I travel between Denver and Durango several times a year. The only time I'd ever stopped in Pagosa Springs before was for gas or food, so I wasn't familiar with any other businesses there until a day ago.
On one of those trips, my 2013 Jeep JK's radiator basically blew up a couple of miles outside of Pagosa. I pulled into a parking lot and called AAA. While waiting for the tow truck, I needed to figure out where to take it and get it fixed quickly. I didn't want to have to stay overnight.
I called my mechanic in Denver, and she recommended Best Rate Auto. I was surprised she knew anyone that far from Denver, but she had lived in this part of Colorado. When the tow truck driver arrived, he recommended the same shop, so that's where we went.
I met the owner, Max, at his very busy shop at about 10am. He said he'd have a look and let me know what needed to be done. About thirty minutes later, he told me the radiator needed to be replaced and handed me a written estimate, which, based on my quick research, seemed very reasonable. He said they'd get started right away.
At about noon I looked into some local hotels in case it was going to take overnight, and then I walked to a nearby restaurant for lunch. When I got back at about 1:15, Max came out to tell me it was ready. I honestly couldn't believe they were able to get the parts and complete the work that fast.
I drove back to Denver over Wolf Creek Pass, and the temperature stayed in the normal range the entire trip.
I can't thank Max and his crew enough. They didn't just save my day; they made my month. read more