[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by chuckinca

Seems like half the time the check engine light comes on it is a gas cap issue. Just tightening the cap normally doesn't fix the alert light - it has to be reset which can cost up to around $100 (but should be near $20).


.

I think they charged me about $30, which I thought was reasonable.

[CarGuys]

Find a Napa Auto Care.

Have a conversation with the owner. Not the service writer. Ask how they are going to maintain your car.

Look for AAA recommended awards. Looks for ASE certified techs. Ask if his techs are paid on commission or salary.


I detest chain stores for the very reason you have stated.

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

True true. A place like Advance Discount Auto Parts will hook a code reader up to check what the specific code(s) is/are for free (at least they do in OH!). But they're not supposed to clear it - just display it, I believe. Maybe you'd get lucky and find someone who would hit the other button to clear it!

Frankly, before paying $100 to have someone clear it, check around - you can buy a cheapie code reader/scanner for way less than that. Search for "OBD-II scanner" - you'll get tons of hits. Amazon and eBay are a couple of good places to look.

Bill

And a code is a code not always the problem. What caused the code? That is what you are charged for. I don't know how many o2 sensors changed because of a exhaust leak.

Advanced got in trouble for clearing codes. If after three drive cycles the light does not go off you got a problem.

Other day I was filled by full serve gas . Three starts later bam a light on. Got out tightened the gas cap three drive cycles later light off.

[thekeithfan]

Originally Posted by JohnN

Well, I've been to Tire Choice (Hwy 441-Spanish Springs) twice, looking for a good place for tires and service. I won't be back.

First time, I buy the tires, and the manager tells me that my struts are really bad and it's $1,500. Car was running noisy, so I research it and a couple days later bring it back and tell him it's a wheel bearing.

He says that's unlikely because his crew would have caught it, but he'll take a look. By damned, it's a wheel bearing. I don't mind the $450 for that one, but I diagnosed it.

Then, I bring the car in for an oil change (no thanks again, I don't want your near worthless charge card). Now the same manager takes me under the car.
I asked if he remembered me, he says yeah.

So........ He says my power steering fluid is leaking and that my rack-and-pinion needs to be replaced immediately, $1,500. Ah, ok, how do you think my struts look?? He says.. the struts look OK!?!?!?!?!

So now, I'll think on the rack&pinion. I go to Advance Auto Parts, buy a $10 bottle of power steering fluid with stop leak, add about 4 ounces (4 ounces!!)
and voila.. it's been steady for a couple of months now.

I really don't like it when the world is ending every time I bring my car in for an oil change. And if it is, I'd appreciate someone being honest and say.. hey, try a $10 bottle of stop leak before replacing a system.

Where's a good place to go?

Don't even tell me you spent $1950 there! That's almost criminal! You have to take your car anyplace else for an oil change. Try Walmart cheap, professional and they don't have anything else to "sell" you. and I'll bet you my GMC diesel truck you didn't need struts!

[thekeithfan]

Originally Posted by deano_hoosier

Not my choice either. Took my 11 year old Odyssey in for oil change and tire leak check last July. They did the oil change and had them check the brakes... but then they found other stuff that ought to be done. Quite a list. I did none of those, but compared their brake fix price and found a much better deal and had brakes done at other location.

So in December I take the same van back in to have leak in front tires fixed. They found the problem and fixed it, but then wanted to sell me nitrogen air fill in all tires... Then they wanted to know if I got my brakes fixed. Said I did and the service manager went off on me about why I didn't get it done there. Price I said. He went on about I should have come back with the other quote. "Why, I said, don't you give me your best deal on the front end?" He muttered something about a lot of things are negotiable. Then started on needing a alignment. It's free he said and your tires show a little uneven wear. "Hey", I said "only drive this van about 500 miles a year so why would I worry about a little uneven tire wear."

I'm done with that place, too.

Good point! I went in for new tires and this tire shop in CT tried to sell me a front end alignment he said my tires wouldn't have worn out so quick. I started laughing at him and said there is 90,000 miles on those tires! What I would have got 150,000 out of them if I had aligned it!!! ha ha ha...

[Deerfly]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

Quality Tire & Repair

great workmanship, price has never been beat and best of all - honesty!

the yard is near the corner of routes 466 and 441 on the right hand side of466 before you get to 441. don't be put off by the number of cars in the yard - they are that good - and they are an area best kept secret!

best to go in person since they are ofter too busy to answer their phone!

they were recommended by the folks who recommended the villages to us - and we can see how that worked out!

They are the best. Very honest and very resonable.
Bigger places are notorius for finding other things to fix. These guys only fix things that are broken. There is a good reason why they are always busy.