"I brought my 2010 Dodge Journey RT (3.5L V6) to this shop for a coolant leak. After receiving estimate #31912 for a total of $3,036.22, I decided not to proceed due to technical discrepancies and costs that I find to be predatory.
Technical Analysis of the Estimate:
• Inflated and Overlapping Labor: I was quoted $1,417.50 for 'Camshaft Seal Remove & Replace' on top of $567.00 for the 'Timing Belt Remove & Replace'. Technically, to access the seals on this engine, the timing belt must already be removed. Charging for both procedures as independent tasks is a clear case of overlapping labor that does not align with industry standard labor guides.
• Extreme Parts Markup: The timing belt and water pump kit (Gates TCKWP295D) was quoted at $710.15. For reference, a superior Continental Pro Series PLUS kit (PP295LK3), which includes the hydraulic tensioner and all necessary seals, has a market price of approximately $234.79.
• Total Labor Cost: Charging nearly $2,000 in labor for a job that takes between 6 to 7 hours according to standard manuals is excessive and unreasonable.
Note regarding potential shop justifications:
To anticipate the typical response of 'our prices include a warranty and quality parts': no warranty justifies a 300% markup on parts, nor does it justify charging for overlapping labor by virtually 'disassembling' the engine twice on paper. High-end OEM components like Continental or Mopar provide the same or better reliability at a fraction of the price quoted here.
As a customer who understands my vehicle’s mechanics, I feel obligated to warn others: always demand a labor hour breakdown based on the manual and compare prices before authorizing repairs. I have attached photos of the quote provided and the actual market costs for high-end components."
"If there was an error in the estimate, please inform me and provide the updated estimate; / will remove the criticism."
I brought my car in around September 13th for a small gas leak. After doing my own research, I suspected the issue was coming from the fuel pump and made sure to tell the shop that upfront. They told me they thought it was the starter instead, but I specifically asked that they check the fuel pump before replacing anything. They agreed, only to go ahead, replace the starter anyway, and then tell me afterward that I did in fact need a new fuel pump. They did work with me on the price of the unnecessary part, but it was still frustrating.
About 2–3 weeks later, my gas gauge went out and I had to bring the car back again. They said they needed to order a part and gave me a loaner. The loaner car was hitting around 7 RPMs at only 30 mph, and when I mentioned it, it didn’t seem like a concern to them. I took my own car back until the part arrived.
When the part finally came in, they worked on my car again. When I went to pick it up, every single light on my car stopped working. They told me they had replaced a computer, but “the new one worked with the gas gauge, not the lights,” so they had to reinstall the old one. My car screen immediately notified me of the issues when I started it so there is no doubt they would have seen these aswell before moving the car out of the garage.
After more back and forth, they said the problem was a wire. They ordered that part, installed it, and while they originally told me I’d have to pay, they ended up not charging me.
Fast forward to late November, right before leaving town for Thanksgiving—and the same gas gauge went out again. I brought it back and reminded them I would be leaving town soon. All they did was reset it and told me to see if it holds.
They also informed me that my battery was bad and offered to replace it for $235. I declined. But when I came to pick up my car today, the battery, which had never given me issues before was completely dead. I am now taking it to Walmart for a replacement.
I will not be returning, and I cannot recommend this place. I truly believe something was damaged with the fuel pump work, because none of these problems existed beforehand and the more they work on my car the more problems I have. The amount of repeated issues, miscommunication, and new problems introduced after each visit has been incredibly disappointing and frustrating.
I needed some new tires for my truck. I got a few options at different price points and mileage ratings and they helped with their opinions based off my driving habits. Great experience and very happy with the tires themselves and overall level of service from Absolute Auto!
Have had service completed on transmission and suspension. Absolute is great about communicating detailed findings and estimate and completed work in a timely fashion. Would recommend them for service.
I was recommended Absolute Auto by the manager, Michael, at Valvoline on SE 14th when I came there in a panic because of smoke in my hood and temperature gauge going off. Absolute Auto got my car seen the following week due to holiday and their busy week. It was almost reassuring to know they stay busy. Once they looked at the problem they diagnosed coolant leak which thankfully wasn’t that serious but was quoted to have 3 hours of labor due to placement of hose. I ended up going back the beginning of the following week to get it repaired. They even let me borrow a car to get back to work! They were also able to note other possible issues without pressuring me to purchase which was relieving and even patched up a piece of plastic coming loose for me. By the grace of god the work took less than expected and was able to be repaired faster which saved me some $$$. They even took a look the lights on my dash that were never cleared properly (from somewhere else) and they haven’t come back on! 10/10 will come back
These guys do amazing work! They were able to get my car in last minute when my brake sensors were acting up, and took care of it immediately. It’s the best experience I’ve had with car repairs in the Des Moines area.
Top-notch, reasonably priced, and very honest service. I will always take my vehicles here. I needed additional service on my 2010 Lexus and they were very honest about what I did not need to service. You definitely don’t get this level of service at a dealership with constant up selling.
I really appreciate the fact they are very honest about what the issues are with cars. Instead of trying to sell something I didn’t need, they fix the parts that need fixing. I would highly recommend! They care about you and they care about your finances. 5star rating!
My Buick Encore was in limp mode & I couldn't figure out why. Pulling into the lot, there were no open parking spots. This showed me that it was a popular place, but made me wonder about timing. They were able to give me a ride home and fixed my car the next day. Fair price, great work and just all around good people. 10/10 would recommend.
Absolute Auto is the best! They get me in within a day or two, they call before proceeding if they run into additional problems and they always deliver great service. As a woman, I never feel taken advantage of nor do they perform work that is not necessary. I have and will continue referring Absolute Auto to all my friends and family. Thank you Travis and Team!
Great auto repair shop! Honest, great work, on-time. We always take our vehicles to Absolute.
Took my daughters car in recently and got the issued resolved quickly. Travis and his staff are great!
Good morning. I was very satisfied with the service on my truck, my only complaint was my carpet in the truck was stained with engine oil. I spent an hour using soap and carpet cleaning solution to get rid of the oil stain and smell. Otherwise thank you for the quick service.
Travis and his team did a great job like they always do. They made the right diagnosis and corrected the problems with my vehicle in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Absolute Auto!!
Travis and his crew did an awesome job on my vehicle. He’s open, honest, and gets to get you the best price to get you back on the road. Great customer service and they really care!
These guys do amazing work. In addition, they are excellent communicators. We were stuck with some snapped wheel studs while en route to Chicago. They were able to get us in last minute and get us on the road in a few hours. It was truly miraculous.
By far the best auto repair experience I have ever had in the 30 years of owning cars. Really impressive.
Travis and his team are always extremely helpful! They'll discuss pricing and talk through what your car truly needs before doing any additional work. I've been going there for a year now, and I'll continue to go back. Couldn't recommend enough!
I can't say enough about the fantastic service that I received from the crew at Absolute Auto Repair. When my SUV broke down an hour South of Des Moines I figured I was in for a few days of frustration. I picked Absolute due to their great reviews and had the tow truck drive me up there. Travis was waiting with a loaner vehicle so that I could make my client visits. They had all the work done by the time my work was finished up in Des Moines and I was ready to head back home to Kansas City. It was not a simple fix - and they had to order parts etc. They prioritized my SUV and got me back on the road. My wife and family were thrilled that I avoided a hotel stay. The price was fair, service was excellent, and loaner vehicle saved my work day. FANTASTIC SHOP! If they were here in KC I would go to them for everything. Kudos! 5 Star!
Fair, fast, and honest. These guys helped me out of a serious jam, helped with a tow, picked me up from my hotel, and got me going the next day, all at a very reasonable price. Good guys providing good service. Highly recommended!
This an awesome car repair shop. I totally recommend them. The owner is nice and knowledgeable. I found the owner will work with extended warranty companies and goes out of his way to call them for you instead of you having to find out if something is covered. Prices are very reasonable as well.
Dropped off my truck in the morning. I had made the Repair myself!
Still saw it leaking brought it in, and they had it the whole day testing it out and looked it over and they told me I had done everything right it was just additional leakage from the first issue.
Brought it in from a referral from a friend, and the reviews were awesome!
Great people I finally found a new mechanic 😁
We were traveling through from Nebraska to Pennsylvania and the water pump on our car went out on a Friday afternoon. By Monday evening they had us fixed and back on the road. Only little issue was I needed to wipe down everything as the steering wheel and gear shift was dirty. Not worth docking a star though!! Thank you so much Absolute Auto Repair! We made the 15 hour drive successfully!
Easily the best place to take your car. I went to two other shops prior, one gave me a $2300 estimate for a problem I very obviously didn't have, and the other didn't do the kind of repair I needed and recommended Absolute.
I was extremely lucky to have ended up at this shop as they have been extremely helpful, hardworking, and caring. They treat me with respect and I never feel like I'm being talked down to. Everything they say makes sense and I feel no need to doubt or question them (i.e. not talking as if they're talking to another mechanic, but more like a doctor to a patient).
If you aren't from around here like me (from Arizona), I can confidently say you can trust this shop. They will take care of you. Never going anywhere else.
Always a great experience! Travis is always very helpful and goes out of his way to get your vehicle running right. Prices are fair and reasonable. I would recommend this shop to anyone in need of getting their car service. They have a drop off box if you need to drop your car after hours. They also have a big hoist in case you have a box truck or bigger vencible.
My son are I were driving across the country to Wisconsin. We were 35 minutes outside of Des Moines and our front drive shaft came loose inside of the housing. We called Travis and he told us to come in and they could look at it. We showed up, the staff trouble shot the truck and Travis told us the truck would be done the next morning. A few hours later, Travis called and said the truck was done early.
The price was reasonable, the work was done correctly, and timely. The best part was they fit us in, and really saved us. We can't thank them enough.
I cannot recommend Absolute Auto Repair enough. Give them a try, you wont be disappointed.
Absolute auto repair did a great job getting my car fixed and back on the road. My tire came off driving down the interstate and had to be towed to absolute auto repair at 5:30 pm. I was back and able to leave with it at 10am the next day, and they helped with transportation in the meantime.
I highly recommend absolute auto repair to anyone that needs great service quickly.
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