MIDAS AUTO SVC EXPERTS

Knowing a little bit about older cars I was apprehensive about taking my old Ford Explorer to a regular repair shop and not to a dealership who charges more. I had a fluid leak that resembled radiator fluid so I checked the hoses and the radiator and could not find any leaks. However, I did not check the hose to the firewall which Midas did. They were quick and easy to deal with in this matter. I am not used to this since I have had nothing but problems with other repair shops such as Goodyear. I was very impressed with the young man who took me to the repair area and showed me the condition of the hose and what needed to be done. At this time, I felt complete confidence that this was a shop to consider in the future. I must say that this was the only time I visited the shop and I do not guarantee to others that they will have the same experience, but they are worth the try. Oh, for those who say why haven't you've been back since it has been over a year; well it's because I have an old 1994 Ford Explorer and I am not sure that I want to spend ANY more money on this car. It needs brakes but I will take it to Midas if I decide I want to keep it.

Thank the Lord we shopped around because the Midas shop on Rt 153 Hixson did the job quickly, without a lot of fuss and for the best price, whicih included an online coupon reduction. We will return.

Earlier this week, I took my car to Pep Boys for diagnostics and repair. They got it running again, but they had to disconnect the catalytic converter, and they told me they didn't do this kind of work. I'd have to take it to a muffler shop.

The first name that came to mind was Midas. So I drove to the shop on Brainerd Road. They were busy, and told me they wouldn't even be able to look at it for a week. So I called the Midas shop in downtown Chattanooga. They said they didn't have the part, but would call me back in 45 minutes to see if they could get it, and that it would probably cost me between $850 and $1500 dollars. They never called back.

The Midas shop in Hixon, however, completely exceeded my expectations. I called and spoke to Mark, the owner. Instead of promising to call back, he was able to check parts store inventories on his computer, and did so, locating the needed part almost immediately. He gave me the price of the part and the labor, which together cost under $600--far less than I had expected. I told him I was on my way.

When I arrived at his shop, there was a short line, and I looked around while I waited. The lobby area was clean and well lighted. There was a TV mounted on the wall for customers to watch, and a good selection of magazines stacked neatly on small side tables. A Keurig coffee maker was available for customer use, with a selection of free coffees to choose from, along with a covered plate of fresh cookies and muffins. A sign on the wall said Mark's wife is co-owner of the shop, and I attribute her influence to the inviting atmosphere of the place.

Mark himself struck me as honest, competent and hardworking. He was professional and courteous, and kept things in the garage moving efficiently. My only complaint with the shop is that the chairs in the waiting area are uncomfortable, but that turned out to be a very minor issue, because my car was repaired very quickly. I was in and out of his shop in under two hours.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with the level of service I received at Midas in Hixon. I trust that the quality of the work done will be good, but if it turns out to be otherwise, I'll post an update if I can, along with a report on the resolution. As it stands, Midas of Hixon has become my first choice for auto repairs in the Chattanooga area.