CAR CARE SPECIALISTS INC

Our truck broke down outside of Lincoln City and was towed to this shop because it is basically the only shop in town. There were many problems with this shop that we realized only after we had decided to tow our vehicle home ourselves. We think their diagnosis of the problem was likely correct, but it was their behavior that made us suspect that what they really wanted to do was scam us because they assumed we had no choice but to leave the vehicle with them for weeks and return to pick it up after costly repairs. There were many "tells" that led us to believe this such as the overly solicitous behavior in telling us when we brought the vehicle in that they would "look after us" and help us get rooms etc. if repairs lasted longer than a day or two (beyond the time we had rooms in Lincoln City) and at a time when all hotels were booked. The phrase used by the shop was "we'll work our magic" to get you rooms, don't worry." We suspect, based on their behavior, that they are likely engaged in kickbacks all over town. For example, they suggested we trade-in the vehicle at a local auto dealer. And they were very helpful until they learned we would not be leaving the vehicle with them for repairs but instead transporting it home via a Uhaul truck and trailer. Instead of offering to help us secure a rig from Uhaul to transport the vehicle, they basically ignored us at this point. That was fine because we didn't expect them to do anything beyond a diagnosis and possible repair from the beginning BUT what was telling was how overly concerned they were about us until they learned they would not be earning thousands of dollars from us. Here's our advice. If you need something small done to fix your vehicle, they are probably competent to do that. If you need a major repair such as a rebuild or replace engine etc., then try to get your vehicle to another shop outside of Lincoln City if possible because they may scam you at this point. If not, be certain you get a complete estimate and hold them accountable.

Their just here and they have been so good to me living right on the coast all I have to do is walk across the street and I'm on the beach rust is a big problem and he manage to keep my Subaru going he was good about finding parts in the junk yard to save me money yeah they do good work I think they are great plus they have a pick up and delivery service the last time they brought me home when I left my car and then I wanted them to see my new dog so when it was time to go get the car the dog and I walked probably a mile it's not that far. They have a car that they come and pick you up and take you home and stuff which is great and then of course they are always emailing me about oil changes and stuff and you get a little bit off if you pay cash. When I first bought this car it's 2007 Toyota Matrix they suggested I put synthetic oil in it and it you can drive it hell of longer with synthetic oil in it but it getting time.

Their just here and they have been so good to me living right on the coast all I have to do is walk across the street and I'm on the beach rust is a big problem and he manage to keep my Subaru going he was good about finding parts in the junk yard to save me money yeah they do good work I think they are great plus they have a pick up and delivery service the last time they brought me home when I left my car and then I wanted them to see my new dog so when it was time to go get the car the dog and I walked probably a mile it's not that far. They have a car that they come and pick you up and take you home and stuff which is great and then of course they are always emailing me about oil changes and stuff and you get a little bit off if you pay cash.

unknown

I took my pickup. in for a DOT inspection. Was told it would be 125. I said ok, I need to have it done in order to put it to work. Mark told me he laid on the ground under the pickup to check the brakes. He said front and rear brakes were BOTH at 2mm. He said the bearings in the front need to be replaced because the wheel was ready to fall off. He said the ball joint on the drivers side needs to be replaced because it is loose. Mark said the rotors have to be turned when the brakes are replaced but only if the rotors are still good. He said most likely the rotors need to be replaced. He worked up an estimate which took 3 days to finally get the estimate. He said it would be 1600.00 only if the rotors do not need to be replaced. It drove fine coming back from Portland which was 2 1/2 hours away. Brakes were good too. I paid 129.00 for the inspection. I took the truck to Les Schwab in Newport and asked them to check the brakes, bearings and the ball joint on drivers side. They did for free. Mechanic actually put the truck on the lift and actually took all four wheels off. He said that's the only real way to check the brakes. He said the brakes front and rear were all between 4-5 mm. He said the bearings were tight and the ball joint was fine. WOW!!! In the future I will NOT even take a wheelbarrow to Car Care. I'm afraid they might flatten the tire just so they can charge me for a new one even if it doesn't need one.

I took my truck in for a Dot inspection they said it would be 1600.00 only if the rotors do not need to be replaced. It drove fine coming back from Portland which was 2 1/2 hours away. Brakes were good too. I paid 129.00 for the inspection. I took the truck to Les Schwab in Newport and asked them to check the brakes, bearings and the ball joint on drivers side. They did for free. Mechanic actually put the truck on the lift and actually took all four wheels off. He said that's the only real way to check the brakes. He said the brakes front and rear were all between 4-5 mm. He said the bearings were tight and the ball joint was fine.

Technician forgot to return the air filter back into the case. Technician did not tighten the oil filter; oil leaked all over the engine causing smoke and oil loss. Misdiagnosed cooling error. Took to another mechanic down the street and saved 200.00 for performing the same "recommended " fixes (serpentine belt, headlight rejuvenation, etc). Overall, my experience with this business was terrible. I have informed AAA of this as well. This business (Car Care Specialist) should not be recommended by anyone to anyone for any reason

Care Care Specialists take great care of local business, as for the rest of us (locals and tourists) we are victims of price gouging and false diagnoses. After living in Lincoln City for over a year I heard from enough locals to stay away from this place. Unfortunately I was taken advantage of once by them, and my instincts and better sense prevented me from doing it again. Any of the mom n' pop mechanics will do much more honest and better priced work. If your car issues are tire related go see Gerber Tire.

This was my second time taking my car in to this place. They are always very professional and good about sitting down with you and explaining everything. I thought I needed a tune-up, but they told me that I only needed the oil change, and if I wanted, an overall seasonal check up. The place is great. You can either wait in their comfy waiting room, which offers free popcorn and TV, or you can arrange for transportation to and from your home. I'm a telecommuter, so I simply brought my computer with me and worked, using their free wi-fi, while I waited. Really glad I found them.

.we were told it would cost approximately $350.00 , we dropped truck off , they gave us a ride to walmart and then called us to say it was going to be $750.00- at that point we told them no way and to stop, they eventually came down in their price -but broke one of the special spark plugs and wanted us to pay an addtional $200 for the part.... after much arguing it was repaired but we will NEVER go back or recommend them. e felt like they were trying to gauge how much they could get from us and go down from there... overall it didnt feel like a whole lot different was performed ......

Took a little too long to perform service, and a little too expensive.

One morning my Volvo would not start, (it had been running fine) called Car care tow truck to jump start, did not work. Had car towed to Car Care Garage. They gave me a written estimate of 2,100.00. After speaking to the mechanic he told me it would be more like 2,500. They basically told me I would probably need a new engine. Checked the estimate, went on line to check parts price, one part was quoted at 352.00, on line for the same part 92.00. At this point I had lost confidence in the shop and the integrity of the people. So I started looking for someone else to fix Volvo, since I am a widow, living on Surviving Spouse benefits and not exactly rolling dough. My neighbor referred me to the import shop they use for their cars and while it took a little longer (due to a prior out of town commitment) my car will be ready this afternoon. Cost about $750.00, less than one third of what Car Care estimated

The were very professional and helpful. First part was shipped over broken and they had another one driven over the same day. I left later than I hoped but was happy to leave the same day. I overheard one of their techs talking on the phone and he did a great job explaining and re-explaining a situation to a difficult caller (from what I could tell from my side of the conversation).