Affordable Automotive

"I contacted (deleted member name) and we refunded $25 to his credit card on June 27th. He was very cordial on the phone, and I agree we should have explained the alignment check fee better up front, I apologize for that. For the benefit of others reading this review, here is what we do for wheel alignments. We use a Hunter Hawkeye computer camera sensor alignment system. We spent over $40,000 for this system and the floor-flush scissor lift it uses. A 2-wheel (front) alignment is $65, a 4-wheel alignment is $69. First we test drive the vehicle to see if it pulls one way or the other, and to see if we hear any unusual noises. Then we raise it up on the alignment lift and check for play in the ball joints, tie rods, etc. If there is play, we can't continue with the alignment until the damaged parts are replaced, because the alignment would be out of spec again as soon as it is driven. If there is no play ((deleted member name) truck had no play), then we attach the 4 alignment sensors to the wheels, enter the vehicle information into the computer, roll the vehicle forward to let the machine compensate the sensors, turn the steering wheel all the way left and right to let the machine calculate steer caster, and then analyze the results vs. OEM specs. If the alignment is within original specs and we don't have to loosen and tighten any bolts, then we call this an Alignment Check and reduce the fee to $25. If the alignment is out of specs, we adjust the toe and camber of each wheel as necessary to bring it within specs. This last process often takes a few adjustments for each bolt to get the alignment just right. When finished, we print out a color sheet showing the alignment angles before and after the alignment, and it is yours to keep. We warranty our alignment for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Also for the benefit of readers of this review, I want to explain (deleted member name) oil change charge. His total cost was $57.35. That included 6 quarts of BG semi-synthetic 5w30 motor oil at $3.20/quart, an oil filter for $3, labor charge of $19.95, a can of BG MOA for $13, and sales tax of $2.20 on the filter and fluids. The BG MOA is a motor oil additive that makes the oil last longer and perform better. In fact BG puts a $4,000 lifetime protection plan on your motor if you start using the MOA at our shop before 120,000 miles on your vehicle, and as long as you get your oil changed with us and include a new can of MOA at intervals no greater than 7,500 miles. Without the MOA, we recommend changing your oil every 3,000-3.750 miles. The extra $13 for the MOA actually saves you money over the long run because you need fewer oil changes, and you have the comfort of a lifetime BG protection plan on your motor. (deleted member name), I hope you will reconsider and come back to us for all of your truck maintenance and repairs. Sincerely, Mike Brown Co-Proprietor Edmund Hardaway's Affordable Automotive, Ltd."

"(deleted member name), I'm sorry for the delayed response. We actually do state inspections at both of our area locations, but only for vehicles made in 1996 or later. All vehicles built after 1/1/96 have to comply with OBD-II standards for on-board computer diagnostic systems. Our inspection machine connects to a vehicle's computer (ECM) and reads a history of trouble codes, specifically looking for emissions problems. Vehicles built before 1996 cannot be inspected using our machines, and instead must be inspected by testing emissions at different speeds on a dynometer or dyno. Dyno's are expensive and dangerous and we don't use them. When you trade in that older vehicle, I hope you will consider using us for state inspections and all of your vehicle maintenance and repair needs. Sincerely, Mike Brown Co-Proprietor Edmund Hardaway's Affordable Automotive, Ltd."

"Member, thanks for the kind review. This is our family business and it is our goal to have every customer be as pleased with our service as you are. Best regards, Edmund and Mike"