Review of Provo Car Doctors {2.5/5 Stars}
Customer Service [rating:3/5]
I don't love the people at Provo Car Doctors--but they have always been OK.
However, they do not win full marks because they A) didn't know the solution to the problem I presented them with, or B) they didn't tell me the solution so they could perform unnecessary "tests" at additional costs. Either of these choices are enough to lose significant points in the customer service category.
Here was the situation. I had the check engine light come on so I sent the wife along with the car to have Provo Car Doctors diagnose it and hopefully fix it. I was aware that I would have to pay for the diagnostic, which I was OK with. The "diagnostic test" (which I'm pretty sure just meant turning off the check-engine light) apparently resulted in no answers, because their plan was to just start checking different things out (I think they mentioned the fuel pump?!) and see if they eventually could fix the problem. They told my wife that they had no idea if they're testing would fix the problem, but they wouldn't know until they tried it. I don't know if they really didn't know the specific problem, or were just going to rack up a fat bill checking random things before really getting to the problem.
It was at this point that I no longer wanted to do business with the Provo Car Doctors. I declined their services, paid them the !!$54!! for the useless diagnostic, and took my car to Checker where I used the check engine light hand held diagnostic tool myself, got the code (423 I believe) took it back in and asked the clerks what it meant. With out any hesitation they answered, from memory mind you, that I needed a new catalytic converter. Wow--and the best part was that it was free.
Price [rating:1/5]
The second reason why my terminally ill car will no longer be a patient at the Provo Car Doctors is that everything there just seemed a little pricey. I mean $54 to NOT do what I did at Checker in 5 minutes!?! My first visit there was no less pricey, $154 for them to send my car to a muffler shop to replace a flex pipe that connected the front catalytic converter to the rear catalytic converter. The worst part on this one was that I listened to the receptionist call up this other shop, get a price from him, and then in whispers converse with the mechanic about how much to charge me. It felt a little shady at the time, but makes perfect sense in light of the second experience.
Quality [rating:2.5/5]
The flex pipe they had some else replace is still working great with no signs of stopping. However since they couldn't diagnose my check engine light they get big-time negative marks.
Atmosphere [rating:3.5/5]
The shop was decently clean, plenty of good magazines to read, comfy enough chairs, and a TV at just the right volume, quiet enough for me to listen to my iPod.
[rating:overall/5]
I will no longer be going to the Provo Car Doctor because they nickle and dime you, and at their prices I just can't afford it.
Provo Car Doctors
151 North 300 W
Provo UT 84601
Phone: 801.373.2800
http://www.provocardoctors.com
Review of Jim's Auto Accessories & Muffler Shop {0.5/5 Stars}
Customer Service [rating:0/5]
As far as customer service goes, Jim’s Auto Accessories & Muffler Shop could not get worse. (If your looking for the best muffler shop in Provo then check out my review of Quality Muffler.) This is my experience: Jim tried to tell me that I had air being sucked into my exhaust line just before the muffler…I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to blow into your muffler while the car is running…good luck. I don’t see how a pin sized hole right before the muffler could do it either. I’m not a rocket scientist, yet, but I have taken a fluid dynamics class. No gas is going to go upstream into a pressurized line. As you can imagine that didn’t go over so well with me since I’d just given him $600 two weeks earlier to fix the problem with my catalytic converters. So we started arguing about it, right there in his lobby, with 4 or 5 other people just watching. I’m not ashamed of the fact that I found it invigorating to stand up for my self against this jerk. He told me that my regular mechanic didn’t perform an adequate tune up; therefore the warranty was no longer valid. He had no where specified what an adequate tune up was; just that mine was not good enough. He told me, while we were yelling, that since I didn’t replace all the wiring and spark plugs, even though my mechanic tested them all, that he would not fix the problem which he told me was caused by a tiny little exhaust leak right in front of the catalytic converter (which was there when he fixed the car and said it would be fine until the next time I had to have my emissions tested), but I’ve already discussed how much bologna that is.
So moral of the story is that Jim doesn’t care one whit about you. I talked to my other mechanic afterwards about the situation and when I told him who I had gone to the first thing he said was, “Well that was your first mistake going to him.” That’s comforting to me to know that other people are aware of the wonderful customer service that can be found at Jim’s Auto Accessories & Muffler Shop and are steering others away.
Price [rating:1/5]
The reason why I went to Jim’s Auto Accessories & Muffler Shop was price. I called around and found that he was the cheapest shop in my neighborhood so I went. But the value for the money I spent is astronomically low. I won’t launch into another rant here, but needless to say the reason for the low rating is clearly explained in the customer service section.
Quality [rating:0/5]
Let’s just say that if the quality were any lower I wouldn’t have made it out of the parking lot. The problem that was “fixed” resurfaced in about two week’s time. Make sure you keep your receipt, not that it will do you any good. Your best bet is finding some expert witnesses and trying small claims court.
Atmosphere [rating:1.5/5]
I’m giving Jim’s Auto a star and half because I found the adrenaline of confrontation quite energizing. But if a heated argument with spectators is not for you I’d steer clear. The place is also dirty. Now I’m sure you’re thinking “It’s a car repair shop, its going to be dirty.” Not true, I’ve been to more than one shop that is not only clean but dusted, mopped, and the bathroom is shiny. I read in a high class restaurant reviewers comments that the bathroom reflects on the way a restaurant is run. I think the same is true for all places and especially of Jim’s. The bathroom just like Jim’s customer service is dirty and unkempt.
[rating:overall/5]
Jim’s Auto Accessories & Muffler Shop, I’d say the worst place in Provo to get your car worked on. But, if you like to yell this may be the place for you.
Jim’s Auto Accessories & Muffler Shop
907 W Center St
Provo, UT 84601
http://www.jimsautoutah.com/