I was driving my car when the serpentine belt suddenly snapped, causing the vehicle to stall. I contacted GEICO Roadside Assistance and arranged for my car to be towed to West Milford Automotive, a local repair shop I chose based on their positive reviews and reputation for honesty.
I called the shop and explained that I wanted them to diagnose and inspect the problem. I also made it clear that if the repair cost was too high, I would prefer to scrap the vehicle rather than proceed with expensive repairs.
Later, Donnie, the shop owner, called and informed me that all my car needed was a starter, a pulley, and a serpentine belt, and that the total cost for parts and labor would be $825 plus tax. I approved the repair and thanked him for his help.
About two hours later, the shop called to say that my vehicle was ready. I picked it up 2 days later and drove it approximately 4 miles home without issue. The following morning, however, I drove about 20 miles when the car stalled again, leaving me stranded at around 4:00 a.m. on Echo Lake Road and causing me to miss work.
I contacted GEICO Roadside Assistance again and had the vehicle towed back to West Milford Automotive, assuming they would stand behind their work since the issue reoccurred immediately after their repair. When I spoke with Donnie and explained the situation, he told me that the engine had blown.
I expressed that if the repair and diagnosis had been performed correctly, the engine failure would likely not have occurred. It appeared to me that the vehicle may have been made to run just long enough to pass inspection and be returned to me. I requested a reimbursement for the misdiagnosis, but Donnie refused and instead offered to connect me with someone who would scrap the car for $500.
Finally, I asked if the shop could at least provide a courtesy tow to return the vehicle to my home so that I could decide on next steps, but that request was also denied. I will be taking this man to small claims court even if it cost me more then the vehicle is worth.
Would never recommend this place to anyone for auto repairs. They didn't complete the job correctly and don't stand by their work! After multiple visits back to them to complain of the issue, I had to go to a different mechanic to have what they didn't fix correctly, done properly!
Rich is great. He gives honest suggestions based on what he sees needs to be done. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to speak directly to him when discussing the needs of my car.
I brought my car in after failing inspection looking for answers. Gavin gave me information on what he found, and encouraged me to check if it was still under warranty.
Thanks to his insight I was able to get the repairs fixed through the warranty. Integrity is hard to find. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in need of services.
Fair priced and fast service, can't ask for more out of a mechanic shop. Call them they assess the situation, then you bring your vehicle and they call you when it's fixed. Simple as that. Thank you guys for your service
Was in a pinch to get a qt of oil for my Jeep. Mechanic got me the oil, put it in and even tried to fix my sprung hood. Great service and really helped me out. Thank You!
So i went in there knowing full well what was wrong with my truck, I'm what you call a "shade tree mechanic" but when i went and talked to Rich he literally didn't upsell me at all i said "do brakes all around" he said "let's just do fronts because the backs look good" saved me money there. Also my car was making a noise EVERYONE diagnosed the power steering pump, rich called me and told me what i told every other mechanic. I didn't have a "regular" guy i went to so i went to all the shops in town and everyone was like "sure, I'll just take money from you, you got it" but rich was honest and that's tough to come by from most mechanics these days. Also it's a perk that he's open on Saturday from 8-12. Dude got me out of a bind and now i found a for life since i can't do the work myself anymore. Thanks Rich.
Worst auto shop I’ve ever been to. I called them and asked them if they would be able to install an aftermarket radio for me, of course they said yes because they just want money. I dropped my car off with 4 working speakers and a sub that was working perfectly fine. When I picked up my car only 1 speaker is working and the sub doesn’t work either. Ended up having to spend double the money to get everything re-wired and working properly again.
Shop closes at 5pm, of course I show up at 530. I was not turned away. My car was scanned, and he (I apologize for not getting his name) even put oil in it.
I'm grateful and thankful.
I've been going here for 15 years and they always do great work for much less than the dealer and much more convenient. They are fair, friendly, and straightforward.
Website
