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Trustworthy Mechanics!!

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Started 5 months ago by robotatomica
Latest reply from Twixlen

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robotatomica

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I've finally found a shop I can trust, that I wanna recommend for being that rare gem. And knowing how hard it is to find such a place, I wanted to throw it out there for others...maybe encourage a little extra business to them around the holidays :D

Mr. Tire on Reed and Henderson. To keep it simple, what won me over was a quote $300 less than SEVERAL other shops that I called.

When I called Mr. Tire, they automatically broke down the estimate, explained how removing one thing allowed access to another, which meant he would only charge me labor on one of the 3 things being replaced, and the whole process just felt very straightforward and honest.

Most recently I had some maintenance work done by them and they found a leaky something-or-other (which they fully explained to me, but which I, in my ignorance have not retained haha). I asked if I could ride on it a couple weeks until I had the dough and they said sure and gave me a quote. Today I got a voicemail in reference to my repair, thanking me for my business and offerring to do the work I needed at a SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT if I could bring my car in in the next day or two because they've been light on business this week. !!

I'm not saying they're just offering discounts this week because I don't think that's the case, but I am saying that this is the kind of place someone wants to build a relationship with...they focus on encouraging loyalty to bring in the money rather than nickeling/diming and convoluting. When you bring them business, they treat you with respect and are exceptionally fair. Not to mention they're all great guys, very laid back, knowledgeable and sincere.

Anyway, I'd say go if you're looking for a place to depend on where there will be no mysteries and a very thoughtful approach to the way business is run. Before I started going to that Mr. Tire, I got taken for a sucker practically every time I had an issue with a car.

Posted 5 months ago #
cheap
Westgate
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that's a slick little game shops play when they call with a lower quote.

stay the hell away from RJ Wheels on Bethel rd.

Posted 5 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
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I just pay a little more money and use Firestone.
They use quality parts, warranty their stuff with no questions, and have always done a great job.
After too many bad experiences in this town, and remanufactured parts, thats what I landed on...
Back home in Youngstown, there are enough small shops that are great and low cost to almost make me miss it... not to mention plenty of mechanic buddies that are ready and willing to lend a hand.
But, my older self is tired of climbing under things to wrench on 'em.
Part of the reason I got a motorcycle license...

Posted 5 months ago #
Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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I'm usually suspicious of chain repair shops *coughmidascough*, but glad to hear there is a good one.

Posted 5 months ago #
SusanB
Hungarian Village, Columbus' fastest growing Gayborhood!
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The hubby works for Specialty Sports Car, which is Euro only, but honest and surprisingly affordable. Downtown too.

Posted 5 months ago #
CooperGuy

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robotatomica said:
I've finally found a shop I can trust, that I wanna recommend for being that rare gem. And knowing how hard it is to find such a place, I wanted to throw it out there for others...maybe encourage a little extra business to them around the holidays :D

Mr. Tire on Reed and Henderson. To keep it simple, what won me over was a quote $300 less than SEVERAL other shops that I called.

When I called Mr. Tire, they automatically broke down the estimate, explained how removing one thing allowed access to another, which meant he would only charge me labor on one of the 3 things being replaced, and the whole process just felt very straightforward and honest.

Most recently I had some maintenance work done by them and they found a leaky something-or-other (which they fully explained to me, but which I, in my ignorance have not retained haha). I asked if I could ride on it a couple weeks until I had the dough and they said sure and gave me a quote. Today I got a voicemail in reference to my repair, thanking me for my business and offerring to do the work I needed at a SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT if I could bring my car in in the next day or two because they've been light on business this week. !!

I'm not saying they're just offering discounts this week because I don't think that's the case, but I am saying that this is the kind of place someone wants to build a relationship with...they focus on encouraging loyalty to bring in the money rather than nickeling/diming and convoluting. When you bring them business, they treat you with respect and are exceptionally fair. Not to mention they're all great guys, very laid back, knowledgeable and sincere.

Anyway, I'd say go if you're looking for a place to depend on where there will be no mysteries and a very thoughtful approach to the way business is run. Before I started going to that Mr. Tire, I got taken for a sucker practically every time I had an issue with a car.

I've been around the car repair business for many years and am associated with a local, independent repair shop. It's great when a car owner finds a shop that has earned their confidence and trust - congrats on your find. (just curious, it sounds like your first issue was possibly a timing belt/water pump replacement or serpentine belt(s)/pulleys/tensioners replacement. Am I close?)

That said, the shop I'm associated with is a little wary of providing over the phone quotes for mechanical repair - especially something that requires the removal / replacement of multiple parts. When quoting something over the phone most experienced shops realize there is a host of unknowns, and will protect them selves by phone quoting the job on the high end. IMO the best shops will offer to examine the car first and provide a repair quote at no charge. That situation is best for both the shop and car owner. Our shop follows that practice and it's been around for 25 years with a very loyal following and strong reputation. There are other shops that follow the same practice.

Like I said congrats on your find and I hope it works out well for you. However, I would suggest that folks be wary of any shop that low balls a repair job, site unseen, or that would quote something and then offer the same job later at a significant discount just to fill the schedule - does that mean they overcharge you when the schedule is full?

Posted 5 months ago #
cheap
Westgate
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CooperGuy said:
However, I would suggest that folks be wary of any shop that low balls a repair job, site unseen, or that would quote something and then offer the same job later at a significant discount just to fill the schedule - does that mean they overcharge you when the schedule is full?

+1

Posted 5 months ago #
murfmurphy
Westgate
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CooperGuy said:
I've been around the car repair business for many years and am associated with a local, independent repair shop. It's great when a car owner finds a shop that has earned their confidence and trust - congrats on your find. (just curious, it sounds like your first issue was possibly a timing belt/water pump replacement or serpentine belt(s)/pulleys/tensioners replacement. Am I close?)

That said, the shop I'm associated with is a little wary of providing over the phone quotes for mechanical repair - especially something that requires the removal / replacement of multiple parts. When quoting something over the phone most experienced shops realize there is a host of unknowns, and will protect them selves by phone quoting the job on the high end. IMO the best shops will offer to examine the car first and provide a repair quote at no charge. That situation is best for both the shop and car owner. Our shop follows that practice and it's been around for 25 years with a very loyal following and strong reputation. There are other shops that follow the same practice.

Like I said congrats on your find and I hope it works out well for you. However, I would suggest that folks be wary of any shop that low balls a repair job, site unseen, or that would quote something and then offer the same job later at a significant discount just to fill the schedule - does that mean they overcharge you when the schedule is full?

I don't know if I would necessarily call it overcharging for repairs when they are busy. I think it's simple supply and demand. They have set prices for most repairs all of the time, which generally can be on the high side. However, this time of year is dreadfully slow in terms of people getting their cars repaired. Most shops know this, and since this sounds like a larger business, as opposed to a smaller shop, and so as a way to at least get some business in the door they may be willing to cut prices. Since most places pay techinicians per job, and not a flat hourly rate, this would get them the opportunity to get paid as well.

Posted 5 months ago #
Coy
Discovery District
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SusanB said:
The hubby works for Specialty Sports Car, which is Euro only, but honest and surprisingly affordable. Downtown too.

+1 on that....they are right on my street and everyone should walk by once just to drool through the glass at the choice rides they work on....

Think it's an old firestation, too, right?
Awesome building.

Posted 5 months ago #
Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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+2 for Firestone... I go to the one on W Broad, after they earned my undying devotion by helping me out, after hours, with the flat tire I rolled in on right at closing time (I didn't realize they were closing). I've since gotten tires, had brakes replaced, and some other stuff done with them and have been satisfied with all of it. I never feel gouged.

Posted 5 months ago #