Johnny's Automotive

unknown

I had my 1999 Saturn towed in with instructions that I wanted to see if it was feasible to pay for repairs, or if I should just scrap it (the car had been sitting idle for over a year and had expired tags). I mentioned that the last mechanic indicated I needed a catalytic converter and that the air conditioner didn't blow cold air.
When Sal contacted me to talk about the car, I also told him I needed a smog. Once again I reiterated that I wanted to keep an eye on my costs. He called me back to tell me that due to the converter issues, my car would not pass. He also told me that I might need a new muffler. By the time they got through with the battery, diagnostic tests, parts and labor I was at $1000. More than I wanted to pay, but at that point I was past the point of hearing how it wasn't the labor costs that were driving up the amount, it was the parts. Imagine my surprise when I received another call asking if I wanted to spend and quot;a little more money on my carand quot;. That and quot;little amountand quot; was $800 and it was to repair my rack and pinion. When I asked why it took so long to discover this issue, Sal told me that because my car wasn't currently registered.......they couldn't drive it to determine the issue. If they couldn't drive it, then how did he discover the problem? I told him I wasn't going to spend any additional money. It was at that point that he told me he didn't repair my previously discussed air conditioner. To do so would cost another $200. I explained that because I live in Antioch and drive 90 miles each day, I need my air fixed. He told me that he could add freon and we could see how long that would last.
When I went to pick up my car, Sal acknowledged that I wasn't happy and offered to see if he could work a deal to fix my steering issue down the road. (The probability of me going to school to learn to work on my car and do my own repairs is higher than me ever returning to this business.) He then told me that they didn't charge any labor to add freon to my system (I balked at replacing the hose). The woman who was running around the lot gave me a copy of my smog paperwork and told me and quot;We were really generous to you. We didn't charge you for the A/C workand quot;. That is true....it is also true that they did charge me for the freon and that the air still blows out warm.
In conclusion, I feel that this business needs to be aware of a few things: 1) Some of your customers come from the automotive industry. As a matter of fact, some of them, like me, actually ran the business office of busy franchise. 2) Keeping #1 in mind, constantly stating how low the labor cost is doesn't mean you did me any favors. It means you either have a low shop rate, or the job didn't take very long. 3) Parts mark-up is the gravy of a shop. I mean come on.....$175 for a battery? 4) When a customer claims they are trying to control costs, don't repeatedly call and try to get more money after you have already created a bill that exceeds what they wanted to pay. 5) If you won't drive a car with expired tags to find out what is wrong with it, state as much when the car is dropped off and refuse to start any work until a current sticker is supplied. 6) Don't tell an obviously upset customer that you have done them a favor when they are obviously irritated and all you have really done is charged them for something that didn't address their issue.
This place had glowing reviews. Obviously something went horribly wrong in my communication with this business, although I pride myself on being pretty clear and concise. I left a voicemail to ask about my air running warm and haven't received a return call. Guess I will write that money off. I am also not going to state that they are responsible for the damage around my gas tank because I had the vehicle towed in and can't confirm when/how it happened.
In conclusion, I am driving my Saturn, sweating in the 90+ degree heat, saving my money and trying to find a reputable (?) shop to address my outstanding issues with the car.

Excellent technicians. I didn't try to repair this myself, but I could have. I wanted a scan of my truck's computer to make sure the rough running and stumble were completely repaired. Simple thing was wrong - a broken spark plug. Only charged me the minimum one hour. Fixed it in a very short time. No sales pitch for other services or inflated prices for the part needed. Everything else was OK. Definitely would go there again. They will give you a ride home if you need to leave your car.

I called ahead of time and asked To if he had room for us and he was wonderful on the phone and told us to come on down. I am so happy that we did. I had the best experience I have ever had in a auto service. Tom the owner was very friendly and always tried to make sure we were confortable while his staff took care of our car. The staff showed us the old part and how it was broken. It took a bit of time to complete but I have the most trust I have ever had in an automotive service center.

It was absolutely fantastic. He can handle anywhere from an axle replacement to an oil change. He does all types of cars. He doesn't gouge you. He is very honest. I've been with him for many years.

They do the work right and at the best price. I have worked with Tom Hook, the owner, and his great staff for over 40 years now!
People you can believe in!!

Every time I need a service on one or more of my cars, they give me a ride home, and pick me up when the car is ready. Great folks !!

They provided good service. I was satisfied with them.

They are honest and I trust them a lot. The quality of their work is very good and they don’t do things that are not required. They are straight forward and upfront.