1 /5 Brandon Mealer: Short Version: Mediocre work, long wait, took 3 times to finally fix what I went in for and terrible service. Felt like a scam (Lines up with several other reviewers experiences)
Just got through the trouble of getting my car fixed through them, spending around $600 over three visits. Originally was recommended by a friend when I moved to Gainesville. I am not in a great financial spot currently, so this has been extremely hard on me.
I went in about engine problems, and my car losing power. I was told an oil leak was the problem, and paid $200 to have it fixed. The leak persisted, and my car continued to lose power, but of course, when I brought it in the next time it was "a different leak" and wouldnt be considered a warranty. This red flag should have immediately prompted me to leave and find a better mechanic, but the initial recommendation came from someone who has known the owner for quite a long time, so I continued to give the benefit of the doubt
They held on to my car for OVER A WEEK. Despite having made an appointment to bring it in at a specified time, they clearly did not touch it for many days, as I wasnt even given an estimate for 5 days. I paid another 250 to have this fixed, and they couldnt even be bothered to put more oil in it after. I had now dropped ~$450 to have my car fixed, but as I drove home I quickly realized they had not fixed the engine at all.
I called to complain and the owner told me that they hadnt worked on the engine because they hadnt been informed it was an issue (And remember, its why I had initially taken it in), and he told me he would fix it, to just bring it in on my next off day. I decided I would give them one last chance, as the receptionist in the front has consistently seemed somewhat incompetent, perhaps she just did not tell him.
After nearly getting stuck multiple times with a barely functioning car (0-60 in around a minute, assuming you were on a flat surface, dont even dream of going uphill at more than 10 mph), I took it in today. I told them I couldnt have it take another week this time, heard the same receptionist go to the back and lie, saying I had said it must be done today (Wasnt going to correct it given how long the last time had taken) and luckily received a call near the end of day saying the repairs were complete.
Over 50% of the $135 bill I received was labor costs. I was under the impression after speaking to the owner that I would not be paying for anything other than parts given the trouble they had put me through, and the amount of money I had already spent on NOT having my car run. Regardless, I sucked it up, paid them, and decided to cut my losses
As for the work, it seems to run ok in the 10 minute drive home, I know little about cars, but it seems substantially worse than the mechanic I typically used in Athens (Masters Garage; Id give them 5* easily).
I have a lot of issues with the way they handle business and will not be using them again, and neither will a friend of mine who had a similar experience. You essentially have to harass them to receive even an estimate, or get the work done in a timely manner. I feel scammed over the oil leak situation, and just generally am not pleased with what I paid for. Im out $600. which is honestly more than what the car is probably worth, but that is the last they will get from me.
