Address: | 1445 S Dixie Fwy, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA |
Phone: | +1 386-428-5784 |
Site: | locations.thetirechoice.com |
Rating: | 4.6 |
Working: | 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–6PM Closed |
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Andrew Charles
My experience is this.... Over the years, this place has been great, Dave and Matt are great people, but lately since new ownership has taken over, things have changed. I went there for an oil change, I got a post card in the mail advertising "$19" oil change. When the service was complete and yes they did rotate the tires free as always, I got the usual recommended service sticker on the glass at 3000 miles later, all good. When I went to pay the bill, somehow, it came to $28, although I couldnt figure out how Dave arrived at that I just shrugged it off. I was told my brake pads were 80% worn, and I change my own pads and just did them in October of 2016 (this visit was on 2/8/17), it is a cargo van and I do a lot of heavy work so I went to NAPA bought pads, a T47 bit, and some brake cleaner. Went home, cleared space in my garage, raised front end, removed tires, and long behold, both sides were still full of pad about 80 percent LEFT, not worn. (inside and outside). My friend who did my brakes last October bled them properly and they wear evenly, and there is still plenty of meat left from the high end pads I bought in October. Bottom line, if you get a coupon, verify the total before having the work done, and ask to physically see what they are telling you is wrong. I brought the pads back to NAPA, and the little T47 bit that I always lose anyway between brake pad changes. This caused quite a bit of lost time for nothing, all because the new owners are telling mechanics (most likely) to add unnecessary quotes for service, (oddly enough things that are quite easy for anyone to do). Not sure if I will keep going here for oil changes, if I do I will tell them not to recommend other service. I do all my own mechanical work normally, especially brake pads and batteries, both of which I was told I needed on this trip and neither turned out to be bad. Dave has been at this location as manager since it was "Mike Gattos" and back then it was the best. When it became "McGees" it was still a great place, not much change, other than the showroom. Im not sure where "The Tire Choice" is from, looks like Miami based, but still, this should always be a factor when rating a service on Google, and it is the main reason for my two stars here. Once again, this is no reflection on any of the staff there, I know just like anyplace, they are just doing their job, and Im sure being told to sell unnecessary work is not what they want, but are told to say. Ironically the noise I was hearing from the left front tire was actually part of a clothes hangar that most likely flew up from the road and wrapped itself around the left tie rod end, causing a rattle against the steering column which is right above it. Not a brake caliper, and I am surprised the mechanic didnt see it dangling there when he removed the tire. They do great oil changes, great tires, Im sure, just dont have ANY mechanical work done until you see for yourself its needed. UPDATE: Response to Kim: Thank you Kim, I appreciate the offer but I honestly do not know what there would be to discuss, whats done is done, and I stated all that occurred, its just a matter of letting the Google public know that its no longer the same experience that it was under the previous ownership, which, in this reviewers opinion, was much better than what you have now, and that anyone visiting this shop should have any recommended service be visually presented to them, right there while the vehicle is on the lift. This should really be implemented no matter where you go for vehicle service, in fact, it should be a state law. Even the most experienced ASE mechanics misdiagnose automobile repairs, and I know my vehicle better than anyone, so who better to determine what is needed or not on my vehicle.... PS- Who are the three guys in the stock photo? How about at least uploading a photo of actual mechanics that work at this particular location? LOL....
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matrixfree1
Had my truck towed into the shop because the transmission temp light was coming on. I assumed it was a bad transmission temp sensor but didnt feel like dealing with it. That was a mistake! The tow was only $50 bucks. That was the best part of the experience. They pulled the pan and checked the sensor. That wasnt the problem. So they checked the wiring from the sensor to the ECM and couldnt find any issues. It took them three days to do that. When they called me they informed me that the transmission control module was bad. Since the TCM is in the ECM, they said they would need to replace the ECM. I asked for a quote. They said it would run $600 dollars plus it might need to be flashed at the dealer which would be another $125. The guy said they buy the ECM from NAPA for $500. Thats why it cost so much. I called NAPA. The most expensive ECM they sell for my truck was $360. And Im sure they dont pay retail like I would have to. They also told me that my alternator was only putting out 12 - 12.5 volts when it should be putting out about 14 volts. For the low, low price of only $360 dollars they would replace the alternator for me. What a deal! I looked up alternators for my truck - $90. And they probably get them cheaper than that. I can put a new alternator in my truck in under 30 mins. Apparently my volt meter in the truck isnt working either because it shows the alternator putting out 14 volts. They charged me $400 dollars for the transmission fluid change - and they even put the old sensor back in the truck rather than putting a new one in while they were there. $400 for a transmission fluid change! And heres the kicker. After putting a new ECM in my truck ($236 including flash) and taking it for a test drive, I realized something wasnt right with the transmission. It was shifting very poorly and it would slip occasionally. I checked the fluid level and it isnt even showing on the dipstick! So now I either have a leak, which Ive never had before, or they didnt even put the right amount of fluid in the truck. Hate to say it but this has been one of the worst experiences Ive had with a repair shop. I think if you want something simple done to your car, like new tires or an oil change, these guys might be up to the task. But if you have major work that needs done to your vehicle, I would avoid these guys. I caught them lying to me, and found that their work is subpar to say the least. But theyre friendly while they lighten your bank account.
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Anonymous User
My wife went to pick up our car and was charged nearly $200 more than the estimated price. Then they hastily explained to her that the extra part was needed and they installed it without a phone call or previous authorization because they assumed that I would authorize them to do it anyway. Truthfully, I would have probably authorized them to install the extra part had they called me and told me what the difference was. However, the lack of communication truly disappointed me as I spent the night wondering why they decided that this extra $200 part was necessary. I received a phone call the next day with an apology and a thorough explanation......and several excuses as to why they didnt have time to call me. Were all busy people - dont make excuses. It is very unlikely that I will take my business there again for fear that I might end up with a brand new set of tires when all I ordered was a tire rotation.