Albuquerque
So where to start…..I have a 2004 Honda Civic. Over the last 6 months I was chasing a lean fuel error on the car. I took it to the dealer first. They did not find it but they said that they thought that the timing belt was missing a tooth might have been the problem so the replaced that turned off the light and within 2 days it was on again. So I looked for another mechanic. Found one that was recommended mechanic and they made their attempt. Could not find it but saw that the plugs were bad and did a few other things turned off the light and yes it came back on. So one last attempt went to Browns Automotive. They did a complete check and found the issue. It was a bad fuel pump. They found a bunch of other things and recommended to eventually fix them but at the time they could wait. So finally got it fixed. Cost me a little over $1000. Kind of expensive but I was real happy with their service and thought to myself finally a good honest mechanic…boy was I wrong. Within 5 days of getting the car back the car started going through antifreeze and it was getting hot. So I thought well maybe they took it out and just did not fill it up. So I continued to fill it for a few days and then finally, while my son was on his way to prom, it overheated. Well back to my trusty mechanic. I figured they forgot to hook up something or it was something real simple. I get a call back from them, mind you I already spent a lot of money with them, and they tell me it was the head gasket and that the radiator was shot. I asked them while they had the car and did the 1000 point check did they not catch it? They told me “Oh sir we really don’t look for those types of things unless you suspect it”. Hmm, it was not overheating before they got it and now it is. Was it something they did or did I just win the lottery and it broke right after they fixed something. Not sure but I asked them so what now. They said they recommend a rebuild or replace the head gasket. So I asked them how much. Well they said head gasket alone parts and labor $2500. So I asked them how much for the rebuild…..ballpark. They told me they just had a 95 civic rebuilt for $6500!! Wow someone got rooked. So I did a little investigation and found an engine for $700, 45K miles, and asked how much to install. They said that it would cost more than the replacement of the head gasket. I asked them why. They told me because they make all their money on parts and they would have to increase the cost of labor to make money. Needless to say I found a mechanic that will replace it for less than $1000. So here is the kicker, I went to pick up my car and they charged me $55 after I spent all the money with them and it was worse off than it was when I brought it to them. AND one more kicker. So I asked the guy can I take it and is the radiator full. He told me they topped it off and asked if he wanted me to have him check it. I told him no because if it is topped off then I should be OK. However, I check it anyway. Good thing I brought antifreeze because it appeared to be very low and based on experience it would have overheated again. So the moral of the story…, if you want to get great service but get screwed on the price take it to Browns Automotive. Otherwise find you another mechanic.