Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center

Reviews 3

TI

Tim Scates

I first chose this Tuffy location because I could drop of my car and walk home (plus Id not been overly impressed with the service Id received at a north Plainfield Ford dealership). I should say that although this is branded as "Tuffy", its an independent garage. It should be called "Tims garage" (yeah, the guy has the same name as me) because he owns it and treats it like its his name on the marquee. My background: My dad retired from the parts dept of a Ford dealer after 33 years of service. I work on my cars if at all possible. If Im being fed a line, I know enough to know it (and its happened in other auto service locations). Heres a couple of examples of experiences Ive had: Tuffy is putting ball joints in my truck. They tell me I need brakes and that my wheel bearings need to be lubricated. I know I need brakes, I had already bought the pads and kept them behind the seat in the truck so I wouldnt lose them. They offer to put them on. When I pick up the truck theres no charge for the brake install or for the lube on the wheel bearings. I question why and Im told "Well, we had to put it back together, it doesnt matter what parts we use so it doesnt cost you more, and the wheel bearings take 5 seconds to lube". Im in for service and I bought an oil pressure switch I need installed (it takes a special socket I dont have plus the old one takes a different size special socket). I bring it in. I know it only takes 2 min to install. Again - done free of charge. I had a water pump, bell housings etc done. Six months later my A/C compressor bearing nearly goes out and by the time I get it to them the belt is glazed (belt is $50). They warranty the belt. Its not their fault, but they took care of me. Currently Im in for work that is literally 1 month out of warranty and about 3k miles outside warranty. Yep...theyve managed to secure the part free from the distributor and are splitting the labor with me. They could have said "well give you the new part for half price" or something like this to make more $$ and still make them look good. I love that I can ask "what would you do if it were your car" and I get the answer "if it were my car Id do both sides because if one is broke the others probably not far behind, but for most people Im scared to recommend it because they think Im trying to rip them off, its up to you". They consistently hit their estimates (often times their $400 dollar repair would have been the dealers $700 repair). They can be a little slow in turn around time, but if you look at all the keys and all the cars you can see why...theyre busy! Auto repair isnt an exact science. Things dont always get fixed right the first time. I know this because of my dad and because of life experience. This is why its important to find someone that is honest and that backs their work. These are those guys.

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Anonymous User

Tim Floss, Jaime Gaeta and the rest of the crew at the Plainfield, IL Tuffy Auto on Rt. 59 are wonderful. I am genuinely amazed at their level of professionalism and customer service. Compared to taking my 2001 Hyundai Tiburon to the local Hyundai dealer, or a competitor, Tim EASILY saved me $1,000 +, and that is a significant amount of money, especially when trying to maintain an older car that isnt worth a lot of money to begin with. He could have charged me much more, but he spent the time and effort to make several calls in an effort to get me the best price on parts. I have been driving for almost 25 years, and I cant even begin to count the number of shady mechanics I have run into, people who were happy to charge me for things I didnt need, or maybe worse, willing to charge a premium price for shoddy repairs. I can say without hesitation now that I have a mechanic I can trust. I looked carefully at my invoice -- the price they charged me for most parts was about what I would have paid to buy them myself, no crazy markups there. Except for the catalytic converter they installed -- that was FAR less money than any option I might have found, thanks to Tims hard work. About $800 less than the Hyundai dealer. Their shop rate for labor was considerably less than any other shop I checked out. But dont be fooled into thinking "inexpensive" means "cheap" -- they simply do terrific work at a fair price. Trust me, I wont hesitate to say that to anyone and everyone who asks me about car repair. They deserve the same quality service I got, and Tims shop deserves the business. Plus, it just feels good. "I have a mechanic I really trust to take care of me and deal honestly with me." Wow. What a relief it is to know that. MANY thanks, guys! I read these reviews before I went to your shop, and I am happy to say that they are RIGHT! Fantastic customer service, absolutely the best. My advice: get there early. They open at 7:30am, and you are not the only one reading these reviews. The shop is busy, and for good reason. Youll be glad you went to see these guys.

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connie cunningham

Well over ten years experience with this shop and couldnt be happier. Tim and his staff are ALWAYS professional and answer all of my questions - even when Im clearly in need of extra explanation that would frustrate most. This month our truck needed repairs. Thinking it was not major, we let ourselves be swayed by a friend to have someone they know look at it - ONLY because we drive almost 45 minutes to get to Tuffy and the distance can get frustrating. (This will NEVER happen again.) When the guy told us it was going to be a major repair we ran it to Tuffy as quickly as we could. With my tail between my legs, and feeling incredibly guilty for having anyone else look at it to begin with, we left it with Tim and waited for the call. The repairs were pretty large. He did the entire repair for a very reasonable rate and got us tires at a great price, too. Tuffys pattern of quality business and professionalism proved true yet again. You cant put a value on being able to trust your mechanic. Their work means our safety. Tim and his staff know this - and continuously make the decision not to use that truth to extort people. There is never any unexplained or unnecessary repair work suggested or done. There has never been a service provided that hasnt been approved first. They have always been nothing but FABULOUS in every way. Through the years we may have spent enough to put a few children through college :), but in the end it has always been money well spent on NECESSARY quality service and wonderful people. Driving 40 minutes for an oil change is nothing when you look at the damage that can be done by trying to save some time with someone closer! Loyal for life! Thanks so much Tim and staff - you guys are great! Corporate Tuffy should be proud to have you represent them!

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