Bay Area Automotive Services

Reviews 3

ED

Ed B

You can stop your search now! You will not find another automotive shop that is more honest and trustworthy than Bay Area Automotive Services! Period!! This is a rather long read, but I felt that I could not do this review justice with less words. Here is my story... The temperature gauge of my car, which usually stays just below the half way mark, began rising to the 3/4 mark while idling for short periods of time. This had been going on for several months. I took it to another shop in November and was told that they could not replicate the problem and that it wasnt anything to worry about, so I put it out of my mind. Then early this week on a Sunday night as I was driving, the temperature gauge began moving up to the 3/4 mark. This had never happened while I was driving, just while idling. Then within a few more miles, the gauge went to high and steam began pouring out from under the hood. I pulled over immediately and left the car in a parking lot. Early the next morning I began the arduous task of finding an honest, reputable shop to repair my car. Enter Bay Area Automotive Services. The answer to my prayers! I had heard about this shop some time ago from a friend, but had forgotten the name. So I began my research and as soon as I seen their name listed in the Google search results of "best automotive shops in Tampa Bay," I remembered them as being the shop that I had heard good things about previously. I called Bay Area Automotive and Ken answered the phone. I explained my predicament and he began talking about some of the issues that might be the problem and confidently told me that he could repair whatever the problem turned out to be. After speaking to Ken for just a few minutes, he was able to put my mind at ease and transferred me to Jennifer to set the appointment. Jennifer came on the line and we talked for some time. She was very understanding and patient with me as I was asking a lot of questions. She set the appointment and I had my car towed there shortly afterward. While my car was there I called several times to tell them things about the car that I had forgotten to mention earlier. During these calls I spoke to both Ken and Jennifer, both of whom always treated me with the utmost care and courtesy. After Ken diagnosed the problem, he talked to me personally and fully explained not only the current problem that caused my engine to overheat, but also took me methodically through the domino effect of how my car eventually ended up with the radiator blowing out. This had been a problem waiting to happen over the past several months and was completely missed by the shop I took it to in November. In addition, Ken gave me a line item of everything that needed to be done to properly fix the entire problem. The price he quoted was more than fair and, in addition, Ken informed me that he fully stands behind his work with a 24-month/24,000 mile warranty on both parts and labor. When I arrived at the shop to get my car, Jennifer went over the entire work order with me and fully explained everything. Then she said something that I didnt expect; that they changed my oil, rotated my tires, and vacuumed my car--at no additional charge. I was floored! A few minutes later Ken came over and introduced himself and stated that he noticed from the windshield sticker that I was overdue for an oil change and decided to go ahead and do that for me--along with rotating the tires--at no charge since I had to have so much other work done on the car (new radiator, new radiator dual fan assembly, and new thermostat and gaskets). I have never even heard of a shop doing something like that for a first time customer whom they have never met until I came in to pick up my car. I had the opportunity to speak with Ken for quite some time, and I have rarely met someone so passionate about what they do. He and his entire staff were absolutely outstanding throughout my entire ordeal. They have certainly earned my business. I am a customer for life!

BJ

BJ Quinton

On a typical Monday, I had almost gotten to work when I heard a loud clunk and my truck stopped moving. I looked under it and noticed that my drive shaft had fallen apart. I took it to Bay Area Automotive because it was the closest place. I had no appointment and they just opened. Many places annoyed by this. But I was met with a huge warm smile from Amber at the front. She was very sympathetic to what had happened and got everything in the system for me very quickly. After that she even offered to give me a ride to where I need to go. She took me to my office so my day was not at all hindered by what happened. I was called regularly with updates on how my truck was doing. They told me what was wrong with it very quickly and got it fixed right away. The cost was about half of what I expected thanks largely to Amber doing a lot of research for me. When it was ready, Ken came and picked me up from my job. On the way back to the shop, we talked about his business and how proud he was about how he built it on honesty. I agree because they fixed what was wrong with the truck but I was never sold anything extra. It wasnt even mentioned. He did say if he saw something that was of concern with regard to safety would tell me. But other than that he only did what I asked and did it at an amazing price. When I was there, I was introduced to the guy that delivers parts for them. I felt like I was hanging out with friends or family. It was honestly the best experience Ive ever had at a mechanic in my life. They definitely have my business from now on!

A

Anonymous User

Having read good reviews about them online, I visited Bay Area Automotive Services to diagnose a check engine light and a hesitating engine. Their handling of me on the phone before I visited was more than pleasant, they seemed genuinely concerned and willing to work hard to meet my needs. I drove the car in the following day (the date of this reviews publication) to check out the issues and get a quote. Ken, the shops manager, determined that my car needed a replacement part as reported by the diagnostics system. He brought me into the shop, popped the hood to complete the diagnosis and show me the part and explain why it wasnt working (while Teresa, the gem of a person that runs the office, got on the phones finding me the best price for the replacement part). When explaining how the part worked, he noticed that a tube had become dislodged and broken and suggested that was likely the cause. Within minutes, he fashioned a new tube from pieces on hand and replaced the broken part. After firing it up, the car ran like a beauty and everything was fixed within 20 minutes. The charge? "Dont worry about it". This is genuine honesty, a mechanic who could have squeezed some money out of me and put in the replacement part but discovered the problem, fixed it and had me walking out the door without spending a dime. As a result, theyve won my business for as long as they are in business. A++++ experience at this shop. Ken, Teresa, Thank you!!

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