Firstly the good: Everyone was professional and the facilities were clean. Prices were communicated up front and they did stick to the price quoted. The negative -- I arrived early this morning with a failing alternator belt. The car started making a very loud noise and I happened to be 3 blocks from them so I pulled in solely out of a matter of convenience and proximity. The source of the noise was visually confirmed within fifteen seconds of opening the hood. It was a serpentine (alternator) belt that was fraying. That visual confirmation cost me $50. I've unfortunately had to replace this belt a couple of times (it's a 2007 Toyota Yaris) and I was relieved to find that's all it was because it's not a costly repair. In fact, some years back it was replaced at a routine oil change for an additional $50. About a half an hour into me being there the employee did inform me that there would be a $55 diagnostic charge. I asked if this went towards the labor and he replied that it did not. Again, he was honest so I can't complain that I was deceived. However, there was no further diagnostic testing done apart from the 15 second glance outside. But, at this point the diagnostic had been completed so if I opted to leave I'd still be out $55 with no replaced belt. The price I paid for the repair itself was in line with other competitors. But, had I taken it next door (or to any of the other reputable mechanics in town) I'd have not had to pay an additional $50. They gave me a "New Customer" discount and knocked $5 off of the $55. It took over two hours to have the job completed because the wrong belt was ordered; but, once the work was completed my car does run well. The work was competent and the staff were professional. But, I really had no other choice at this point and had to pay an unnecessary convenience fee. I assure you Swinson''s even though your receipt says I'll get $20 off my next service for leaving a review I won't be a repeat customer. At least not by choice. You certainly weren't my first choice this morning either. I will add that they did offer to drive two customers home at no extra charge. So that's a nice perk; but, since I paid $50 over what I should have paid I suppose the service isn't actually free. *********** below edits added after business feedback. I was avoiding using specific names because I'm not trying to advertise other business on this page. But, I"m new to Winter Garden. My mechanic in Apopka who I normally would have used and Mike (who is also in winter garden) both would have charged me less than $90 out the door. Neither are mobile mechanics. As I said, the price I paid for the belt replacement was competitive. I wasn't comparing that price to a mobile mechanic. Neither my former mechanic in Apopka nor Mike in Winter Garden would have added on the "diagnostic fee" for something that actually required no real time to diagnose. Obviously if I had an electrical problem and your company had to run tests to ascertain the problem that would have been understandable. But, a $50 fee for a fifteen second visual inspection was a bit steep. That's my only complaint. But, I still want to stress the price wasn't hidden from me or deceptive. But, that doesn't mean I find it fair. I really didn't feel as if I had a choice at that moment because if I had declined the service I"d still be owning you $50 and had to take it elsewhere to get repaired and wound up being out of pocket the same amount. P.S. No service adviser went over any inspection with me. Being that my car is 13 years old I'm sure there are quite a few other things that would have come up in this inspection.
Mr. Hogan your problem started by your mobile mechanic not tightening the bottom bolt on the alternator. Mobile mechanics will always be cheaper than a shop. We are a AAA approved shop and our prices are in line with everyone around us. All vehicle parts are more expensive nowadays. The belt we put on at our shop comes with a 2 year warranty. You can't even get a 2 year warranty on a belt at the dealer. My guys are paid by book time not by an hourly rate and every vehicle gets a full vehicle inspection which my service advisor went over with you. I also went next door to Jiffy lube as you said and it would of been $33.78 more with no warranty. I'm sorry if you feel that you paid $50 more than you needed too. I'm here to build relationships in the community. If you give me a call I can offer you a solution. 407-656-0655. Thank you, Franklin
- Swinson's Car Care Inc.