Union Line Garage

Reviews 3

MA

Marsi Caprio

Last week my car suddenly overheated while I was driving to visit my cousin. I dont know all that much about cars, but knew enough to pull over and check under the hood. It thankfully wasnt smoking but thermostat was still at high even when I tried little tricks to bring it down. I contacted roadside assistance through my auto insurance and they brought out a tow. I wasnt that familiar with the area so I went on their recommendation on where to take my car. Im so glad I did. Upon arriving with the tow, I spoke with Kyle an auto service representative. He was so helpful. Understood my frustration and informed me that the mechanics were going to do a thorough inspection of my car and since it was going to take awhile, they had a car service that could take me to my house or wherever I wanted to go. Ive dealt with many different mechanics and garages in the past and Ive never been offered a car service before. Kyle also introduced me to the operations manager, Jonathan, who promised to keep me updated about my car situation. I was praying it was a small problem- not enough coolant or faulty thermostat. Quick fix. Jonathan called me a few hrs later with not such great news.The coolant was leaking due to major cracks in the radiator. He recommended replacing that and I needed a new thermostat. He also informed me that my tire rods were incredibly loose (during a routine oil change a while back, I remember someone telling me they were starting to become loose and while it wasnt an issue yet, it would become one) I was quoted a price (not exactly cheap) and Jonathan told me that my car would most likely be ready on Monday- it was Thursday and they dont work on weekends. I had to discuss all my options with my uncle as he is more knowledgeable. Jonathan politely informed him of everything he had previously told me. And said that my car was in very good shape otherwise. He also expressed sympathy for being carless over the weekend when I told him I needed it for work. He told me that he would try his best to get everything done by the next day, but he couldnt promise it. About 50% chance. He did say that the garage had company rental cars that they loaned out to customers free of charge. Another perk Ive never heard of from any other garage. I told him to go ahead and get everything in motion and to please keep me updated. I was promised a call around 3 the next day. Not only did I get my call, but it was to inform me that my car would be ready by closing time! Kyle and Jonathan really worked with me throughout everything. I had work til 8pm, they closed at 5. But left my keys in a lockbox. They also helped me out with figuring out the finances. And contacted me again later that night to make sure I had gotten my car and everything was all right.  I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences Ive ever had with a garage. They were so kind and professional and I never felt like I was being talked down to or taken advantage of because Im a girl who really doesnt know cars. My car is now running beautifully; I pray there will not be anymore issues, but I would definitely go back to them again if there are. They arent all that convenient distance wise, but I would travel further to get the kind of service I received from them than someplace physically closer that wouldnt be nearly as good. Thank you so much Kyle and Jonathan and the rest of the Union Line Garage staff :-)

MA

Matthew Cornwell

Back in June I purchased a used 2012 BMW and brought it to Union Line garage for an oil change. After finding an oil leak they decided to do a full inspection on the vehicle (since it was due at 40K miles)... they ended up calling me back recommending over $8000 in repairs! $1100 for an oil filter housing gasket leak, $700 to replace leaking rear shocks, and $6500 to completely replace its turbo unit since it was "leaking oil". I did not debate the oil filter housing (since its common to the car), that said their price was over what the BMW dealership would have charged for the same repair. I was told that the cost included oil cleanup which was significant and I will say that they did a good job cleaning the engine. The leaking shock isnt a huge surprise either, but a leaking turbo at 40k miles sounded very suspicious. Ive waited to write this review because I wanted to be 100% certain that their diagnosis of the turbo was incorrect and paying them $6500 would have been a complete waste of money. Since the diagnosis I’ve put over 6000 miles on the car and have had the turbo inspected by 2 separate mechanics. The first inspection was done by a BMW master technician the week after Union Lines diagnosis. I had put 300+ miles on the car since I was told it was leaking, but there was absolutely no oil to be seen. The second inspection was done at my local BMW dealership, again by a master technician. After 6000 miles there is still not a drop of oil outside of the turbo. I was told by the dealership that the oil filter housing leak probably made its way to the turbo side of the engine by hugging some of the engine seams. This probably made Union Line think the turbo had a leak. I had asked them about this very scenario when I was first given the bad news and they said it wasnt possible. Aside from the incorrect turbo diagnosis which would have cost me an arm and a leg, the garage sent pictures of another leak. I realized after the fact that this picture was my transmission oil pan, yet Union Line said nothing of having a transmission leak. So they knew there was a leak since they sent me a picture of it, but they didn’t recommend getting it resealed? Instead they jump the gun on the turbo externally leaking oil which was an astronomically expensive repair. I’m giving them 2 stars instead of 1 since the staff was very professional and friendly, and the work they did was quality. That said, they are lucky to get 2 stars. If they quote you an expensive repair on a complicated vehicle (like a turbo-charged BMW), make sure to get a second opinion before giving them the go-ahead. It saved me thousands of dollars.

DE

Deborah Kurilla

Sometimes ignorance is bliss and sometimes ignorance is costly. The more you know the better decisions you can make. I took the familys 2002 Saab to Union Line after finding out it had a leak in the transmission hose and was diagnosed from another garage as needing new back brakes. I wanted a Saab specialist. Union Line has one with over 23 years experience. To our surprise, the car did not need new brakes. They explained why. However, they found 10 issues with the car, 7 being a priority. Johnathon went over everything in detail, twice, with me. Once on the phone and once again when I went over to the garage with questions. I wanted to keep the car because it was my Dads. He recently passed. However, after much discussion, we decided not to fix the car but to invest the money into a new car for my mother. I would take on her other car. Here is what is great about Union Line. They could have confirmed the diagnosis of the transmission hose and fixed it. And not mention any of the other issues, like a faulty fuel pump or worn bushings. But because they went out of their way to check out the entire car, our decision was based in facts not emotion or ignorance. Everyone I dealt with was exceptional in friendliness, professionalism, knowledge and understanding. Thank you Union Line. Your expertise saved us future problems. My Mom and I are very grateful to all of you! Next time you will be seeing me in my newer Honda.

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