the Cost of General Auto Repair

I was having a problem with low coolant. My light was coming on about 100 miles after I would fill the level full, and I was having an acceleration issue. I was told the two issues were related. The intake gasket was replaced, the engine was cleaned out, an oil change was done, and several other maintenance items were checked as it related to the gasket being replaced.

I was thrilled with the service I received. First of all, I took my vehicle to a small auto repair shop here in town that is always filled with more cars than it seems it could keep up with. Now I know why. Secondly, this was the third place I took my car to get an estimate. It was the lowest of the three. Thirdly, I was told it would be $350.00 to replace the gasket. All of the other maintenance that was performed was done at no extra charge. Finally, I told him that I was prepared to get a tune up if need be. He said I did not need one. The honesty and hard work of this auto shop made me a customer for life.

I have taken my car (this one and another before it) to a chain auto repair shop for nearly 13 years. I have always trusted the quotes and maintenance I have gotten there. Unfortunately, for this repair, they gave me an estimate almost THREE times what I ended up paying to have my car fixed. They also told me they did not know for sure if their work would fix the problem. (They knew it was the intake gasket, so it was indeed, comparing apples with apples). I decided this time to take my vehicle to a small, independent auto shop, and I am sure glad I did. This has taught me that bigger is not always better, and just because you think you can trust someone, you should always get more than one opinion if you are planning on spending more than $100.00. Instead of paying more than $1000.00, I got my car fixed for $350.00. Now, two months later, it is still running as good as new. Don't settle for the big boys just because they have a well-known name. Give a smaller shop a try. You will be glad you did. I AM!