Hillmuth Certified Automotive of Columbia

6810 Oak Hall Ln, Columbia, MD 21045, USA

Address:	6810 Oak Hall Ln, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
Phone:	+1 410-381-1124
Site:	hillmuth.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 7:30AM–6PM 8AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 18

Reviews 4

Anonymous User

OK, I admit, Im a "maximizer" and figure out all the options and variables ahead of time and have high expectations with a keen sense if someone is trying to get one over on me. Bottom Line: Id give them a try again but would get estimates in writing before work being done. Prices, I think, were average and they did quality work. I had a fair amount of work done and thankfully they did NOT use any high pressure up-sell tactics. I liked the fact that they would install high end brake parts purchased via the Internet (not available in local area) and were up front they could not warranty the work--which I didnt expect them to do, but some shops wont perform this work for liability reasons. Also, they were very flexible on appointments which had to be changed a few times at last minute. They also didnt complain about holding multiple sets of tires for about 3 weeks (they are an installer for TireRack). I dropped my car off the previous night after closing and filled out the work request form and put the key in mail box (at the bottom of door which seems obvious but only after you stand back and look for where it is). At the last minute I decided to request an oil flush but I did not get an estimate and this caused some problems as Id approved the work on the form already. To the service managers credit, after they looked the car over they called with updated prices. However, the oil flush was to be $330 and I thought that was unreasonable (Im sure their procedure is the best but I wasnt willing to pay that much and they werent willing to do a cheaper version). However, they had already drained the synthetic oil before I got the estimate and since I needed an oil change & filter anyway I just paid it without quibbling. I should have kept the estimate on the brake work, so I give them the benefit of the doubt. Prices seemed to be standard shop rates which were not inexpensive but were lower than the dealership. I used a coupon from the mail (or see website) and if I was willing to come back multiple times I could have gotten a pretty good deal using a discount one at a time. Instead, I just had all the work done at once. They called promptly when the work was done. You could tell the service rep was an introvert but did a good job of trying to engage me and was honest. Work appeared to be of good quality so, Ill give you the prices and let you be the judge: - Mount & Balance 8 x new tires: $273 -- One old set disposed of and one usable set returned to me - Check clutch pedal adjustment at my request: Free - Install 4 x Rotors and 4 x Pads, lube calipers but not change fluid: $367 - Replace License plate light bulb $25 - Air Filter labor (part provided) $23 - "27-point" inspection with oil change (labor $18, parts 85) $103 - Discounts: -$50 (the most favorable discount choice from all the work without asking specifically) =================== Grand total with tax: $800 PS, I knew what I was getting into with high end slotted brakes and new tires which took a few days for the noises to go away which was to be expected. Time will tell if they put put the rotors on true (perfectly balanced).

P Lund

Went here for state inspection and paid $82 for it. They recommended $700 of unnecessary repairs: 1. Hilllmuth failed us for a 20mph braking test, claiming there was a "bad vibration" on the brakes and that therefore we needed to replace the brake rotors. This "bad vibe" was based entirely on the opinion of the mechanic, not on any observation or measurement. We asked them to take another look at it with us, as we did not feel any such vibration but we were told that they would not reconsider. Four days later we brought it to another state inspector who agreed with us - there is no such vibration. 2. Hillmuth claimed we needed to replace a boot in order to pass the inspection - the second inspector disagrees - and said there was only a little wear on the rubber from dust and dirt, which is understandable as the car resided in coastal California for the last 4 years. Again, no repair is necessary. We payed $82 for an inspection with Hillmuth and they took the money and recommended an additional $700 service, on top of which they would have charged an additional $35 to re-inspect. When questioned about their reasoning for evaluating the "bad vibe" on the brakes and unwillingness to confirm it in our presence, they said that the mechanic was being cautious because he was afraid of having his inspectors license taken away. The second mechanic I took it to (not Hillmuth) said that the state is getting tougher on inspectors who pass cars which shouldnt be passed. But, this second mechanic (again, not at Hillmuth) was either honest or confident enough to say that the issues claimed by Hillmuth, for which our car could not pass inspection (according to Hillmuth), did not exist! Now the car passes inspection, and although we had to pay extra money for a second inspection, it was worth it as we avoided the unnecessary repairs. Summary: the guys here are losers. Avoid this dump.

Michael Hayes

My single mom daughters van developed at high-pitched sequel under the hood. At the same time the check engine warning came on, again. This happened late Friday night. She cant afford to miss work so I volunteered to call her shop for appointment 1st AM Monday and drop off. No-Go. Her shop couldnt even see it until Wednesday. Checked with her to see if OK to call Hillmuth. Called Scott & he replied they could take it and assess it. While waiting, they diagnosed the noise as defective bearing in the alternator and the check engine light as a miss-firing cylinder. 2 different items. I used their free ride service to take me home until the repair was completed. Scott called with the estimate and stated they didnt find a reason for the check light. Since it was intermittent, & not being on now, it could not be diagnosed. Scott suggested several items to watch for next time the light came on. Also pointed out it was not a critical situation because it was intermittent and didnt not exhibit any symptoms while driving. At my prompting, he agreed to just add BG Injector Cleaner to see if it could be a dirty injector. Not long after Scott called again saying all was done. My ride came and the repair experience was no big deal as Hillmuth handled it with their usual professional manner. Thats why Ive used Hillmuth for over 30 years.

Jim Molinelli

I had a personal friend recommend them, and read good reviews as well. I found them to be friendly and professional. I really appreciated their drop-off and pick-up or loaner car options! They called as they investigated my problem, informing me and getting my approval for the required services.They performed the initial services in a very prompt manner and I had my car back the same day. When my brakes continued to be noisy after some time had passed, they took another look and found nothing mechanical wrong, only some rust causing noises. Two weeks later, they looked again, still not problems, just some residual noises from the rusty rotor. They were easy to talk to, and fair with me each step of the way. While I have some chirping on the brakes, I know its not affecting the function, and they never suggested a need to replace the rotors unless I truly wanted the sounds to be silenced. But since I did not NEED new rotors for safe operation - it was not recommended. I appreciate someone looking out for my safety and my expenses.