Have you ever taken a vehicle in for simple service only to walk out having been “tricked” into paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unexpected services?
I think most of us have been taken advantage of by an auto repair shop at some point in our lives.
That’s why when we find an auto shop that is honest and ethical it seems to take us by surprise. In a good way.
My experiences with cons have been too many to list.
So today I want to give accolades to two Santa Maria auto repair servicing companies that have consistently impressed me over the years.
These are NOT clients of ours. And there is no compensation for these recommendations. In fact, neither company knows of these recommendations — and we’d like to keep it that way.
The first company is unfortunately very difficult to get to. In fact they have a waiting list. They are busier than many shops that are struggling in this crazy economy. So if you have work you need done I recommend you call early and get on their waiting list. Don’t procrastinate. You’ll hate yourself later if you drag your feet. It means you will have to wait longer than you even expected.
This first auto servicing company I recommend is Pichard’s Electrical & Tuneup. You can find them at the corner of Cypress and Blosser. Here’s a picture of their shop (closed Sunday’s, as you can see):
They also have a smog shop about two buildings down. Here’s its picture:
This is a bilingual company. For a while it seemed to my experience that most of the staff at Pichard’s Auto were primarily Spanish speaking. But the owner and several of his employees are bilingual. So far over the years I’ve only run into one employee who wasn’t bilingual. And in case you are wondering, no I’m not bilingual. I do understand a little Spanish. just enough to order food and ask for directions. And say a few greetings. Way too little understanding for discussing mechanical work. So that lack on my part hasn’t hindered me getting great service at Pichard’s because most employees are more bilingual than I am. Oh. One of the best things I like is that Pichard’s has saved me several thousands of dollars over the years. Literally.
Other auto service companies quoted fees more than twice as high as Pichard. In some cases this was because the other companies ‘tacked on’ and fabricated work that wasn’t needed. Some even tried to make unnecessary work seem more critical than actually is, just so they could wrestle $600 or more out of me for nothing. I will never use those companies again. All it takes is one lie for me to write off a auto service company. No matter how small or large. The way I see it, if you can’t trust an auto service company for the things you can catch them lying about, how can you trust them for anything else? You can’t.
Not only do they save me money on actual work but also I love that Pichard’s has never so much as hinted at trying to ‘trick’ me into paying for work that wasn’t needed. This is a BIG relief when dealing with auto shops. At some repair shops in the past I had been suckered into paying for services that I later found were fabricated. No one likes being taken advantage of. However, Pichard’s failure to try to push unneeded work doesn’t mean they turn a blind eye to serious problems though. Numerous times they’ve given me heads up on things that will need to be watched for. In some cases things that would be a problem a year and a half down the road. And they have given me thorough repairs and diagnostics. Not once had to bring a vehicle back to have problem ‘re-fixed’. Plus if you live or work in the area they can shuttle you to your home or office.
If you want straight dealing, want to avoid fabricated repairs, and want to save money –usually lots of money– go to Pichard’s Auto. They are always my first choice. But only if you don’t mind getting on their waiting list. Because they are busy. Honest mechanics always are.
The second auto service company I can recommend is Toyota of Santa Maria.
Pros:
1) Honest dealing. They have never fabricated repairs on any of our Toyota’s. Not once. I’ve worked at two dealerships in my past life and can say it has happened elsewhere. But not at Toyota of Santa Maria.
2) Thorough repairs and diagnostics.
3) They treat everyone like they are driving a Ferrari. You are pampered. Is bizarre to feel like part of their Toyota “family” when going in there. They bend over backwards to help their clients and customers. Is bizarre the extent they go to make customers happy.
Are you worried about being stranded because of dropping off a vehicle? They’ll shuttle you a ride back home or to the office.
Need a rental vehicle while yours is being serviced? They can usually help there too.
Want coffee while you wait, want to watch the news, read the Wall Street Journal or local newspaper while you wait? They provide all that too. Major pampering.
Cons: Only one I can think of… pampering comes with a heavy price. They charge retail or near retail for nearly every servicing item. They are at the top of the pricing chain. Though they do not use manipulation or scams to make you spend more money you don’t need to spend, they do charge top dollar for servicing. You get a ton of help for that top dollar. So if money is not a concern then maybe you’ll feel that really isn’t so bad for some peace of mind.
Years ago I’ve dealt with other dealerships and been ripped off. And nearly 20 years ago I worked at a couple dealerships (in one of my past lives, as I think I mentioned) where the service folks fabricated repair work that wasn’t needed. They’d disconnect hoses. Plug up vacuums. They did all kinds of things to trick customers into thinking repairs were needed, when they weren’t. The short time I worked there gave me a bad taste for the major dealerships. When it comes to dealerships, Toyota of Santa Maria put that confidence back.
These are the only two Santa Maria area auto repair service companies I can whole-heartedly recommend without flinching. Maybe there are others that are honest. I have not found them. And trust me, after owning ten cars in 25 years I’ve dealt with many of the local auto service companies. Tires. Brakes. And major service work. Not all are honest. So if you are looking for fair dealing without the game playing I can’t recommend these two companies enough. Hopefully this review will you in your search for honest and fair Santa Maria auto mechanics.