Advanced Automotive Repair of Frederick Inc.

Reviews 3

A

Anonymous User

I feel obliged to warn anyone looking for a mechanic in the Frederick area to avoid the Advanced Auto Repair garage at all costs. To explain: I was towed to this mechanic after losing my brakes due to a blown brake line to my front tire. A single line was affected and I pointed out the line myself to the mechanic when we were looking under the hood. I told him about the lost fluid which had poured out of the reservoir when the line broke and pretty much had the full diagnostic ready for him to begin work. I already knew what the problem was with my car, I just needed him to use his tools and garage to fix it since I was pressed for time, it was an emergency repair, and I didn’t have access to a lift or tools to do the repairs myself. After waiting 1.5 hrs for a technician to arrive from Hagerstown, I remained at the shop for about 2 hrs more. I was watching the clock very closely because I was a little suspicious. They kept pointing to things on my car that I should replace, but all those items HAD been replaced within 3 months for inspection. Also, the technician spent more time complaining that he had to come into work than actually doing the work. He also spent a ridiculous amount of time standing still, pointing a flashlight around, commenting on other parts of the car which were not even connected functionally to the brake system. Eventually I had to leave the premises since I had managed to get a ride to work. Before I left I got an estimate: Roughly $200-250 all told. About 2 hr later I called; still unfinished. I was extremely suspicious at this point and began to ask questions – most importantly, an updated estimate. He refused to give me one, claiming that there was no way to know how long the job would take or what parts he would need. I began to question his qualifications and the qualifications of his technician, at which point he assured me that all technicians he worked with are certified. I finally called as I left work, well over six hours later. I was told that the job was done and he had replaced the line and had also replaced four additional lines which I never authorized, nor did I get forewarning of this repair. He claimed that they looked rusty and I probably would have needed to replace them anyway if I wanted to get my vehicle inspected – also a funny thing to say, considering that my vehicle had passed Maryland’s rigorous 150+ point inspection about 3 months prior. The extra lines took an extra 4 hours of labor, and all told he wanted almost $600 for a job that should have run at about $200. I refused to pay, he was extremely insulting, and I ended up contacting an arbiter to negotiate. I was deemed legally correct and I ended up owing roughly $300. I was given further proof of this mechanic’s dishonesty when he gave me my receipt. He took my money, and asked me to look at my lines before I left rather than just squaring up and getting this whole ugly business behind us. He held them up and made me watch as he pointed out every rust spot on the lines and lectured me on road safety. He then gave me a list of recommended repairs/replacements along with my receipt, which included some of the following: Wipers (which I had replaced within 1 month), Tires (Which were only 3 months old) Exhaust Leaks (the holes were known issues that were welded shut, and I checked the seal when I got the vehicle home, they were still perfectly tight) Oil leaks in the engine (I have never seen a drop beneath or around my car and I checked the seals and fittings of the engine) and finally has recommended I flush almost every system that COULD be flushed. There are far too many dishonest parts-changers out there calling themselves technicians. I only hope that my experiences can help prevent others from falling victim to yet another wrench-jockey out to nab himself a quick buck at your expense.

SU

Sue Fine

I live in Carroll County, and I will travel the 40 miles to take my vehicles to this Shop! It all started about 5 years ago, I needed a brake job pronto as I was headed for the mountains of PA, and Jim got them fixed on a Friday night for me. He explained every part of what he had done, and pointed out a few other things that I should keep an eye on. Over the years, I have brought both my cars to this place. Once, another shop recommended some work, and Jim checked it over for me, pointing out that two of the three recommendations were unneccesary. I will tell you he is not inexpensive, but no more than any other independent mechanic, but he is certainly less than the dealership. However, he will see you most times at a moments notice, and he works on SATURDAYS, which in my neck of the woods is unheard of. I have to work during the week, and I only own one car at a time, so this is important. This last trip, I had 4 trouble lights come on, and I was very concerned. Mr. Iler saw me the next day, and ran a diagnostic that showed a bad sensor. He suspected this might be a false code due to a dirty contact or loose wire, so be examined the sensor, cleaned it and replaced it, but the lights remained lit. He said he would check on the price and get in touch, but assured me the car was safe to drive. On the way home the lights went out, and the car has been behaving ever since. Jim told me the price of the repair (it is within the range of what I had checked on the internet), and if the trouble persisted, just to give him a call. Please note that he did not, nor has he ever, charged me for diagnosing a problem, or lack of a problem, as the case may be, and this is not the same thing as just using a tool like they do at the auto parts store; this entails lifting the car onto the rack and getting to the meat of the matter. I have found Jim Iler to be honest dependable and knowledgeable. I just wish he were closer!

A

Anonymous User

I took my car here for an inspection. It was the closest place I could find to the MVA and I was in a hurry. BIG MISTAKE! 1) They said it would take 40 minutes. It took nearly two hours...and nothing was wrong with my car (except a very minor issue, see below)! 2) Since I didnt have any other transportation, I had to wait. Their waiting area is like a walk-in closet that smelled like a bathroom. 3) The ONLY thing that was wrong with my car was one of the two license plate lights in the rear was out. Now get this: the guy charged me $6 for the light bulb and $30 to screw it in! He said he couldnt let me screw it in because I might get hurt or break something. This was an external light bulb! You know, the ones that light up your license plate? I asked if I could go buy it at a parts store. He said I could but then hed have to void the inspection and start over again, charging me for another inpsection. So I ended up paying the jerk $36 bucks for a $2 lightbulb! The guy was in a foul mood and after waiting much too long and paying WAY too much, so was I. AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU CAN!!!

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