Dave's Car Care, Inc.

Dave’s Auto Care has incompetent and unethical technicians that cause more damage to your vehicle in efforts to boost repair bills. They damaged my paint, billed me for replacing parts that were not defective and caused leaks thT almost burned up my vehicle. When called on this I was ignored by Steven, Lisa and Dave. I would not recommend this unethical shop to my worst enemy.

This is a duplicate complaint of [redacted] & review submitted 12/3/16Ms. Andersen initially visited our facility on Sept 24, 2016 where we performed an oil change, tune-up and general inspection of the vehicle.  At the time we found a number of issues of which she was...

informed.  As a result, the fluids were flushed and the radiator cap was leaking so it was replaced. No further issues were found with the radiator at the time.  The vehicle a 2006 Town & Country – a ten year old vehicle. She returned on Dec 1, 2016, stating she had a coolant leak. Upon inspection, the radiator side tank had cracked. The customer replaced the radiator at that time. We charged $145 below the high side Repairpal est.  It was also noted to the customer on her invoice that we noticed build up on the water pump; however, it was not leaking at that time. On Dec 3, 2016, she returned & the water pump had begun leaking.  It is a coincidence that is was a couple of days later; however, that is why we noted the issue on the customer’s invoice to make her aware there was a problem with the water pump.  The customer opted to have us replace the water pump.  After reviewing the Repairpal estimate, we were, in fact, $80.72 over the high side Repairpal labor estimate, NOT $200 as she states.  (Note: Repairpal estimates do not include shop supplies nor taxes). Therefore, as a courtesy, we will refund the customer $80.72 for the difference. We never replaced any belts as she indicates.  Over two months after her initial visit she returned with a cracked radiator, which was fine when she left our facility in Sept.  The fact that she is accusing us of breaking her radiator is ludicrous.  At the time of the radiator replacement, we indicated to her there was also a pending problem with her water pump.  That had nothing to do with the radiator work.  If her vehicle is still leaking, we will review it at no charge.  We offer a 2-year or 24K mile warranty on all parts and labor we perform.

As we researched this incident we realized the vehicle and client name in our system was different then Mr. [redacted].  The vehicle was, in fact, in his mother's name, [redacted].  As requested, we not only performed a lube, oil and filter service, and wiper blade changes; but we also...

performed an electrical diagnostic process on the vehicle as the client's concern was the brake light on the dash was illuminated even after he changed the bulbs.  No facility can see into the future about how long it will take to diagnose an electrical issue. While testing, we observed the brake lights were not functioning properly and were still diagnosing the root issue when we requested the vehicle be kept overnight.  Our basic diagnostic fee is $99.00 which we did perform.  While we make every effort to complete every customer's vehicle timely, no facility can guarantee a completed time.  Yes, I did attend a class about appropriate times to "fire" a customer, which I, in fact, did because I felt Mr. [redacted] was rude and disrespectful.   [redacted]

They fix my problem fast and for a great price thank you guys

As an additional follow up to the complaint filed by Mr. [redacted]. Per our records [redacted] approved the work to be performed.    Our technician saw a message on the instrument panel indicating a right rear stop light failure and front park front light failure. He also scanned the rear signal activation module and found multiple DTCs (Diagnostic Test Codes). He removed the right rear light housing to inspect the sockets and circuit board. He found no burned bulbs or connectors. He researched the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletin) regarding this topic for this vehicle.  He found TSB# LI82.10-p-045622 applied to this concern. He then requested more time to investigate the front parking light failure message since it was getting late in the day. The customer rejected any further service at that time and no further diagnostics were completed.  Our technician spent his time researching the issue in detail and the $99.00 fee was well earned. I would request that the Revdex.com not consider this as a complaint on record as the complainer was not, in fact, the customer.  [redacted]

I took my niece's car into Dave because of a problem she had had with it seeming to shift into neutral. The car did not produce a code at the time and drove fine after the incident, so I knew that they might not be able to find any issues with it because the problem was intermittent. Dave drove the car himself and checked for codes. After 20 miles and all kinds of driving tests he could find nothing wrong with the vehicle. He told me that since he had personally performed the work there would be no charge and to bring it back if the problem began showing itself regularly. I appreciated his not charging me and his professional manner, so if the problem returns I will give him the opportunity to fox it.

I want to thank Dave's car care for their excellent service. they were very helpful, informative and professional. I would recommend their service to anyone.

As we have stated previously to Mr. [redacted], if there is an issue with the transmission we installed, we stand by our warranty and would be happy to take another look at it for him. At the time of our last inspection, we found no issues with the transmission. Our warranty is 24 months / 24000 miles, if he takes it to another [redacted] location and they find a issue we will honor our warranty.

Amazing service, professionalism, and patience. The staff was immensely kind by patiently explaining details to me and answering all my questions. The staff took the time to listen and treat me with respect. As a single woman this has not been what I have experience previously from mechanics. I will continue to bring my vehicle here for all future service needs.

I am completely satisfied with the service work, diagnostics, and repair work done by Dave's Car Care. They are highly trained and experienced. They have great customer service, and take time to explain what work is needed and why. The waiting room is clean and comfortable. The shop area from what I can see looks well-maintained as well. I appreciate the ways [redacted] and his staff give back to our community and help those in need locally and overseas.

We agree that Ms. [redacted] did return on two occasions after the initial; however, on the most recent visit on April 1st the repair was overseen by Dave personally and he drove the vehicle with her after the second alignment.  They both agreed the vehicle was repaired and driving in proper...

alignment.  Ms. [redacted] in her complaint requesting a refund to have the repair completed properly provides no estimate for repair by any other repair shop indicating a defective repair or misdiagnosis was performed on our part.

No evidence has been provided that any of the work we performed was incorrect.  Please provide us with an invoice reflecting correction of any work we performed.

This is my second visit this year. Except for the price of basic diagnostics they don't charge me a penny until I give the go ahead. They keep my Honda running and don't do any work that is not authorized. Additionally, there is a NAPA 24 month, 24,000 mile limited repair warranty. The coupons they mail me are a nice plus as well as the courteous service.

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I am dissapointed that [redacted] has chosen to accuse me of fraud rather than to make any effort to specifically address issues noted in my initial letter. 

The lingering issue that bothers me the most is the misrepresentation of the warranty for the parts and labor.  I was intentionally misled, by what appears to be a standard business practice there, that the transmission would be covered under their nationwide warranty.  I would not have a chosen a premium [redacted] center to replace my transmission if I knew in advance that it would not be covered by any warranty whatsoever.  Again, I was only given a copy of the warranty after I paid for the work.  I can overlook the misunderstandings, disagreements, and even the poor customer service but I feel that I should receive a warranty on the transmission including labor.  I have attached a copy of the warranty which is found on the BACK page of  the invoice.

If the Revdex.com feels that that this type of misrepresentation is acceptable, especially by its 2014 ethics award winner, then I guess there is nothing more I can do.  If this misrepresentation is deemed inappropriate, or as I see fraudulent, then I think some type of compensation is to be expected.

Regards, 

I have lived in the Glendale area for 25 + years and have had numerous mechanics good and bad and Dave's is by far the best and has the most integrity and will treat you honestly and fairly. I appreciate [redacted] and his staff and cannot say enough good about them. I have had several of my vehicles worked on and Dave's has treated me fairly and honestly, I highly recommend them.

I have been a Dave's Car Care customer for many years. I am always highly satisfied with the work, prices, customer service, and trustworthiness. I travel a lot for my job so I need the most reliable car care place to keep feeling safe. Today, they really saved me when my car battery decided to die on a day when my schedule was so packed- on an extremely hot and incredibly humid day. I was so impressed with the customer care team - they got me right in and they made such a difference. You will be very impressed with their expertise, prices, and their dedication to outstanding work. Thanks so much for your excellent service when I really needed it, Dave's Car Care!

I have always found my experience with Dave's to be of thr highest quality and effivency. They are on the spot and work hard to completely their task in a timely fashion.

We take all complaints very seriously, including this one.  However, I would like to address a number of issues.  

First, the customer was never told that the diagnostic fees would go towards the cost of the repair.  The diagnostic fees...

we charge are never rolled into the repairs.  That cost is a separate charge for the technician’s time and expertise to diagnose the customer’s complaint.

Second, the rear differential inspection was not suggested by us, but requested by the customer.  He was told that if there was aconcern with the differential, we could inspect it at “X” cost.  Per the inspection, there were minor issues discovered, but no safety or operation issues were found.  He was given an estimated cost to address the differential at the same time as the other repairs to save on labor costs.

When Aaron picked up the car the first time and brought it back, there was not any noise in fifth gear, but the transmission reverse failed.  It was then disassembled and repaired.  On the test drive we felt a misfire in the fifth gear.  As a customer satisfaction, we replaced the coil twice for him having to bring the car back.

After returning to us for the 3rd time, there was no mention of an issue with a noise in 5th gear.

Aaron told me he had work done at a shop in Salt Lake.  I responded if it was a [redacted], they had a nationwide warranty.  He had the manager of [redacted] call me about the rear end noise work they performed on 11/13/13 and the service they performed on the rear differential on 3/25/14. Left rear axle seal noise was howling, they stated there was no warranty.

The customer also does not mention that the ignition coil, plugs and wire set along with $30 worth of gas were installed in the customer’s vehicle at no charge to him. 

He does not state in his report that the shifter boot had been removed prior to his last visit to our facility.   At this point, when he came in for the third time with issues, I, [redacted], stated that the customer could get a second opinion from a Ford dealership and if there was a confirmed issue directly related to our repairs, we would definitely address it. 

If Aaron would replace the gear shift boot and other items that were removed from the vehicle (see attached diagram) we would be happy to do a test drive with him. Having those items removed, there was no way to differentiate the normal noise of the transmission working properly and any abnormal noise or street noise that was heard.

After the repairs to his vehicle were made, Aaron called and asked if the rear end could be done under the “peace of mind warranty”.  He basically was asking us to defraud our own warranty company. We explained to him this could not be done and we would be happy to given him the best price we could for the rear end work.

With his mindset to try to defraud our warranty company, removal of the shifter boot prior to his last visit to our shop and lack of full disclosure of what we provided him, we believe this complaint is without merit.

My car has been serviced/repaired by Dave's for about two years, and each experience is pleasant. Work is done professionally and on time. I do recommend this business. [redacted], CMSgt, USAF (Retired)

I have been going to Daves for almost 13 years and have always been more than satisfied with the quality of work.