What clients say about Total Automotive & Diesel Services in Poolesville (MD)
I’ve used TADS since I bought my truck new in ‘21. I’ve known the owner for a lifetime and always gives the absolute best service you’ll find always paying attention to the details so you don’t get hit with unexpected problems. Ron the service writer is also honest and straightforward and gives you all the detailed information learned at diagnosis including whatever else they may have found that could turn into one of those surprises you don’t want to get but won’t beat you up trying to hard sell you but gives you the option. They even offer roadside service like they did for me this time. Just due to my own health issues they came out and got it started which wasn’t really an issue but more than I could physically handle myself anymore and took it back to the shop for thd full repair that was needed. Needless to say, TADS is a straightforward honest shop that will always give you the best quality work at an honest rate.
TAD fixed a problem that other shops would only stiff arm or remove & replace at more than twice the cost. I appreciate them taking it on and am very happy with the result.
My go to place to keeping my trucks and trailers running top shape without issue. Always prompt and fair along with expert knowledgeable technicians with service that is just unfound these days. They really know what they are doing and how to take care of clients. They gained my trust and business since day one.
Thank you.
I initially contacted this shop about engine work for my ice cream truck but was quoted a overpriced rate without them even asking for my vehicle's specifications. After getting that work done elsewhere, I brought the truck back to this shop for an electrical issue with a turn signal for the inspection.
I was quoted an exorbitant diagnosis fee, and then my vehicle sat for over a week with no work done. Despite returning the truck in the exact same condition, I was still charged the diagnosis fee. This experience, combined with a local community member telling me a food truck had been on their lot for a year, and overhearing a separate conversation about them overcharging another woman, confirmed my suspicions about their business practices.
This shop seems to poorly organize jobs, inflates charges, and fails to complete work in a timely or effective manner. I would not recommend their services unless you have an extended amount of time and resources at their disposal.
My starter was giving me problems so I figured that I'd give a local shop my business. Took the car to TAD and said, "My starter is acting up." I get a call a bit later saying, "Your battery is bad." Ok, the battery was under warranty so I picked up the car and paid the "diagnostic fee."
Headed for the battery shop where the guy tested my battery and declared it good but the starting problems persisted. Just to prove the point the battery guy installed a new battery and I still had starting issues. Back to the original battery and off to Rockville and the shop that usually worked on my car.
New starter and the problem vanished. So back to TAD. Tad insisted that he had to stand behind his mechanic who "smelled" a bad battery and refused to refund the charge for the bogus diagnostic.
Well, he got the diagnostic fee but the lost the fee for replacing the starter and all of my future business.
I figure that he would have "replaced" the perfectly good battery and then said, "Oh, it looks like your starter is bad."
Had service done recently for my mini to fix issues with my taillight and can’t say enough good things about this shop. Corey and Ron went above and beyond.
Exceptional work, honest and professional. The pricing is very good, especially given you receive above par customer service. We have 3 vehicles serviced here. On the first visit to Total for one vehicle, they fixed a problem that a dealership service dept. in Frederick created and tried to hide. The Total team is very knowledgeable and helpful. This is the only company in my experience, who make car repairs an easy process.
Awesome and honest. On my way to the ferry, my AC in my Ford truck stopped working. Total Automotive immediately helped me, fixed the AC, and got me back on the highway within the hour! AC has never had an issue since.
I left a negative review about a year ago. I would like to apologize. They inspected a vehicle for me and listed multiple issues with the vehicle. Two other places didn't mention the issues. Over the last year, the vehicle has required most of the repairs they mentioned. I'm very sorry.
On Friday I stopped in with a semi emergency. I had to dogs in the back cap of my pickup truck. When I went to get my dogs out I couldn't open the tailgate. The door of the crate was only a few inches from the inside of the tailgate. There was no way to get the dogs out without opening the tailgate. It was very hot. While the dogs were not in immediate danger I had to get them out. The person at the front desk got two mechanics to drop what they were doing and immediately help. They had the tailgate open in less than ten minutes and brought ice water for the dogs. I asked what I owed and they said nothing. He stated that if he was in my shoes he would want someone to help him. I bought lunch! Thank you to all that helped.
Darrell Ferdock
I have both a truck and trailer that I have serviced here. I bought the truck used and knew I had a few repairs needed. The guys at the shop have never steered me wrong, always provide me with different price point options for a repair, and have been fast and easy to deal with. I know they keep both me and my horse safe for all the trips I take. Can't say enough good things.
This place will rip you off! Do not even waste you're time unless you want a good laugh on how bad they will try to screw you over. I brought my car in and was told it needed at least $1200 worth of work done. This included new break pads, rotors and also flushing the break fluid. Even IF my car needed all that it should've been closer to $800. I was lied to and told my breaks were miles away from completely failing and was told my car wouldn't pass MD safety inspection. Since its close to the holidays and money is tight I decided to get a second opinion out in Germantown. Breaks and rotors were totally fine and safe to drive. Turns out I actually have about 10,000 miles left till I would need to change the pads. The only thing that was wrong and why my car was squeeking, was due to some rust on the rotors. So my bill went from $1200 to ZERO. Stay away from this establishment, these dirtbags will screw you over!
Tad and the gang have been working on my 1991 Jeep Cherokee since I've owned it. I just drove 1,900 miles across the country with it, over the course of four days, with zero problems. This brings my total mileage to just shy of 243,000 miles. These folks know how to keep an old vehicle on the road. Many thanks!
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