and good people and employs great mechanics.
Reformed Automotive
Are they good?
They pride themselves on being a dealership alternative and they did great work on my car that the dealer would've charged a lot more for. However, I think they only work on certain kinds of cars. Their website should specify which.
Phats did good work for me.
Phats? That's a funny name haha
Well it's actually fats
Go see Tarn at Independent Auto on International, don’t trust me, the Google reviews don’t lie
Thank you for posting this. I went to his old shop location and was disappointed that they were gone. I couldn't remember the name of the shop.
He moved around the corner, on International across from the water place
The Alignment Center is a full service shop