Southwest Auto Service

Reviews 3

SA

Sandi Lee

My husband and I were agonizing over whether we should replace the transmission in our SUV. The car is getting a little long in the tooth but we had replaced the engine only 4 years ago and it only has 70,000 km on it. The vehicle has had things replaced and repaired regularly so while we thought the vehicle still had some use in it we were unsure as to whether this would be a good use of our money. We also weren’t sure where we should take the vehicle to have the work done as the only mechanic we had used, other than the dealership, didn’t do this type of work. To add to the decision we had previously had the transmission rebuilt (twice – not in Canada) and both times had ended up with serious problems so we were hesitant to try this route again. Because my husband was out of town it fell on my shoulders to decide what to do and where to go to have the work done. I talked to some transmission shops and had an estimate done with one but was still unsure about whether it would be wise to put more money into the vehicle. Then I remembered that a couple of years ago Kevin’s shop had done a new vehicle inspection for us. We decided to have him run the same inspection on this car as it would tell us everything that needed to be fixed and hopefully give us the information we needed to make our decision. They ran the car through its paces and checked everything out. The car needed a lot of small things done like new hoses, rear brakes, sway bar, wheel alignment, struts and such – not to mention the transmission - but, the great part was that everything else was in great shape so we knew exactly what we were dealing with. We decided to go ahead and do the work feeling very confident that once we did we would have a very reliable and road worthy vehicle that would give us several more years of valuable service. Kevin and his crew went to work on our car repairing and replacing every needful thing. They even provided us with a great loaner vehicle while the car was in the shop. When we went to pick the car up he mentioned that they had also opened up the transfer case and found it to be full of water. He said that he didn’t have the heart to call me up and tell me it would another $489 so he just told the mechanic to go ahead, take it all apart, clean it up and put in new seals. I had also asked if he could do anything about the headlights which were very dim. So he generously polished up the casings and put in new bulbs and never charged us a cent. We are so pleased with how beautifully the car is functioning and with the excellent and personable service we received that we are telling all of our friends. We weren’t surprised when we heard from a couple of them that they too patronize the same shop and have always been extremely happy with the service and results. One more extraordinary plus was that Kevin suggested that since we were moving out of town that we bring the vehicle in again before we left and that he would have his guys go over the vehicle and make sure that everything they had done was working well. So a month later we did just that. Who offers to do something like that? I can tell you who we will be going to in the future and who we will be recommending to all of our friends. Thanks Kevin. You and your crew have been amazing. And the bonus – we’re getting better gas mileage too!

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WI

William Sim

In response to the owners response: Your mention of two options is, quite simply, a lie. In fact, both options you mentioned were never provided - your facts are skewed to take the responsibility off of yourselves and put it on me. There was no need for a new tire and there was NEVER any mention of a new tire, at all. I asked if the tire could be switched from the spare onto the alloy rim, a 10-15 minute job, both on the phone, and in person. I should not have had to leave my vehicle, as I was told it would be taken care of on the spot. Then when I got there and it was confirmed that the patch had gone bad, I was told one of your employees was too busy and I would have to leave it with him. That was the only option you provided to me. Since you have lied to me once, and to the public with your reply, I must change my rating to 1 star. How this company could be runner up for BBBs integrity award and yet get away with lying to customers and the public astounds me. I am a very busy person so I try to take my business to the best. Based on the reviews I read of Southwest Auto Service I chose them to repair a tire. Good: They repaired my tire. Bad: Near midnight, the tire went flat on a tight section of highway 1, between Rogers Pass and Revelstoke, on my way to Vancouver. I feel lucky that neither my wife nor I was hit by a passing vehicle. Good: They offered to refund the cost of tire repair and switch the bad tire with the tire on the spare rim, once they confirmed it was their patch job that was leaking. Good: When I called to make an appointment they said to just come in and they would take care of it right away. Bad: I arrive at the shop and once they confirmed that it was their patch that went bad, he told me I would need to leave the keys with them for the day. Bad: It was 8 in the morning and I had to get to work. I told him this, and asked why he told me I didnt have to make an appointment. I was not given a satisfactory answer. Bad: I have spent too many hours dealing with these guys and Im still left with my spare wheel on my vehicle. Bad: They said its ok to drive with the spare. This is untrue as it causes undue strain and heating of the differential. Summary: Maybe they are good for regular automotive work or for certain customers, but from the first time I brought my tire in, they did not seem to take me seriously. Will I be back? Absolutely not. Will I recommend them to my friends and family? No. To some people time is worth more than money. This company doesnt seem to understand this.

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CH

Christine Kazeil

My son was given a car by his Saskatchewan grandparents - needed an out of province inspection. My son read the positive reviews for Southwest and reasonably priced (not cheapest, but ok). They found a number of items, some preventing a pass, and a few risk to mechanical. Issues included - rear brakes (one side leaking too bad to pass, the other side starting), - oil pan leaking badly, - windshield fluid pump, worn serpentine belt, ... a few others. Quoted @ $1400 for parts and service. Parts prices seemed high, and my kid is a University student - I asked if we could buy and supply the new parts, if they still do the work. He said they couldnt warranty work with cheap parts, and short lecture on taking a steak to a restaurant and asking them to cook it. He said the cost was reasonable for a car in good shape, that my son got for free. Also note, the inspection report was very poorly written/presented - had to ask if we were going to get something more official. He seemed put off I asked, unknown whether re parts, or the report. Also, when the car was in GParents garage, no oil (leak) on floor, nor in the covered car trailer parked in for a month. Just got a bad vibe - so we decided to take the car elsewhere. I picked one without checking any reviews - fortunately, they ran a $90 special for out of province inspection ( Id give the name here, they were great, but that will show under their rating ). RESULTS from the second opinion: - rear brakes were almost new, no wear and NO leaks (we saw them wheels off, and took pictures). - the bolts on the oil pan were not tight, and likely the leak source. - we bought new replacement window fluid pump for $16 (branded part) vs the $100+ part quoted in initial inspection. Top of the line serpentine belt (name brand) for less than half the part quote from original inspect. For the sake of $200, and the 2nd inspection, car passed in top shape, not surprising as gparents did regular maintenance. They confirmed they had recently had brakes done. My regular shop, of course Id give a chance to explain, but seemed a pointless exercise - no way to assess those brakes a fail. My kid saved > $1000 by having someone else doublecheck - an inaccurate rear brake assessment on almost new rear brakes, and less so from big savings on a few parts. ??? considering every review we found was positive.

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