Challenger Auto & Truck Service

Auto Service, Auto Tires, Auto Inspections,

About us

We are a Locally family owned & operated automotive service & repair business located in Pasadena MD. All of our Clients enjoy extraordinary service that includes free loaner cars, free shuttle service & a 2 year/24,000 Warranty. We are also a AAA Approved Car Care enter & a Napa Approved Car Care Center. We employ ASE Certified Automotive Technicians only.

Business highlights

26 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered

Services we offer

Auto & truck & brakes, tires, tune-ups, factory scheduled maintenance, electrical system work, check engine light diagnostics, computer re-programming & windshields.

Amenities

Warranties
Yes
Emergency Services
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

4.123 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
70%
4
4%
3
0%
2
22%
1
4%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.3
value
4.0
professionalism
4.3
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.1
Showing 1-23 of 23 reviews

Theresa S.
09/2015
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: .
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Thank you so much!!! Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger Auto

David J R.
06/2015
5.0
auto repair, car inspections
  + 0 more
.
Description of Work: .
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$165

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Thank you so much [Member Name Removed]! Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger

George H.
04/2015
2.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: I took my F150 in for a suspension problem. Although the shocks were eventually replaced, the problem I took it in for remained. This despite the fact that the truck was in the shop for nearly 3 weeks. Delays were originally attributed to the Flu going around but eventually they had to admit that they lost my key. The only reason that I don't give them F's across the board is because they did replace my Ignition switch and door locks at no cost. Of course, if they hadn't lost the key, that wouldn't have been necessary.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
2.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$500

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Sometimes the honest truth is not enough. That being said, it is and will always be my policy. We did not have to eventually admit we lost your key. When the vehicle was completed and to be moved over by the front entrance for pick-up, we could not locate the key. At that point, I contacted you and explained the situation and that we were paying the locksmith company to come out to the shop and create a matching key for the door and ignition. That has nothing to do with the flu bug that ran through just about my entire staff over that time period. We took responsibility and corrected. Jeff D. Gerlach - Owner

Patricia C.
10/2014
5.0
auto repair, transmission repair
  + 0 more
They did an excellent job. Very honest, they even told me what type of repairs should be made first in order to be most cost effective, instead of dumping everything on me at once. I have them on speed dial to use again and the owner is always great about calling his customers right back. They provide shuttle service which is great!
Description of Work: Worked on transmission, replaced breaks on my SUV.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
[Member Name Removed], Thank you so much for taking the time to post this review. Jeff & Lauren/Challenger

Stephanie W.
08/2014
5.0
auto repair, car tires
  + 0 more
My experience with Challenger was fantastic!! My Dad had recently started bringing his vehicles to Challenger because they saved him about $2,000 on a repair the dealership insisted was needed, when in fact it was not (Challenger fixed the issue for a fraction of the price from the dealership). He went on and on about how honest and professional everyone at Challenger was, so when his tailgate on the back of his truck got stuck/wouldn't open, I decided to take it up to Challenger for him while he was on vacation (just to kind-of surprise him so when he got home, it would be one less thing he had to worry about). I called Challenger and spoke with Chris mid morning (on a Wed) and told him what the problem was. He told me to bring it up later that afternoon and he would have a tech check it out, and if it wasn't something they could fix quickly, they would set me up with an appointment. I picked up my dad's truck and brought it up to the shop around 3pm, and I don't think I was even there 10 mins before they fixed the tailgate and sent me on my way...and they didn't charge me a penny. I was stunned b/c even though i am in my late 30's, I look young and find that more often than not, dealerships, repair shops, tire shops, etc. try to take advantage of me because they think i am just a young girl who doesn't know anything... That was absolutely not the case with Challenger. Their tech was able to manually adjust and lubricate the latch mechanism right on the spot. I offered to pay for the quick repair, and they said it was not necessary. I just find it so nice and refreshing to encounter a repair shop that treats their customers this way...even though it was a simple repair, there is no doubt in my mind other shops would have charged for it. Chris was super nice and I was able to see first hand what my dad had been talking about when it came to Challenger.!! They were responsive, professional and treated me the same way they treated my dad! I would highly recommend them!!
Description of Work: Fixed the tailgate on the back of my dad's truck.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Stephanie, Thank you so very much for taking the time to post this review and for choosing us!!!!! Jeff D. Gerlach/Challenger

Ronald M.
04/2014
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
Jeff advised me that the work could be costly, he went into depth on explain the situation, because the engine would have to be broken down for the repair. He advised me that since the vehicle had less then 34,000 miles on it that I should directly contact GM and request assistance in obtaining the repair. I thought no way, the car is over 6 years old and its a Saturn which is no longer manufactured and the warranty had run out. Jeff explained that the car was in great shape, low mileage and the GM would most likely help with the repair. He did caution that I should call GM direct and not the local dealer and even provided the number. I called GM and explained the situation with the in depth information that Jeff provide for me. The next morning I received a phone call from the local Chevrolet dealer and made an appointment to bring it in for them to look at. It turned out that Jeff was right on the #4 cylinder being bad and GM paid 2/3's of the cost of repair which left me with a reasonable 1/3rd of the repair bill. I have to say that Jeff and his staff were unselfish in that they could have easily said that the 6 year old car needed the expensive engine repair but instead they gave me the avenue to call GM and request their assistance.
Description of Work: My check engine light had come on in my 2008 Saturn Vue so I took it to Challenger for a diagnosis and repair. It turned out to be a misfire of the #4 cylinder.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$160

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
[member name removed], Thank you for taking the time to post this review and choosing us for your vehicle's service and repairs. Everything worked out great! Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger

Gregory G.
03/2014
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
They do a great job. They are very thorough. I would highly recommend them.
Description of Work: I used the auto service of Challenger Auto & Truck Service.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$450

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
[member name removed], Thank you so much and thank you for the opportunity to earn your trust. Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger

George C.
11/2013
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
I scheduled my Honda for a routine 3K service and a slow leak in one of the tires. I also asked Jeff to check to see what was required, if anything, for a 120K service. Jeff called later in the day to inform me that, due to the location of the slow leak, the tire could not be repaired. I told him to replace the tire. He also explained what additional services should be performed. I had some questions, which he answered so I could understand, and I told him to do what was necessary. I've been to Challenger on previous occasions, so I knew I could trust Jeff to provide quality work at a reasonable price. Jeff did not disappoint me. I am quite satisfied with the service performed on my Honda.
Description of Work: 3K Maintenance Servicre Check for 120K Service Items Replace Cabin Air Filter Replace Spark Plugs & Ignition Wires, PCV valve Brake System Fluid Service Power Steering Flush Service Induction Service Replace Tire (existing tire not repairable)

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$845

Greg C.
11/2013
2.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
They Replaced 2 Catalytic converters 1 oxygen sensor. The repair was done but an exorbitantly high price. The price they charged me on the converters were a few hundred dollars cheaper online. The oxegen sensor (which was fine when it went in there) said had to be replaced was 40 dollars cheaper at the auto parts store down the road. Finally the manager woundn't give me $30 dollars off repair service, because i didn't have a coupon in hand. He told me "Go home and get it." I thought how rude when I just spent $1584. The price was higher than quoted and took longer to get the car back than quoted.
Description of Work: I used Challenger Auto & Truck Service

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
1.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
2.0

$1,584

George C.
06/2013
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
I've been bringing my 2 vehicles to Challenger for some time now, and am pleased with the Jeff's work ethic, integrity and customer philosophy. He is open to suggestions and is willing to do whatever it takes to satisfy the customer. I am willing to pay a lttle extra for honesty and qualify work. So far I have received both from Challenger. Jeff is very methodical and takes the time to explain what needs to be done, now or in the future. I value his opinion, though I realize the decision is untimately mine. I am satifisfied with the recent work performed on my vehicle.
Description of Work: Performed scheduled Oil Change and checked intermittant stalling problem. Jeff (Owner) performed a computer diagnosis and determined that there was a problem with the igintion control module. Closer examination also indicated (1) there was a build up of an acid-type substance on the ignition module and coils, (2) spark plug tube seals are leaking oil into spark plugs and plug wire boots, (3) due to oil leakage, the valve cover gasket should be replaced.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,400

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
(deleted member name), Thank you for taking the time to post this review. I also very much appreciate the conversation we had in regards to my business. I value your thoughts and recommendations in regards. Jeff D. Gerlach/ownet

Catherine S.
05/2013
2.0
When I went to Challenger Auto and Truck Service, I went for an oil change and the car was not making any sound but when I moved out, the car was making a sound and they said that there was a hole in the exhaust pipe. I didn't have the radio on on my way down and my window was down, so I would have heard the noise and so that was kind of depressing. A couple of weeks after they changed the oil and fixed the exhaust pipe, the system that runs the timing belt exploded, and I ended up with metal embedded throughout the whole engine. They said I was lucky, I wasn't hit by flying shrapnel, so I ended up taking the car to them for an oil change and it stopped running completely and their prices were high. They let my car sit for 7 days without looking at it and they would promise me that they would look at it everyday.
Description of Work: I used Challenger Auto & Truck Service.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Flying shrapnel?!!! This review contains many false statements. I will not waiste my time. Jeff D. Gerlach/Owner - Operator

Judith G.
02/2013
2.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
I called Challenger Auto and Truck on Monday to get an appointment to have the brakes checked on my Dodge Caravan. He told me I could bring it in on Tues morning or I could drop it off that evening, which is what we did. I told him we needed to have it back, for a trip the next weekend. I did not hear from them, so by Thurs. morning I called to see if they had looked at the van, he told me they hadn't had a chance to look at it yet, they would do it that day. They called to let me know what was wrong with it, and how much it would be, and it would be done Friday afternoon. They didn't call on Friday, I had to call them again, he said it would be ready by 4:00. We arrived at 4:15, and he said they were getting it washed. We waited for another 20 min. and asked him about it again. He checked and they hadn't washed it yet, and did we want to wait about 20 min. so they could. We said no we'd just take it like it was, he acted surprised, and told us to bring it back in anytime to get a free car wash. I was really disappointed, especially after I had read good reviews on Angie's List, I thought I found a good place to take our cars. I told him when I called that I had found them on Angie's List, hoping that would get me good service, but it didn't. I don't think it should have taken 4 whole days to get rotors and brakes on my van. I'm glad others had good service there, but I'm sorry, I would not use them again for service. A month or so later we had a message from the owner, to call him, so he could make things right, I didn't see any point in returning his call.
Description of Work: Replaced all brakes and rotors.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
$800

Karen K.
12/2012
5.0
auto repair, car tires
  + 0 more
Made online appointment. Company responded same day with confirmation. They expected me when I arrived and performed service in a timely manner. I've used them several times before and they always do a good job. The service manager informs you of any needed/optional repairs without high pressure. The waiting room is clean with couch, tv, coffee, water. It's clear they respect you as a customer and want repeat business.
Description of Work: Purchased and installed 2 front tires. Oil change.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Teresa B.
11/2012
5.0
auto repair, car tires
  + 0 more
I called them to have a flat tire checked to see if it could be repaired. It was a new tire purchased recently but it went flat due to a nail that I picked up somewhere. I dropped off the tire at the shop in the afternoon and received a call the next morning that the tire was repaired. I was pleased to hear that the tire was actually repaired because that is the kind of situation where a service center could have easily sold me a new tire even if it was not necessary. Also, the repair came with a guarantee for the life of the tire. The person at the customer service desk was pleasant and knowledgeable. They have a shuttle for customers and an emergency towing service. The waiting room was clean and quiet. Based on my experience, I would recommend them to others.
Description of Work: They repaired a flat tire and checked the tire rim for damage.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$40

Barbara G.
10/2012
1.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
I took my car there to be serviced on Colombus day because I had off. I was called with a laundry list of things to be done to my vehicle. I authorized the work because I knew I needed a ball joint and I wanted the car in good shape for a trip at the end of the month. The service person (owner? manager?) tried to convince me that I needed a timing belt for $600. I refused. I waited for a call that my car was finished, but it did not come. The service person did not at any point tell me that my car would take two days to fix. I called at 5pm and left a message. I did not get a call back. I missed a day of work. I was charged $50 for a leak that was never found. I had someone else do the timing belt for $200 cheaper. When I confronted the service person about not telling me the car was going to take two days, he attempted to argue with me and make it my fault. Overpriced and insulting.
Description of Work: Oil Change, tune up, ball joint

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$650

Laurie S.
09/2012
2.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
They uncovered over $2000 worth of repairs. Some of these repairs were not needed. For example, they required windshield to be replaced because of chip, while it could have been repaired with heat fusion system for much less. I found out later, in order to pass inspection, I had to go back to the company doing inspection to do repairs. Of course, this is a gross conflict of interest.
Description of Work: I asked Challenger to do state safety inspection.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
3.0

$70

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
We follow the letter of the law when it comes to Maryland State Inspections. I require this of all my state inspectors. I myself am one them. The fines that the State Police can lay upon my business are not worth the risk of doing it any other way. There are other state inspection stations that do not operate the same as I do or share the same philosophy. Eventually they are thrown out of the program. The state pulled over 60 authorized inspection stations permits last year. I will not be one of them.

George C.
05/2012
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
This was my first appointment with Challenger. Since they are a AAA approved auto repair facility I wanted to make sure that services performed on my vehicle were guaranteed. I was not disappointed. Customer service was excellent. I was very satisfied with the service performed on my vehicle. In fact, my Honda seems to run better then it did before I brought it in. I appreciated the staff's caring attitude.
Description of Work: 3K Maintenance Service: Changed engine oil & oil filter; checked all fluids, adjusted tire pressure, lubed drive line parts as necessary, performed 25 point courtesy inspection; diagnosed and identified belt squeal - removed and replaced drive belts.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$166

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Member, Thank you so much for choosing us and for taking the time to post this review. Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger

Carol R.
09/2011
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
They are very good. Very friendly and professional. I would use them for any of my vehicles.
Description of Work: My son's car was not running and they did a diagnostic and fixed the issues that needed to be corrected.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$70

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Thank you so very much. It means so much to My Wife & I(and all of our staff) to have Clients like you! Thank you for posting the review. Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger

Joseph L.
05/2011
5.0
auto repair, car tires
  + 0 more
We have had tires, starters, alternators, batteries, oil leaks and a lot of other work done with them. I trust them very much, Jack the owner and John, who is his alternate. I spent $1770 on the last visit. Our cars are still running and my husband has 198,000 on his expedition. He is extremely trustworthy and knowledgeable on repairs. But he is costly. My aunt goes to him too. He keeps a record of what he has changed. He is always available and if our car breaks down, he send a tow truck and gives us a loaner. It is very convenient and makes it easy for us.
Description of Work: I use Challenger Auto & Truck Service LLC for auto service. The last time I used them was in January this year to repair the oil cooling line that was rusted, do the exhaust, wheels, exhaust manifold and some other things.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,770

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Thank you guys! I hope all is well. Say hello to everyone for us. I am just starting to get back to work after this second back surgery!!!!! Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger

Douglas E.
02/2011
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
This is the first time I used Challenger Auto. Appointment was made for service, which was completed promptly. Professional operation with very clean and comfortable waiting room.
Description of Work: 3K auto maintenance service.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$56

Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
Thank you Member!

Douglas C S.
07/2010
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
Went in for an oil change. They did the change and came back with a list of things that needed to be attended to. Some were maintenance and some were a result of our former mechanic's carelessness (the reason we were trying Challenger). Next day we found oil leaking. This had also happened the last time we went to our former mechanic. Challenger said that the oil pan needed to be replaced. They then added that they should have caught this during the oil change and said it would be done free of charge. I explained that this had happened last time as well and it was likely damaged by the former mechanic. Challenger insisted on doing it for free. I intend to go back to them for the repairs.
Description of Work: Oil change, then replaced oil pan.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$40

DANA B.
10/2009
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
I had a short window of opportunity to get some routine maintenance done on my car. Challenger was able to get me in and out in under an hour. I waited in their comfortable waiting room, where they offered free coffee and bottled water. As I paid my bill, the service writer explained to me the additional items the mechanic had discovered that I may want to address in the future (these were not safety issues, and I was not pressured to get them done on-the-spot). Exemplary customer service.
Description of Work: Oil change, three new wiper blades, brake light bulb.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$65

DONALD S.
10/2005
4.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
CHALLENGER PERFORMED THE WORK IN A VERY TIMELY AND CONVENIENT MANNER. THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT MY SCHEDULE. THEY WERE PROFESSIONAL AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE THEY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE VERY NEAT AND COURTEOUS. NO SURPRISES, WHICH I LIKE.
Description of Work: CHALLENGER PRESSURE TESTED COOLING SYSTEM, BLEED THE SYSTEM INSTALLED A NEW GASKET AND A NEW THERMOSTAT, INSTALLED A NEW PVC VALUE AND COOLANT WAS INSTALLED.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$151.32

    Contact information

    224 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122

    www.challengerautotruck.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    Closed
    Monday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Friday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday:
    Closed

    Licensing

    Bonded

    Insured

    Eco-friendly Accreditations

    LEED Accredited Professional
    No
    Energy Star Partner
    No
    EPA Lead-Safe Certified
    No
    Use Green Products or Work Practices
    Yes
    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Auto Service,
    Auto Tires,
    Auto Inspections,
    Auto Transmission,
    Auto Mufflers

    FAQ

    Challenger Auto & Truck Service is currently rated 4.1 overall out of 5.

    Sunday: Closed

    Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Saturday: Closed

    Challenger Auto & Truck Service accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
    No, Challenger Auto & Truck Service does not offer free project estimates.
    Yes, Challenger Auto & Truck Service offers eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Challenger Auto & Truck Service does not offer a senior discount.
    Yes, Challenger Auto & Truck Service offers emergency services.
    Yes, Challenger Auto & Truck Service offers warranties.
    Challenger Auto & Truck Service offers the following services: Auto & truck & brakes, tires, tune-ups, factory scheduled maintenance, electrical system work, check engine light diagnostics, computer re-programming & windshields.

    Contact information

    224 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122

    www.challengerautotruck.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    Closed
    Monday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Friday:
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday:
    Closed