Reviews

Review Details

• Review fromJackie V

  Date: 02/11/2024

  This business tried to tell me I had a blown engine and he would call it even on a $190 attempted repair on said vehicles overheating issue and get rid of car for me since he felt it wasn’t worth the cost to get a new engine. I towed it home found out it needed a $5 radiator cap and about a year later now car still runs like a champ with no head gasket or engine repairs or replacement. So glad I got a second opinion

  Davidson Auto Center LLC

  Date: 03/14/2024

  This is the first time Ms. ******* has voiced displeasure with DAC and we are hoping to receive clarification on what inspired this review, 10 months after the event. Given her previously-warm relationship with DAC/Kenny (owner), we are also curious as to why she did not express her concerns directly, or even pursue a refund. It seems important to note that Ms. ******* had befriended a former employee of DAC, whose departure has unfortunately resulted in some unprofessional, unwarranted behavior and negativity. As stated, Ms. *******’s relationship with Kenny had been pleasant and she was shown the leniency and empathy one could expect from a friend. Additional courtesies were offered during this time-of-need, including use of Kenny’s personal vehicle while hers was inoperable, and vehicle storage for approx. 36 days (totaling $1,440) free-of-charge, while she gathered funds for the anticipated bill. Last we heard from/saw Ms. ******* was May 18th 2023 when she came by to orchestrate the vehicle being towed back to her residence, not to another shop. Currently, with the information provided, there is no logical, mechanical explanation for what Ms. ******* is indicating has transpired since. The vehicle was originally towed to DAC on April 12, 2023. She expressed awareness of a large coolant leak, but stated her girlfriend had continued driving until the vehicle overheated and completely shut-off. Initial diagnosis indicated the thermostat (and housing) needed replaced as it was stuck in closed-position, allowing coolant to leak out the moment it was added; also, a heavy oil leak existed at the valve covers. Thermostat (& housing) needed replaced to seal the cooling system, and before any additional diagnostics could be completed. She approved our replacing the thermostat and housing. We then filled cooling system w/ water for testing purposes only (and to avoid charging for coolant used for testing), and vehicle would then start, but with constant misfires. The most probable explanation for the misfires being that coolant had entered the combustion chambers of the engine, likely ruining head gasket(s) and possibly washing out the rings. At that time, the best course of action would be removing and replacing the engine. If Ms. *******’s assessment of her vehicle (and engine) is correct, this would be the first time in 40+ years in the industry that Kenny has seen a vehicle overheat, shut-off, and not have a blown head gasket and/or washed-out rings. We communicated the diagnosis to Ms. *******. Kenny also offered to waive all charges, and scrap the vehicle himself (any funds received to be used to recoup losses from waived repair bill and courtesy services); Ms. ******* declined and stated her son agreed to buy the vehicle back from her (as the one who sold it to her originally). Prior to this event, DAC serviced this vehicle one time in October 2022. Ms. ******* requested an oil change, and declined all other recommendations, citing her intent to let the vehicle sit for most of the winter season 2022-2023. Over a 6-month timeframe (Oct 2022 – Apr 2023), documented odometer readings show that the mileage increased by only 171 miles, indicating significantly low use, possibly contributing to the eventual disablement. In summary, DAC had no knowledge of Ms. *******’s negative opinion/experience with us. We remain confident in our diagnosis at this time and we firmly believe we went above-and-beyond in assisting her. Even though the diagnostics, services, repairs performed should have cost thousands, she was only charged a total of $160 (thermostat & housing parts; 1.5 labor hours to remove and replace). Davidson Auto Center (DAC) complaints are addressed, corrected (if opportunity provided), and taken to heart. As we were not granted an opportunity to correct this situation above, any customer, new or existing, that brings in a PRINTED COPY of Ms. *******’s review will receive 10% off their auto-repair/service bill, valid through December 31, 2024. This coupon CAN be combined with our cash/check discounts already offered. Thank you.