Trombley Tire & Auto

Reviews 5

RA

Rachael Downs

I will start by saying that my car was not in driveable condition and now it drives well. So ultimately, mission accomplished. The employees there were extremely nice and attentive and worked very quickly to get my car back on the road. I expected it to be in the shop for at least a week and when I dropped off my vehicle on a Friday morning and explained the issue they apologetically offered to have it finished by the late afternoon. That saved me a lot of trouble so I really appreciate their efficiency. My one complaint was the price. I am willing to spend a lot on labor, since I believe that a mechanics time and skills are valuable, what I am not willing to spend a lot on are extra repairs I dont really need. In my case, one brake caliper was locked up, and there was pretty extensive damage to that brake pad and rotor as a result. Since both front brake pads and rotors were brand new, I assumed we could just replace the right side that had been damaged by the malfunctioning caliper. Instead their quote of $580 included new brakes and calipers on both sides. When I reminded them that only one side needed repairs, they told me they would not repair only one caliper, that it would cause leaks. They reluctantly offered to save me about fifty dollars by not replacing the rotor on the left side, but that was the best they could do. They ostensibly exerted a lot of effort calling around looking for better prices on calipers, but the lowest price they got was still significantly more than the first price I was quoted when calling around myself (just to see what was out there). When I mentioned those prices they said theyd see what they could do. Later they reported finding a good deal from NAPA Auto (one that was only available if the entire brake system was purchased- both calipers, pads and rotors) but they couldnt tell me what the price was, since NAPA was reportedly having a problem with their computer system. I resigned myself to stop haggling and just let them handle it, hoping for the best. The final price was a little lower than the original quote, but about the same as it would have been had the front left rotor not been replaced. Since picking up my car Ive talked to some other mechanics about the ordeal, and they all insist that repairing both calipers, while advisable, was not absolutely necessary. Since I only need this car to continue running for another few months before I ditch it in a scrap yard, I really wish I hadnt just dropped over $500 on something that was about 50% unnecessary. I am definitely not accusing them of dishonesty, they seemed like pretty upstanding folks... but they do seem to want to maintain a particular standard without consideration for your individual needs, and I definitely get the sense they are encouraged to up-sell you, and may rely on your ignorance if it comes down to that.

---

A

Anonymous User

I looked around on Google to see what Ithaca had to offer for Tire and Auto Repair shops. The places I like most are the local businesses. I like the small guy because they almost always give you the better service, at a better cost to help you. Trombley had eight reviews, all of them spectacular. So I decided to go there when I needed winter tires last week. Never before have I been treated nicely from when I walked in, to when I left. When I went to set up the initial installation on my tires, I spoke with Doug. Doug was very helpful in, not only suggesting but showing on a list of tires where the tire he was recommending me stood in ratings. I like seeing hard statistics sometimes, and my car is one of them. I use it for work, and I help friends get around. My car needs to be as safe as I can get it. After setting up the appointment, I said my thanks, left. Came back, I spoke with.. I believe Shawn/Sean.... Awesome guy. Setting up the needed information was quick, and after, I sat down. There was a TV for those that wanted to watch it, I, myself tend to try to stay away from it. As I waited for my tires to be put on, they had several people come and go. Very nice to all their customers, polite, I definitely recommend this place to all people. I already told one of my roommates and even my mom and sister who live up in Rochester about them. With six locations, some even up around Rochester, to check them out. I feel that I was given a more than fair price, and was the best customer service Ive ever received. I wish I would have gone to them for my control arms now, but I will definitely be going to them for my future car issues. Thanks for the reviews on the local area businesses. It helped immensely. --CJ Ward

---

MI

Michael Barnett

I took my truck into Maguire Nissan locally, FOUR TIMES, to have them replace a broken headlight that KEPT going out. They charged me for it every time, even when I vocally pushed for a free replacement, since they werent fixing the problem. They were rude and blew me off. Then I took the same truck into Trombley. They diagnosed the problem in ten minutes -- a broken body control module, an onboard computer that was killing the headlamp repeatedly. They couldnt fix it as it was a computer part you had to go to a dealer to service, but they charged me nothing for the time. A year later, I took a separate car to Trombley to fix yet another headlight issue and to have a full safety inspection done before I sold the car. They worked over the car with a fine-tooth comb for over an hour, fixed the headlight, and charged me ... nothing. They said the inspection was absolutely free, and the light was only a fuse. I insisted they take some payment, but they rebuffed me. TL;DR Take your car to Trombley. They have done work for me on two vehicles, FOR FREE, because the work was light and didnt require parts. On top of that, they are incredibly courteous, they listen to you, and they wont hassle you for repairs you dont need. Trombley is, hands down, the best mechanic Ive ever been to.

---

JO

Josi Ward

I have been taking my cars (an Olds Alero and now a Honda Fit) to Trombley for five years and am grateful every time I leave that they are so trustworthy and honest. As other reviewers have noted, at Trombley they will clearly distinguish between work that must be done now, and work that should be done eventually, which is a relief when on a budget! I have occasionally asked them to do work that it turned out wasnt necessary, so they politely convinced me to save my money. Furthermore, they have frequently made small repairs and refused payment because the labor was so minor. Over the years I have recommended them to many friends and all have reported great service and fair prices. Perhaps because they are so good, their calendars do occasionally get full! But they arent hard to get an appointment with. If Im calling for routine work theyll typically fit me in within a couple of days, and for more urgent repairs they always try to fit me in that day. I cannot say enough positive things about Trombley. Go see for yourself!

---

RY

Ryan Hawthorne

As a person with high anxiety, I have a hard time trusting people with my things. That is certainly NOT the case with Trombley Tire and Auto. Ive been coming here for the past two years now (a few times with my moms care and for all of my oil changes/recent brake replacement) and I have walked out the door happy every time. I had my brakes done earlier this week, but they were screeching for the first 100 miles I drove them. When I called them yesterday (5 minutes before closing) they told me to come in the next day and said it was a "hardware issue". I brought my car in today and it is SO much better - and there was NO charge! Everybody there is super accountable, friendly, and really make you feel like youre an important customer. And as a bonus, the prices are incredibly fair - other places have tried to screw me with higher prices, but not once has Trombley. Thanks guys for all your hard work and honesty! Its appreciated!

---

---

Other organizations