Here is my recent experience with FA. This just happened last week.
I've been looking for a local shop to take my 04 in for the 15k service. Auto West Acura (formerly Stevens Creek Acura) quoted me $600. Since many of you here recommended FA, so I went to their site to request a quote for the service. They wanted $700.00 and gave me a short list of the stuff that are included like valve adjustment, engine oil and oil filter change, etc. Steve was the person who responded to my email. I stated that I know what need to be done according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. I'm just surprised that they would charge more than the dealer. (I know that they are expensive. One of my friends used to take his Accord there. The reason he stopped doing that is because he thinks they are just charging way too much.) Anyway, the response I got from Steve was " You sound like a smart consumer." He claimed that they use Redline oil and trans fluid and they do a lot more than what the manufacturer suggests. My response to him was that I know Redline is expensive and suppose to be better. The questions are........how much better? Does it warrant the cost? Is it necessary to do more than what the manufacturer suggested and charge the customer for it? I'm sure we all have different opinions on this. As for me personally, honesty is just as important as the quality of work done. Since I didn't even get a response from him, I don't think they want my business. I just didn't feel good about dealing with whoever this Steve person is. Needless to say, I'm not taking my car there.
Some of you recommended Los Gatos Acura. Would you please give me the name of the mechanic that I should deal with? I also want to try Hilltop. It's just a little too far from here. Thanks.....
I've been looking for a local shop to take my 04 in for the 15k service. Auto West Acura (formerly Stevens Creek Acura) quoted me $600. Since many of you here recommended FA, so I went to their site to request a quote for the service. They wanted $700.00 and gave me a short list of the stuff that are included like valve adjustment, engine oil and oil filter change, etc. Steve was the person who responded to my email. I stated that I know what need to be done according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. I'm just surprised that they would charge more than the dealer. (I know that they are expensive. One of my friends used to take his Accord there. The reason he stopped doing that is because he thinks they are just charging way too much.) Anyway, the response I got from Steve was " You sound like a smart consumer." He claimed that they use Redline oil and trans fluid and they do a lot more than what the manufacturer suggests. My response to him was that I know Redline is expensive and suppose to be better. The questions are........how much better? Does it warrant the cost? Is it necessary to do more than what the manufacturer suggested and charge the customer for it? I'm sure we all have different opinions on this. As for me personally, honesty is just as important as the quality of work done. Since I didn't even get a response from him, I don't think they want my business. I just didn't feel good about dealing with whoever this Steve person is. Needless to say, I'm not taking my car there.
Some of you recommended Los Gatos Acura. Would you please give me the name of the mechanic that I should deal with? I also want to try Hilltop. It's just a little too far from here. Thanks.....