Aspen Auto Clinic - Mark Dabling

unknown

Very nice people--they quoted a cost for replacing my
pinion seal on a 2008 F150 at around $450. 
I had it replaced at Best Western Transmission for $173.
    Aspen also tried to sell me a variety of other products that I had no interest in.  I had 5 specific things I wanted a quote on,
but they also "volunteered" to do at least three other significant
projects.  I would recommend against any
novice using this store--they will sell you a bunch of stuff you don't
need.  But they will be very nice doing
it, with a very well appointed waiting area.

unknown

I have used Aspen Auto Clinic for the past couple of years and have always had a pleasant experience. This last time, I had to have several services performed on my vehicle-rear brake pads, machine rotors, full synthetic oil change, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid flush, front and rear differential fluid service, transfer case fluid service, and replace rear wiper blade. All of these services were performed professionally and fairly quickly. They always take the time to answer all of my questions. They provide a comfortable waiting room if you decide to wait, or they will provide a shuttle back to your home or office. They often have oil change specials or discounts on other services. If you sign up with your email, they will send oil change reminders or discount offers, etc. Having work performed on your vehicle is never fun, but it is nice to take it to a place that makes it as easy and pleasant as it possibly can be. Last summer, I took my auto to Aspen Auto Clinic because the brakes didn't feel right. They inspected the front and rear brakes, and it turned out that the master cylinder was going out. I realized at that time that I had a few days left on an extended warranty with the dealer, so I took it to the dealer to be repaired under warranty. Aspen Auto Clinic was very gracious and understanding, letting me know at that time how much "life" I had on the brake pads. So, when it was time for new brake pads, I took it to Aspen Auto. I've had many bad experiences with the local dealer as far as service, and now that my vehicle is no longer under warranty I will take it to Aspen Auto Clinic whenever the need arises. They are always very fair and the customer service is always outstanding.

What I love about Aspen Auto is that they now have several locations, and even one in Denver....so they are convenient. But, what I absolutely love the most about them is they consistently are great no matter which location you go too! That is a rare thing these days, and I find it to be a breath of fresh air. They are so friendly, accommodating at every location. They always have a shuttle person to take you where you need to go. They took me to my hair appointment when my girlfriend didn't pick me up once...... all because I was waiting for my car! They picked me up also from that same hair salon and took my to my car. The service is great, and they are honest. It is a rare thing these days. Great people! I recommend them to everyone!

It was a great experience. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Nice to have a ride to and from work.

This is an update to my previous report on this company posted after receiving a couple phone calls from store manager Matt.

This was the second time I have taken this vehicle to Aspen to have work performed. I was very happy with their courteous customer service, free shuttle service, and ease of accessibility by phone. However, when compared to other auto repair shops I have worked with, it seems their general vehicle inspection was not as thorough as I would have expected from a premium service provider. I was surprised that both times they failed to comment on the check engine light that remains on all the time and didn't notice that one side of my windshield washer doesn't work at all. They also needed additional feedback from me before they were able to diagnose a leaky transmission pan gasket. None of those are a big deal, but for the price they charge I would expect them to quickly and accurately diagnose them the first time with no guidance from me.

My biggest concern, though, is their pricing. Against my better judgment I had them follow through with the brake repair and rear differential maintenance detailed above. Total cost of the work was $1520. I took my vehicle to two other shops to try to determine if I may have been overcharged. They both quoted me prices in the $600 to $700 range using the invoice from Aspen to make sure we were comparing apples to apples.

Upon learning of my frustrations, Matt the store manager called me to discuss ways to resolve my concerns. I greatly appreciated the professionalism of a business who reaches out to past customers to address their concerns. Matt explained that their higher cost comes from their decision to use only high quality components and to hire only ASE certified mechanics.

In the end, I still think highly of Aspen's customer service and the great care they take in following up with their customers. It still seems to me their pricing structure is much higher than their competitors. If convenience and quick service are your priorities and you are willing to pay more for these, I may recommend Aspen. I would not recommend them for routine maintenance or to anyone who is looking for an affordable shop.

They are very professional. They showed me what was wrong with the car, which I really appreciated. I was pleased I could get right in, and I will use them in the future.

Overall - I am pleased now with the work - I had still had the noise after the new drums and brakes were put on which they fixed. Matt really helped me out there. Again its just the pricing. And hold your ground when they tell you all the things wrong with your car . :)

Based on this price variance, I'm not sure I will visit Aspen again.

My son experienced problem with hjs car starting and the expected cause of the was given to the technician. Representative call to say the required time to determine the problem would take long then the 30 minutes given on free coupon offer and the cost would be an additonal $50. The next day my son had to call the shop to get the status of the car and was told in addition to the bad switch, the battery was bad and needed to be replaced. The total estimated cost of the repair and battery replacement would be $500. My son decline the battery replacement and subsequently took the vehicle to another auto part store who tested the battery and said it was in great sharp.

Failed to use my oil - used bulk oil - write up was clear but workers did not see request. Oil was in front seat to be used. Measured tire tread twice - almost new tires - results were not the same between "inspections" off by 20%. New water pump cost est was referb pump - at 100 dollars, checker auto sells them for 33 dollars, new for 50. Total cost was at or near 400 dollars. Minor oil seals "wet" expected on suv of this age - wanted 1,500 to repair. Service not needed. Indicated fuel filter needed to be replaced - but I had just performed that maintenance less than 3k. Indicated that ball both ball joins needed to be replaced - but amount of play in one was near zero the other very small. -- something to keep an eye on - but not needed now. I have had work performed by Aspen a few years ago - and I was happy with those results however it seems that some of the suggested repairs were not needed at all or not needed at this time.

Badly. The dealer had records of everything they said they did. Aspen repeated many of these items and not cheaply. I left feeling taken advantage of and talked down to. Some of the staff that I dealt with are gone now and I hope that was the problem, but I have since returned to my old auto shop. Closer is not necessarily better by any means.

Everything has been just fantastic.