The Right Repair Shop

Choosing the right repair shop can be a challenge. Here are some guidelines to help you along the way.

Q. Does the shop have set pricing?
Beware: If a shop does not have set pricing many times they are “shooting from the hip” and your repair bill will be much higher than the original quoted price.

Q. Are they comparable with other local shop’s prices or are they too low?
Beware: Many shops shoot you a low price to get you in the door and then up charge you.

Q. Do they provide you with a price prior to looking at your vehicle?
Beware: You are not a mechanic so why should your mechanic diagnose your vehicle over the phone. Make sure your shop looks at your car before providing a final price.

Q. Is there a warranty?
Beware: Every good shop has a warranty. Bonita Valley Auto Care covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services for 12 months/12,000 miles. That doubles to 24 months/24,000 miles if you use your NAPA VISA or NAPA AutoCare EasyPay Credit Card (applications available at participating locations). If there is no warranty the company doesn't stand behind their work.

Q. Do they have reviews independent of a third party marketing company?
Beware: Third party marketing companies send out customer surveys after your car has been serviced. If you are unhappy, and you complain, your review does not alway appear online because most third party marketing companies only post positive reviews. We like a happy customer, which is why we strive to make everyone happy. Rather than using smoke and mirrors we simply encourage you to go online and let the world know about your experience with Bonita Valley Auto Care.

Once you find a shop that you like, stay with that shop; maintaining a long term relationship with your automotive repair shop will save you thousands over the life of your car. Automotive repair shops generally make recommendations regarding preventative maintenance so you can avoid major costly repairs like engine replacement. Good shops also provide an avenue of communication and transparency so that you can see your service records online and track your recommendations, and plan for your repairs.