Champlain Valley Auto

We originally used the services of Champlain Valley Auto for simple repairs and unfortunately decided to have a new transmission installed by them. About 7 months later we found that they had installed it improperly. Whereas with the original installation it took them 1 day to find a new transmission, when they had to replace it on their dime (it was under warranty) it took them 2 weeks to find one. We were told that once the transmission arrived it would be a 2 day process - 7 days later we finally got our car back. Our calls were not returned with any regularity, a loaner car was not offered or available when requested, and there was no sense of any responsibility. We all make mistakes but it it's how we deal with them that counts. They haven't done well all the away around. Go someplace else.

Posted 11/27/09 | Report Abuse

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I went to Champlain Valley Auto knowing that my car would pass inspection. They told me that I needed to get my shocks replaced because they were leaking. I needed to spend 250.00 dollars on something that was not necessary. They said they could have it done in an hour and I should not drive my car in the condition it was in. I took it straight to my normal mechanic and he inspected it no problem and said my shocks were in great condition. Glad I listened to my gut.

Glad I got out of there for only 15 dollars and change as well! Never again will I go in there.

Posted 11/26/09 | Report Abuse

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I saw the other reviews. Maybe those with bad experiences are more motivated to write reviews. I have been a customer for several years. Overall good experiences - they have helped me out quite a few times, often at a moment's notice. I can't say that they have over-charged me --- as a repeat customer, they have given me some good deals.

Posted 10/29/09 | Report Abuse

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Terrible service, rude receptionist, and bad business practices. Wish I had time to write more, but I figure that will explain in a quick and succinct way how awful my experience was.

Posted 09/03/09 | Report Abuse

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I too also heard an advertisement on the radio for an inexpensive oil change and inspection. Similar to the other story here, I was told my car wouldn't pass inspection. I paid the inspection fee and immediatly drove my car 10 minutes down the road to the dealership for a second opinion. They put my car on the lift, checked it over, and alerted me to a few things that might need fixed this year, but happily passed my car, claiming everything was currently working up to the Vermont State Standards. When I showed them the receipt I had from CVA, they told me this wasn't the first time they've heard of this situation with this particular auto shop. As it turns out, what CVA claimed needed to be fixed wasn't even on the "might need to be fixed this year" list. I'm just happy I got out of CVA for only $15.00 and change!

My advice: Go somewhere else!

Posted 08/14/09 | Report Abuse

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I trust CVA for basics only. I went there once with a check engine light, told them that my car was a special edition so the engine was a little different than just the model. They tried to splice some wires to make the wrong O2 sensor work, then told me that I needed a new computer. They did change over my tires successfully and did do my front brakes for free as a comp (which have lasted the longest I've seen on this car). They did refund the cost of the computer but not the labor or any of the work for the wrong O2 sensor. I ended up having to spend more money at Burlington Subaru who did give me the wire pieces that were essentially mangled by CVA so I could bring them back there. This was in 2008.

I also brought my car in this year for an oil change and an inspection. They wouldn't inspect it and said that I needed $500 of work to get it to pass. I brought it somewhere else and they inspected it and recommended the work be done (I didn't tell them what CVA said) along with 2 other things for a grand total of $550. hmmmmm.

Trying again today - oil change and inspection on my husbands car. We'll see how that goes.

Posted 06/25/09 | Report Abuse

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I brought my car to Champlain Valley Automotive because I heard an ad on the radio claiming how great they were. They were supposed to replace the air conditioner compressor. The next day, my car wouldn't start, I could hear a belt squeaking that wasn't squeaking before and now not only did I STILL not have A/C, I didn't have any heat!! I called to have them fix the problems that were obviously a direct result of their "handy" work and they refuse to take responsibility!

Posted 03/12/09 | Report Abuse

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Champlain Valley Auto installed the wrong part number part in my car. I took it back there four times and they never caught the problem. The total bill was over $500. Finally, I gave up and went to Essex Automotive. They discovered Champlain Valley Auto's mistake. When I went back to Champlain Valley Auto, they refused to accept any blame even though a gave them the part. I didn't even get an apology, much less any refund.

Posted 06/26/08 | Report Abuse

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