Carpenter Auto Repair

2794 Pennsylvania Ave, Ogden, UT 84401, USA

Address:	2794 Pennsylvania Ave, Ogden, UT 84401, USA
Phone:	+1 801-621-0414
Site:	carpentermotorsports.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 4

Reviews 18

TOU

I have had Dave Ball (current owner of Carpenter Auto) work on our vehicles. The last time was to help us get the stupid check engine light shut off on our 2003 Yukon XL that we have owned since 2003 (2nd owner...it had about 165k miles)...so we could pass inspections. In the end, with a smile on his face, he said it was a bad intake valve in #6 cylinder & the only option was to do valves & head on the one side but recommended a full job & should do both sides. We agreed but told him to make sure he built us a motor that would last at least 3 years...he said no problem. (We had an estimate but did not put restrictions on him...just to do what was needed & do it right.) Two weeks later & over $2,000 later, he gave us back our rig & we were back on the road with a 12 month warranty. Over the next few months, we had to take it back a few times to address the manifolds continually coming loose & several broken bolts...motor sounded awful with exhaust leaks. Dave said he hadnt replaced the bolts because we hadnt asked him to. If he would have mentioned them, we would have asked...remember, no restrictions...just do it right. Who is the expert here? Eventually we bought all new exhaust bolts & he replaced them, no labor charge. Cool About 6 months later, the transmission started slipping...we had it rebuilt at another shop known only for transmission for another $2,200. Even though the truck wasnt really worth large money, we felt it worth it over buying a new one since we had already invested so much. (Total = $6,000+ in 18 months). Fast forward 9 months...15 months & about 18k miles since we had rebuilt the motor...we had the EXACT same symptoms, the exact same engine codes in the exact same side and exact same cylinder. What are the odds? We took it back to Dave who told us, with a smile on his face, that we were 3 months out of warranty...which we knew. We werent really asking him to completely cover it but maybe split it with us as it was identical to the time previous as it seemed pretty coincidental that every thing was the exact same. (If it had even been a different cylinder, we might have felt different.) We were stuck & again not able to pass State/county inspections. He told us that it may be the valve guides but wasnt really sure...we asked if hed replaced them when he rebuilt the top end last time? He said he had done valve seals but not the guides...that we hadnt asked him too. Remember, we put no restrictions on his build...just build us a motor that would last at least 3 years...who is the expert here? He said he would be happy to put a new crate motor in...for $5,000-$6,000 more. But...that he refused to work on our motor & that we should be happy with the use wed had...of course with a smile on his face. No amount of discussion would change his mind & he felt no obligation. We returned & spoke to him again & with that good old smile on his face he told us to let him put a crate motor in (we couldnt cost justify it) or move on. I think we should have done just that...before he rebuilt it the first time & we spent good money after bad. Under no circumstances would I recommend this shop to work on even my weed eater. The only reason he got one star on my recommendation is because I couldnt give anything lower. SOOOOOO not impressed! Probably one of the worst mechanical experiences I have had in 30+ years. Stay away, find someone else, avoid his smile...save your money.

Meghan Thompson

Larry at Carpenter Motorsports is a miracle worker. He has so much knowledge and expertise when it comes to Miatas that it really shouldnt surprise me each time I have asked for his help over that last 6 years and even longer for my car. (The owner before me recommended him as he had worked on the car before I bought it and she had it for 10+ years.) He goes above and beyond in so many ways to help out a fellow Miata enthusiast; I was even lucky enough to buy a hard top he had a year ago which has been awesome! I absolutely trust him to figure out and fix any and all issues my car might have and I will be taking my car to him for as long as I can. My only disappointment is in living so far away from the shop, but Im still very glad to have an expert I can turn to when needed. He replies quickly with a genuinely friendly and honest service that I have not seen elsewhere in car mechanics. Keep up the great work!

nick b

Carpenter Auto is great. Everyone we have dealt with has been great. They have looked at every car/truck we have bought to let us know if it was a good buy. We have taken all our cars here for the past three years and it has always been a great experience. Dave is awesome.

Angy Ford

We totally trust and appreciate this company. I would never want to take my cars/vans anywhere else. They give great honest service and only fix the things that really need taken care of. Thank-you for not taking advantage of us "girls" who just dont know.

Hunter Draper

Myself and members of my family have been in on several occasions. Very honest, trustworthy, friendly, and fair. More than reasonable on the price and service weve gotten from them! Highly recommended.

Patrick Hoyt

The owner Dave is a very professional, friendly and knowledgable mechanic. Ive been coming to Dave for several years now and highly recommend him to anyone in the need of a mechanic.

Jake Klundt

Dave repaired my brakes with out upselling and fluffing up what I needed like les schwab did. Saved me $300. Dave is friendly and honest; I wont go anywhere else!

Randon Prochnow

Not a better place than Carpenter Auto Repair. Dave is a great guy who is honest and always fair with his service. I recommend him to all my family and friends.

Adam Bolling

Larry Carpenter can be found in the back of the building , he is super knowledgeable on all things Miata and racecar builds . Also hes really friendly

Russ Robinson

These guys are not the cheapest but they are the best and they never sell you a repair you dont need. You wont find a better repair shop!

Speedy Gonzales

Had a brake problem on our rv. Gave us immediate service and on our way. Excellent work and a fair price. Thank you.

Britney Critchley

We have been going here for years. We will never go anywhere else. They are friendly, honest, and do an amazing job!

Merl Larkin

Very dependable and I would recommend them to anyone! They have been our go to shop for 20 years.

R S

I have been going here for years. They are honest and amazing at what they do.

Bryan Dee

Awesome work. Fixed right the first time. Would not go anywhere else.