Salem Boys Auto
About us
We can fix anything, except the crack of dawn and a broken heart. We will NEVER be one cent over our estimate! We are an ASE Blue Seal shop, BBB member and of our staff of 25, we have 10 ASE Master Technicians including Mark, our leader. So you can imagimne, it's kinda hard to BS the Boss when he is an ASE Master with an L-1 rating. If we are not the Best to find or fix your problem, we will refer you to another repair shops who is better than we are at addressing your problem. You will not pay for on-the-job-training here. See our website www.marksalem.com for details. Written by Mark Salem, owner president and top dog. ONLY when my wife Ranae & my daughter Andi allow me to say I am !
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
46 years of experience
Services we offer
Batteries, belts, brakes, cooling, filters, gaskets, hoses, ignition, lighting, motor oil, spark plugs, steering, tires & wipers.
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
5.029 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 93% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% |
Showing 1-25 of 29 reviews
Mark G.
Dec 2020
I trust them. The people are very friendly and I believe what they tell me. Not the cheapest, but I trust them.
Chad J.
Jan 2017
It was done withing a day. The left the vehicle spotless and they were professional. They are very fair and has with high-quality work.
Chad J.
Jan 2017
.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you very much . Mark Salem"
Chad J.
Jan 2017
They are very good.
Karen P.
Apr 2016
unknown
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you very much. Mark Salem"
Don C.
Jan 2016
unknown
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you for your very good grade. Mark Salem"
Michael H.
Aug 2015
.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you for taking the time to review your visit. Mark Salem"
Carl H.
Jun 2015
unknown
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you very much. Mark Salem"
Johanna W.
Sep 2014
unknown
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you for your comments, about 99% of our service success is really because of our outstanding staff."
Catherine M.
Jan 2014
My husband had his Maxima serviced. I believe it was a 145,000 miles check up. The car is 11 years old. He was pleased and had no complaints. We have used Salem Bros. twice. I could not find the bill so have no knowledge of the cost of service. I remember he thought it was a little high.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"I'm Ok with a discussion about our prices. There are more than 22 repair shops, dealers, independent shops and chain stores within a 2 mile radius of Salem Boys. The average labor rate is $116 and we are $112. The high is $138. Our average repair order has 2.2 hrs billed, so really a $5 difference in labor rate is about $10 IF both os us adhere to industry standards about using book time for those repairs that dictate book time. The other side of the labor charge is related to market pricing. No one can really replace your brakes using book time because that pricing structure would place you well above market pricing for brake repair."
Preston L.
Sep 2013
I've always been pleased with them in every way except price. General level of service and helpfulness has been great, but oil changes alone (as of a few years ago) were twice as high as I'd expect, and hourly labor to troubleshoot an intermittent electrical problem was painful. You tend to get what you pay for, but don't expect to leave with a small bill.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"All of the prices I am using now, are "out the door" pricing. We do not advertise an oil change for $19.95 then add $20 in fees, taxes, shop supplies and environmental charges. Salem Boys only pours a semi synthetic (s/s) premium oil and that oil change is $40. 17 shops near us have an average price for the same service of $46.25. The average full synthectic 5 qt oil change, from 18 shops close by, is $74.50 and we are $72.00. Trust me when I say everything we do is priced lower than the average of all of our neighboring repair shops and dealers."
Paul H.
Jul 2013
100% Satisfied
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"You're happy after a $1,500 repair? Well come on back! Of course I have a smile on my face, but THANK YOU for taking the time to review us. Mark Salem"
Tracy T.
May 2013
Polite service , knowledgeable, work done well as quickly as possible.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you very much for your kind words. Mark Salem"
Jeremy B.
Jan 2013
Great service and a very professional company.
I ran over a tire tread (an alligator) on the expressway on my way home from a vacation.
This bent up the under car shielding that prevents things from hitting
the engine and exhaust system.
I called and easily set up a time to drop off my car to have it inspected. They recommended the best time
(early morning) to have it looked at based on when they were busiest and
slowest. This was nice so that I wouldn't have to wait a long time or
not be seen right away.
I dropped of the car and walked to work (the location is perfect for me). From the road they only appear to be a
car wash but they really have a very nice waiting room. Probably the
nicest waiting room I have seen for a car service place.
The people at the counter were friendly and professional. They have a
shuttle service which is always a plus or car rental on site. They
quickly had me checked in and rather than wait I walked to work.
Shortly after being at work, they called with a quote of $180 for all of the
work and ran through the details. The fact that they quoted me a half
hour of labor was impressive as I knew the job would only take about
that and they didn't round up to the nearest hour. I gave them the go
ahead and by mid-day around 2pm the job was done and the total of the
repairs was only $140. Less than quoted!
I was very impressed by my first experience and I will be taking back in my other car with some
other repairs. I am super excited to have my other cars serviced by them
as I normally try and do some of the repairs myself but now living in
Phoenix, I found it hard to do with my limited garage space.
I ran over a tire tread (an alligator) on the expressway on my way home from a vacation.
This bent up the under car shielding that prevents things from hitting
the engine and exhaust system.
I called and easily set up a time to drop off my car to have it inspected. They recommended the best time
(early morning) to have it looked at based on when they were busiest and
slowest. This was nice so that I wouldn't have to wait a long time or
not be seen right away.
I dropped of the car and walked to work (the location is perfect for me). From the road they only appear to be a
car wash but they really have a very nice waiting room. Probably the
nicest waiting room I have seen for a car service place.
The people at the counter were friendly and professional. They have a
shuttle service which is always a plus or car rental on site. They
quickly had me checked in and rather than wait I walked to work.
Shortly after being at work, they called with a quote of $180 for all of the
work and ran through the details. The fact that they quoted me a half
hour of labor was impressive as I knew the job would only take about
that and they didn't round up to the nearest hour. I gave them the go
ahead and by mid-day around 2pm the job was done and the total of the
repairs was only $140. Less than quoted!
I was very impressed by my first experience and I will be taking back in my other car with some
other repairs. I am super excited to have my other cars serviced by them
as I normally try and do some of the repairs myself but now living in
Phoenix, I found it hard to do with my limited garage space.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"(Member name removed), I really needed to see your kind comments, last week was a bear! But today, I have a smile reminding me it's worth the effort. I must give credit to our fine staff and my kids because they are who you see and talk to. Thank you for taking the time to write and share such a nice comment. IF you ever need me, just ask for me, they hide me upstairs, but I am allowed to come down!"
Anne B.
Dec 2012
They were great! Clean shop. They give you parts that they take out back. They say its going to be done when it's done.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you Customer, you are very kind to us. Because I noticed the B in price, may I comment? In 2012, the average labor rate for more than 20 repair shops and dealer around me, was $103.98 an hr. We are at $104.00 an hour. And as you already know we will never be one cent over any estimate we give. We bid you $774 and your final bill was $766 and I am very proud of our staff for taking the time to bid the "out the door, final price". Thank you for taking the time to write this unsolicited review."
Teresa K.
May 2012
Returned car to me in one day. Parts are expensive for my car due to its age. They did all work as we discussed and were within their estimate.
As part of their overall inspection they noticed my rack and pinion that I had replaced six months earlier was installed incorrectly. I had heard some on and off noise from my right front tire area. Because they were thorough I now know it was because the rack and pinion was in wrong and causing the front right tire to come in contact with my car frame!
I will pay for good work and good parts. I have been searching for a good auto shop and think I may stay with Salem Boys now.
As part of their overall inspection they noticed my rack and pinion that I had replaced six months earlier was installed incorrectly. I had heard some on and off noise from my right front tire area. Because they were thorough I now know it was because the rack and pinion was in wrong and causing the front right tire to come in contact with my car frame!
I will pay for good work and good parts. I have been searching for a good auto shop and think I may stay with Salem Boys now.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you Member. In our 5 mile area, there are 22 other auto repair shops. Based on our Mar 2012 survey, the highest labor rate is at a dealer for $120 an hour and the lowest is a tire shop at $68 an hour. The average labor rate for all 22 shops is $103.98 and Salem Boys is at $104.00. We would like to think we are 2 cents better than the average bear! Anyone can ask to see a copy of that survey. In the event we ever let you down, me, my wife Ranae, my daughter Andi or my son Alan would be who you would ask for. Thank you for your kind unsolicited words."
John F.
Apr 2012
They just told me they found the problem and would like to double check. I was very pleased about that.
William E.
Mar 2012
Great! I called early AM, dropped off my vehicle within an hour and had a price quote within an hour, picked up the vehicle early afternoon.
Michael M.
Nov 2011
N/A
In addition to my 2 x Nissan Altimas they have also done a fair amount of work on my 1983 Datsun 280ZX. There has been a couple of times where they have not been able to easily find a spare part for the old 280ZX, but have and quot;machined upand quot; a spare and got the car going just fine.
I would say that they are not necessarily the cheapest garage around, but can be relied upon to give an honest quote and perform excellent quality work. I have never had any issues with any repairs and never have had to take the cars back. Better to have quality work done by skilled Technicians than pay a little less at some cowboy and be messed about.
The only time that I have not used them was for some specialized transmission work. My sons small Toyota Tacoma had a auto transmission problem . Their quote seemed a little high - so I took the vehicle to a specialized Transmission repair place (also recommended on Angie's list). I saved my self a couple hundred dollars, but the diagnosis of Salem Boys and the transmission garage was exactly the same. It was just that the warranty with the specialized Transmission place was longer. Other than this type of specialized work I would highly recommend them for all other auto work.
The service reps are all very knowledgeable and professional.
I would say that they are not necessarily the cheapest garage around, but can be relied upon to give an honest quote and perform excellent quality work. I have never had any issues with any repairs and never have had to take the cars back. Better to have quality work done by skilled Technicians than pay a little less at some cowboy and be messed about.
The only time that I have not used them was for some specialized transmission work. My sons small Toyota Tacoma had a auto transmission problem . Their quote seemed a little high - so I took the vehicle to a specialized Transmission repair place (also recommended on Angie's list). I saved my self a couple hundred dollars, but the diagnosis of Salem Boys and the transmission garage was exactly the same. It was just that the warranty with the specialized Transmission place was longer. Other than this type of specialized work I would highly recommend them for all other auto work.
The service reps are all very knowledgeable and professional.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you for your unsolicited comments. There are 22 shops in our area. The highest labor rate is $120.00 and the lowest is $93.00. The average labor rate is $103.97 and Salem Boys is at $100.00 an hour. The average oil change with a semi synthetic oil is $70.06 and we are at $66.94 out the door price. I offer this as an FYI, but many times we fix those others estimates for far less because 90% of our Techs are ASE Masters. Thanks for bringing this up....Mark"
Mildred T.
Jul 2011
I walked into the waiting area and it was top notch. They even had a jukebox. It was very nice and clean!
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you Member for your unsolicited response...Mark"
LEE R.
May 2011
Eveyrthing is fine. I use them all the time. They are a good group.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you for your kind words, I post them in the lunch room for the Techs who make all the rest of us look so smart! Mark Salem"
Julie Z.
Mar 2011
The end price was less than the quoted price.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"You will NEVER pay one cent over the number or estimate we give you, NEVER. It has been 4 years and 4 months since we went over our estimate and that was because we neglected to include a two bill. Mark Salem"
CLARE V.
Nov 2010
I always use Salem Boys Auto. They are the best independent car guys you could ever want. They are wonderful! They do very high quality work. They are very professional.
Response from Salem Boys Auto
"Thank you for your kind response...Mark"
Marc E.
Nov 2010
I use them all the time. They seem to be extremely honest and their repairs pretty much go on the schedule they tell you. They don't do anything without checking with you first if they find additional issues. They seem to know their stuff.
Cindy T.
Jan 2010
They are very friendly and their prices are very comparable. We have never had any problems.
Licensing
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FAQ
Salem Boys Auto is currently rated 5.0 overall out of 5.
Salem Boys Auto accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Salem Boys Auto does not offer free project estimates.
No, Salem Boys Auto does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Salem Boys Auto does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Salem Boys Auto offers emergency services.
No, Salem Boys Auto does not offer warranties.