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Laura H.
Hometown:
Bridgeview, IL, 60455
InsiderRank: 15,183
First Reviews: 5
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AutoZone
Since AutoZone opened its doors in Bridgeview I have no need to visit any other autoparts store. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. They recognize frequent customers and I always get service with a smile. They take the time to explain things in detail which is helpful to car challenged people like myself. If there is a problem they make sure they correct it to the customers satisfaction, within reason. I have yet to be displeased with the service I receive and they have fair pricing.
PROS: helpful and knowledgeable staff with good pricing
CONS: not all parts stocked
Aamco Transmissions
My transmission had been acting up and finally went out not too far from home while exiting an expressway. I managed to make it home and after much consideration, I called Aamoco.
They were polite and made me feel as if I had made the right decision and I did regarding my transmission. They did the work quickly and fairly priced and it came with a good warranty. I then noticed a television ad from Amaco regarding them branching out into the field of engines. Since my "check engine" light was on I took it in to them after making an appointment. I was then told I need to bring the car back for further evaluation which I did. They had my car for 6 hours. When I called to see what was up, I was told I had a bad coil pack. Upon further discussion it turned out the mechanic had an abandoned vehicle in the back that was the same year and model as my vehicle. He was removiing new parts from my car and replacing them with parts from this abandoned car to find the problem. They then said it would cost about $800 for a new coil pack and have it installed. Plus I owed $389 for the work that had already been done.I hit the roof. I called Auto Zone to see how much they were, and read my cars manual to see how difficult replacement would be to replace. For less than 1/4 the price they quoted I bought a new coil pack and my son and husband installed it in less than 45 minutes. This was also the first time either of them had done this. I also refused to pay for work done by switching out my new parts and putting in used parts from an abandoned vehicle and the fee was waived. The were polite while dealing with me while I was upset. I requested my new parts back and received them.
PROS: friendly staff and very knowledgeable about transmissions
CONS: in the dark regarding motor work
Mechanics Unlimited
I have been a customer of Mechanics Unlimited for close to 30 years. It is owner operated and Bill the owner is as friendly and personable as they come. His work is affordable and at times he will not charge loyal customers for simple things like topping off fluids or a new radiator cap. But lately his work is not up to the standards they should be. I purchased a new motor or what I thought was a new motor in November of 2003. Shortly after the check engine light came on but was told it was no big deal. Well it is because I cannot pass emissions with the check engine light on. I then figured I had a 2 year warranty like my last motor I bought from him only to discover that he bought it at a junk yard with a 90 day warranty. When I spoke to Bill regarding this he went silent, paused, then stated that I didn't want to spend the money. Money was not the issue, a new motor was. I always recommended people to his shop because of his personality and affordability but can no longer do so in good conscience.I feel betrayed and cannot take my business to him regarding large issues with my vehicle since he was deceptive.
PROS: Friendly and affordable
CONS: Unreliable work
Murray's Discount Auto Store
I was told I needed a new computer for my car. I went to Murray's and they told me it needed to be orderd and it would take 3 days to get and that they would price match the quote I got from Auto Zone. Since they would be 2 days quicker than Auto Zone I ordered the part from Murray's. After 4 days I called and the part still was not in. I called again on Wednesday and they said the truck broke down and it would be in tomorrow, thursday. I started to panic since I neede the part in my car before friday so I could drive 3 hours on Saturday to take my son to school. I called the headquarters in Michigan and they sent another out by priorityand offered me a 20% discount on the part for the wait. Needless to say when the part came in on Sunday it was too late. I had to rent a car at great expense in order to get my son to school on time. The rental was $180 and I felt Murray's ahould have split this cost with me at a minimum but my calls went unanswered. When I did finally go to get the part the employee was lacking in skills. I had to wait 20 minutes for them to find the part and then I needed to request my receipt multiple times.
PROS: some pleasant employees
CONS: They do not stand behind order arrival dates quoted
Hawkinson Ford Company
I had a problem passing an emmissions test due to cylinder 4 misfire. After replacing numerous parts I decided to take it to my Ford dealer. After paying $102 for a diagnostic, I was told it was due to a bad computer. They wanted $350 for a part and a minimum of $102 for labor. I opted to do it myself for $140 and 20 minutes of my sons time for labor. The problem still was not fixed. The then tried to charge another $103 for programming of an already programmed part. They then said it was the wiring to the computer. Another $300 later for new wiring and the problem is still not fixed. They are now saying I have a problem with a lower gasket which they can fix for an additional $500+ or something with my radiator leaking into the motor but I have no problems with my vehicle except for cylinder #4 which they said is working fine. I asked to be reimbursed for my expenses related to their diagnosos but they have refused except for not charging me a proframming fee after I told them it was a preprogrammed part.
PROS: Clean service area and polite personnel
CONS: More expensive than a regular mechanic with no guarantee