A-1 Alignment & Brake Services

Reviews 7

MA

Mary Stafford

I own a 2001 Subaru Outback which I have maintained over the years and expect to drive for another 100K miles. But, due to its age, whenever a repair is needed, the value of the vehicle versus the cost of the repair is always a consideration. I am new to Chico so when my brake light came on, I went to a Subaru dealership. As it turns out, I needed a brake line only to learn that Subaru stopped making this part and none were available. The dealership had no alternative ideas because their "manual" said for this problem, to replace the brake line. Cant do anything outside the box at a dealership! However, I was encouraged when they said they would call around to find someone to help me. Well, Im still waiting for them to call me back! So, left on my own, I started calling local auto repair shops. My first call ended with a "no way we can fix it" reply. However, this shop did go on to suggest "well, maybe if you can find someone that makes their own steel braided line...well then maybe they could thread it through the existing line." Of course when I asked who in town makes their own steel braided line....no one that they knew of. Sort of makes you wonder...well, why bother to even go through all of that if it isnt a real option! Moving on to my next call (now Im on my 3rd shop if youre keeping track), this shop also said "no way that brake line can be fixed, but we can find another brake line that will work and install it." Well, that sounded sensible so I asked for a rough estimate. Imagine my shock when they said $1,500, but could run more. When my heart rate slowed back to normal and I was able to speak, I asked why so much. Well, apparently to replace this particular brake line which runs from the front to the rear of the car, the gas tank, rear seats, front seat carpet, entire dash, etc. have to be removed. Only a Subaru would have such a design - which over the years has been my only complaint about my Subaru...harder than heck to work on them. Back to my story..faced with that estimate, I was on the verge of trading in my beloved Subaru when I read some good reviews for A-1. Thoroughly numbed by my previous 3 conversations, I decided I would take a chance and drive over to talk to them. Night and day difference from the 3 previous businesses! A-1 was not only willing to take a look at the problem but suggested on the spot some potential solutions depending on the location and extent of the problem. Because I couldnt take the shock of another estimate anywhere close to $1K, much less higher, I told them I did not want to waste their time if this was going to be an expensive fix. Right away they said they understood that based on the fair market value of my car, repair cost had to be considered. They went on to say from what I had told them, they felt like there was a good chance they could fix the brake line and not break the bank (being my bank). So, I scheduled my car for 8:00 am the next morning....cautiously optimistic. Fast forward to noon the day after that....my car was fixed and for under $400. They located the corroded areas on actually 2 different brake lines and yes, they did have to pull out the rear seat to be able to do the repair work. I wont even try to explain all they did to fix the brake lines, but I will say now that I have found A-1, I am confident Ill be driving my Subby for another 100K miles after all. This is an auto shop that is creative and willing to look for a solution that makes economic sense. Everyone in the shop is professional, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. If your car needs service, I highly recommend A-1. You wont be disappointed - they are fabulous!

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Alexandru David

Same-day, fast, and professional service, finished earlier than originally promised, ended up paying what I was quoted for (prior to them starting the brake job), called me when they found additional issues, giving me the choice whether to fix it or not (instead of going ahead and surprising me with a larger bill afterwards). All I can say is the owner is an honest, hard working guy, this is a local (Chico) small business, dedicated to helping the local community, unlike those fancy-named, nation-wide corporation-owned shops, that are out to rip you off by overcharging for the same type of services local shops provide, for a fair price, for the simple fact that they have created a "BRAND" name, through brainwashing consumers with endless TV commercials. Dont fall for that people, go help the local businesses, these people are our neighbors! I [obviously] recommend this place!!!

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Terranai McCrary

Dropped my car off for an alignment and they took a hour and a half to tell me that it couldnt be aligned all the way and I needed a bolt. My car didnt show any differences when I drove it so I took it to another place less than a week later. They asked me how many MONTHS ago did I get an alignment because it was terrible in which they said A1 alignment couldnt have possibly tried to align it at all. Had to pay for a whole new alignment which fixed my car with no bolt needed. If I needed a bolt they should have called me like the new place recommended to see if I wanted it at that moment so I wouldnt need to pay for another alignment instead of doing nothing and charging me for an alignment they "did their best" to do.

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MA

Marc Nielsen

I went in for a simple alignment. Upon leaving the shop I noticed that the alignment had not been adjusted at all and when I returned minutes later the owner nervously told me that I would not be charged. I then went directly to Les Schaub where a mechanic did a proper alignment. Anyone wanting to save a buck by using this shop should be advised that IT IS NOT WORTH IT! Not only did they fail to perform the work requested on my vehicle but they also drained the battery and left grimy oily handprints all over the truck, both inside and out.

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Suellen Grenko

This father/son operation is a genuine service auto repair facility. I never worry about being taken advantage of, and I always get service that goes beyond what I expect. Its a huge help to me right now as I have a high mileage car, and Butch and his sons are helping me to stay mobile while I figure out how to (or IF..) I replace the car! Butch has even scanned his sources trying to help me find a replacement. Prices are never spiked. I cant say enough good about these guys. Give them your business; you wont regret it!

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MA

Margaret Liu

Absolutely great people and great customer service!!! I take my car to them all the time, fair good prices, nice laid back people and when I bring my dog they dont mind because they have one wandering around. They are fast and efficient and I always want to go to them when I have questions or car problems. Would definitely recommend!!!

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Karen Ross

These are wonderful people; whole family operation! My whole family has been doing great business for 30+ years with Butch and his sons. Weve always had fair, reliable and very great service and will continue to patronize!

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