Hawks Prairie Automotive

I called Hawk's Prairie Automotive for towing. They told me they could not do it, but would find someone to help me out and would call me back. I suggested that I could sign the title over to whoever towed it and just let them have it for scrap metal. I never got a call back. The next day was Thanksgiving, so I still could not find anyone to help me tow the car.

On the day after Thanksgiving a friend reported that my car was gone. Mystified, I called the state patrol impound lot, but it wasn't there. I reported it stolen, but somehow the officers did not tell me that I needed to come down to the station and file a report. I've never had my car go missing before, so I didn't know. Anyway, I mentally gave my car up for lost and didn't think about it again until a month later when my friend found my car on Craig's List! It's a distinctive car.

Anyway, I went through all the paperwork to file a report, set up an appointment to meet the guy (I had no idea who it was) and look at the car, like I was interested in buying it. I told the police where and when the meeting was set for and they went instead of me, then called me.
The car was parked in a private yard, but the police officer was very rude to me. He told me that this man was an established business owner, and that Hawk's Prairie Towing had been an established local business for many years. He told me that in his opinion this was a business transaction gone wrong and there would be no charges filed. When I tried to explain, the officer said Ma'am, if you keep talking, I am going to get into my car and drive away. He also suggested that I pay for the repairs that the guy claimed to have made.

The title was still in my name, everything in the car was exactly as I left it. All the guy had to do was call me and I would have signed the title over to him, but instead he had to try to take it and sell it illegally. I was really miffed and drove the car away. What makes me mad is that if a crime had been committed or any fines invoked with the car while the title was in my name, it would have been my responsibility. I'm not sure how he was planning on selling the car with my name on the title.

This is really sketchy business practice and based on this experience I would never recommend this business to anyone.

On the upside, I think he really did fix the car because it runs great now.

Posted 04/16/09 | Report Abuse

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I have had nothing but great experience with HPA. They are very friendly,knowledgeable and down to earth they don't talk above you which is something my wife appreciates. I've taken all my vehicles there and they have never done me wrong I would recommend them to anyone.

Posted 03/27/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I took my car in for a clutch replacement. I got it back with a broken speedometer sensor, O2 sensor, and alternator. On top of this the clutch was installed wrong and needed replacing after one week. All of this was verified by a different shop. They took no responsibility for the damage done, and were rude about the entire ordeal. If you are thinking of taking your car there, think again. It's worth paying slightly more at a different shop to get the job done right.

Posted 03/02/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I have had all my vehicles serviced there since I've been able to drive. I was recommended to them by my parents, who are very picky service oriented people. I did have one problem but they were very fast to repair the situation and very nice about it. I had an exhaust leak about 6 months after they had installed a new muffler and took care of fixing it the same day I called. They have always made me feel comfortable. They explain everything I need and give me the price and the option first before doing anything. So I recommend them to my friends and any one who asks!

Posted 12/01/08 | Report Abuse

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I took my car there in June and they replaced the Catalytic converter. October came around and it was having problems again. We took it back to them because the part was under warranty. They told us that we would have to pay the $100.00 for them to look at it and then pay again for the labor IF it was the Catalytic converter again. They then told us that the engine was pretty much shot. We would have to replace all the oil gaskets, oil pump, timing belt (which was done less than a year and a half ago) along with the Catalytic converter, AGAIN. The employee told us that he knew someone who could take it off our hands since there was a lot of work to do. ($1500.00) When we went to pick up the car and take it somewhere else we were charged $107.00 for the shotty diagnosis and told that we would be lucky to sell it for $1000.00. (It is a Honda Accord and it is running). When we took it to the other mechanic we found out that Hawks Prairie had cleared the computer out so no one else was able to read what was wrong. Since then we have learned of other stories of people being ripped off. Another lady was told that she could just hand over her title and Hawks Prairie would "take it off her hands". All her car needed was a $65.00 part and was good as new. We will never go back.

Posted 10/21/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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On my way to a family function my 97 Jeep Wrangler broke down. It was on a Friday afternoon, they still managed to get me in, even though I could tell they were already very busy. The staff was extremely friendly, and the service was wonderful. Prices were reasonable. They didn't treat me like I was a stupid girl - I felt very comfortable with them. They took the time to take me out to show me what was the problem. Thanks guys! Even though I live about a hour away - I will bring my baby back to you!

Posted 03/12/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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My daughter recently started driving and thought she smelled gas. Being worried she stopped at the closest place around and asked them to look at it. She said she smelled gas and after a few minutes they ran over an estimate of $400 to fix what they said was an OBVIOUS fuel leak. They also said she'd have to leave the car there and said it would blow up if she drove it. She panicked and called me to come get her. I got there and looked at the est. and went in to talk to the guy and asked if the gas smell was just from the gas can in her trunk?????? Hmm. He was rude and I said it was wrong to panic a 16 new driver. Well he took the estimate from me and never gave it back. Hmmm, makes me wonder just how dishonest these people are. I haven't smelled gas again, since I removed the can from her trunk. BEWARE of this place.

Posted 01/09/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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i was travelling south from Seattle on a long trip around the country and noticed a noise from my car. i got to the nearest gas station and asked where i should go !? the locals said they take they're car to these guys down the street. off i went a few miles down the road to this garage. they were very busy at the later part of a day, and said under the circumstances they would do all they could to get me back on the road. the noise i heard was my brakes, i could drive further but i really shouldn't. my parts weren't coming for a few hours, they made arrangements to take me to the movie theatre ( to help pass the time). when the end of the day came, they came and picked me up. unfortunately some of the parts did not arrive on time, so get this... the gentleman called and found a hotel for me to stay in and then took me there, as well as pick me up when the car was finished the next morning. i really don't enjoy spending money on my car, or unexpected surprises, however the way these people helped me , and conducted themselves was a "pleasant surprise" thanks to the good Samaritans that were by the road and were willing to help.

Posted 10/25/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I broke down on I-5 and they took care of everything. I didn't even have to call a tow truck they took care of that for me. They called me with an estimate within a couple hours and had me back on the road the same day. I checked prices from a couple other shops and the price was fair. I tell all my friends and family about them. I would defiantly use them again.

Posted 10/25/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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On my way back to Canada, I had the misfortune of needing a transmission rebuild. I had it towed to Hawks Prairie because they sounded fair over the phone. When I picked it up, the price had gone up almost 40% from what they quoted and they took an extra day to finish it.
They charged me more than twice as much as I paid recently to have the same kind of transmission rebuilt here in Canada. When I picked it up, I had more bad luck, the water pump was leaking. They quoted me over $900. and an extra day to replace the water pump. I hobbled it home (filling it with water every 30 miles), bought a pump for $89.95 and installed it in a few hours. To make matters worse, the speedometer was erratic (loose wire) and before I got home, there was no park or reverse, all I had was drive. Thankfully I was able to fix that problem fairly quickly, the shifter linkage had fallen off because they installed the clip incorrectly. Some of the extra cost was to ensure that the warranty would be valid, but the warranty paperwork specifically excluded transmissions.

Posted 07/22/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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when shopping for breaks and repair items this is a good place to shop, the location makes it easy to stop in and get home quickly. The staff is friendly and makes finding parts easy. If you are having repair work done and the car will be there for a long period of time they also offer a ride. This makes it easy to drop off your vehicle and not be stranded.

PROS: Easy to find, good parking, friendly staff
CONS: none

Posted 10/30/05 | Report Abuse

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I have had my ranger truck serviced several times with lube and oil jobs. Its` a newer truck and i have them do the oil service every other time between dealer servicing. I have found them very good. I wait for my truck and they have been timely and inexpensive. I always check my oil levels each time after servicing and they do nit short you on oil as ive had done at some places. I f you watch you can get discount service coupons. Highly recommend them.

PROS: Fast Service Good prices
CONS: Outside of Lacey area so a little out of the way.

Posted 10/27/05 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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The two times I have taken my car to Hawk's Prairie Automotive ended up being very stressful for me. The first incidence was waiting for 4 1/2 hrs. while they replaced a tiny gasket on top of the engine. It took them about 2 minutes to get it off and then 4 hrs. till they decided to put a new one back on. I could have done this one myself, which I should have. I went up to the counter after about 2 hrs. and offered to put the gasket on myself. They said I coul'dnt and that they were busy. Busy! Mechanics were just standing around smoking! I was fuming. Then idiot me decided to take my car in again because it died on me on the road so I had to have it towed to the nearest garage. They quoted me over $400.00 to have a new fuel pump and fuel filter installed. Before they did the job I called another garage and they quoted me $200.00. When I called them back and told them this they said they'd lower the price to $300.00. I would have had to pay to have it towed gain to the other garage so I just had the work done at Hawks Prairie Automotive anyway. But it will be my last time ever. Beware of this place!

Posted 06/02/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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