Challenger Auto & Truck Service
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
Emergency services offered
26 years of experience
Services we offer
Auto & truck & brakes, check engine light diagnostics, computer re-programming & windshields., electrical system work, factory scheduled maintenance, tires, tune-ups
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.223 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | ||
| 4% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 17% | ||
| 4% |
Showing 1-23 of 23 reviews
Theresa S.
Sep 2015
.
Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
"Thank you so much!!! Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger Auto"
David R.
Jun 2015
.
Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
"Thank you so much [Member Name Removed]! Jeff & Lauren Gerlach/Challenger"
George H.
Apr 2015
unknown
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.
Oct 2014
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!
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.
Aug 2014
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!!
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!!
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.
Apr 2014
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.
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.
Mar 2014
They do a great job. They are very thorough. I would highly recommend them.
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.
Nov 2013
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.
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.
Greg C.
Nov 2013
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.
George C.
Jun 2013
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.
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.
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.
May 2013
N/A
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.
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.
Feb 2013
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.
Karen K.
Dec 2012
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.
Teresa B.
Nov 2012
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.
Barbara G.
Oct 2012
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.
Laurie S.
Sep 2012
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.
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.
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.
May 2012
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.
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.
Sep 2011
They are very good. Very friendly and professional. I would use them for any of my vehicles.
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.
May 2011
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.
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.
Feb 2011
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.
Response from Challenger Auto & Truck Service
"Thank you Member!"
Douglas S.
Jul 2010
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.
DANA B.
Oct 2009
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.
DONALD S.
Oct 2005
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.
Licensing
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FAQ
Challenger Auto & Truck Service is currently rated 4.2 overall out of 5.
Challenger Auto & Truck Service accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Challenger Auto & Truck Service does not offer free project estimates.
No, Challenger Auto & Truck Service does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Challenger Auto & Truck Service does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Challenger Auto & Truck Service offers emergency services.
No, Challenger Auto & Truck Service does not offer warranties.