I'd been having problems with my car starting. Alternator fine, battery BRAND NEW, and theoretically (based off my most recent trip to a "big name" service center) my starter was fine too. I was told they weren't sure what the issue was. That's most unfortunate, because my car would still start only when it wanted too... Which was never when I needed it too.
A Captain I work with recommended I try Jays Automotive after he overheard me getting super frustrated on the phone with another business. He claimed he and one of his peers had both used Jays and that it was worth a shot. So I called... A man named Rick answered and listened to my concerns and suggested I bring the car in. I dropped it off about 1130 on a Tuesday. I understood diagnostics would have to be ran (which was surprisingly cheap at $75. The major competitors chthonic around $99.) and was pleased to know that IF they discovered the problem and I agreed to let the repair it, the $75 would be waived.
Well, turns out the problem was a starter after all. Not surprised. I bought the car brand new 10 yrs ago and still own it. But mad either, 10 years on 1 starter ain't bad at all. Looked it up on Google, and the National Average for starter and labor is around $580. So I knew it would be kinda expensive.
I was impressed to learn of their attention to detail. They noticed my Firestone sticker that suggests my next oil change, and that I was a few 1,000 miles overdue lol. They also noticed the giant bulge in my upper radiator hose that would soon pop, my transmission fluid had never been serviced, and my power steering fluid was looking a bit old and kinda gritty/grimey.
Not being able to argue with the facts, and since it was already in their shop, I agreed to have all of the above mentioned items serviced. Here's my problem: this could take awhile (based off other experiences with bigger name service centers). I might be without a car for work for a few days. Even Rick said it will probably be a day or two.
WRONG!
Starter replaced.
Oil and filter changed.
Upper radiator hose replaced.
Transmission fluid serviced.
Power Steering Fluid Serviced.
Remember; dropped it off at 1130. Got the call at 1615 saying "Mr Spurgeon, your cars ready and can be picked up now"! Whoop! That's what's up! 3 hours and I'm back in business. Total cost: $781. Which I found totally fair dude to the fact that $580 is the national average for starter, meaning all the other services they provided was around $200. Seem steep? Well, I am comfortable with that due to the fact I had my car back in 3 hours as opposed to 3 days. Didn't miss a beat at work or anything. Now they do close at 1800... But Rick understood I was far away and stayed later just to make sure I can pick up my car. On top of that, gave me a free voucher for an oil change. Obviously I'm going to use it.
This was truly a wonderful experience and I'm very happy to have found such a great car care center. I honestly hope nothing ever breaks again on my car... But knowing that it's inevitable ... I will be back some day to Jays Automotive on Alameda.
Bonus - they have probably the coolest garage door art in the EPT.
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