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Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive
Try Sumter Tire and Auto in Wildwood. Down-to-earth, no-nonsense folks who definitely know their stuff. Noisy and not overly clean, but it is an auto repair shop after all. They don't take appointments. First come, first served. They do a lot of business though so it would behoove anyone going there do do so early in the day.
Trustworthy? Our first experience was when one morning the Rav4 wouldn't start. Battery just about dead as a doornail...enough to run the interior lights but that's all. I was watching a friend's farm at the time so couldn't leave, but got it started and told my wife to take it to Sumter Tire and Auto and have them check it out, then call me and let me know what it needs. And do NOT turn it off enroute. She did. It needed a new battery.
How this indicates trust is that my wife, aside from being a woman (obviously) is also a minority. SE Asian. They could have told her anything; a charging system failure somewhere along the line, who knows what else besides a battery. The battery failed a load test but the charging system was putting out adequate amperage to keep the battery charged up. They installed a new battery; no charge for the installation, and sent her on her way.
We've since been back a couple of other times for routine maintenance and continue to be satisfied. They've been fair with us, and from that I assume others as well.
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A "modern," car is a computer, actually several computers on wheels. We also had a battery fail. My car completely locked up with all kinds of strange signals, even low tire pressure. Car would not even run the starter. Cost me $100 to have it towed to the shop, Wildwood Tire. Truth I was expecting a huge bill. They diagnosed and put in a new battery. It is the HEAT. Previous battery lasted 7 years up north. I replaced it, had it replaced, because I figured in was past due. Perhaps, it is wise to replace the battery every two years. Far cheaper than cost of a tow and a battery.