Where's the best nationally known places to get your fixed?

Question

I HATE mom and pop places. I like places with a written guarantee on the back of their reciept, not some scribbles and a price....
Any ideas...? I am willing to go from miami to west palm...
(repairs I've been told I need) back brakes, axel arms, rear wheel cylanders, new tires, alignment and tune-up I guess?
2002 hyundai elantra gls 65k

The problem I have is my steppdad is a transmissions mechanic... He's worked @ a lot of places and most of them are something like Joe's auto world... The places that don't intentionally mess up your car, but neglect to tell some other problems with the car so they know that you'll have to come back again if they do a good job....

Answer 1

You can hate mom and pop places all you want, but most "nationally known" places are just as bad if not worse since most of them are franchises actually run by "mom and pop". Further, the national organization has more money to fight you in court than a local place if something goes wrong.

I've been burned by independent operators and national chains both. It's easy to find a bad mechanic... the vast majority are undertrained and don't know what they're doing. Your best bet is to find a mechanic who owns the shop and takes pride in their work. Ask around. It's not easy, but you'll find one if you ask enough people locally.

I've heard of national shops that have actually damaged parts to inflate the bill... a friend used to swear by Pep Boys, but when he found a suspiscious screwdriver shaped hole in an air hose, he stopped going there. I've heard stories about Midas as well. Aamco has a horrible record with transmissions.

It took me a good 4 years to find a good shop, but I've never gone anywhere else since for anything but the occasional oil change. He offered and gave me a guarantee in writing on an engine replacement and actually backed it up numerous times. He's also given me free oil changes and not charged for labor if he didn't get the work done quickly. He's an independent operator who works his tail off, but he has my total respect and gets recommended to everyone I know.

Answer 2

Go to a dealership if you have issues with the small time business. If you do decide to go to a small mecahanics shop, make sure that they have been in business for a while (several years) and are AST Certified.
Just a note -- I like the small mom and pop business, they get to know you and actually care if you still have problems later and they can do things for reduced cost or for free if they feel morally obligated to.

Answer 3

There is a tires plus place in sandalfoot (south west Boca) on 441. They are excellant. I've reccomended them to lots of people and no ones been dissapointed.

Book though, they are always slammed.

Answer 4

Dealer.