Our check engine light came on after a fill-up on a weekend road trip. When we got back to DC, we called some places to see if they could read the code, thinking it was just a misplaced gas cap that had tripped it. They read the code for free and said it meant there were problems within the tubes of the car by the ignition and exhaust, that they were clogged. We left it for diagnosis. Here's where it gets interesting: the problem they found and chose to fix was real and big, an oil leak slowly destroying seals and the timing belt in the engine. They said after fixing this relatively peripheral stuff, the car would run nicely for some time. We decided to get it done, because although the car's a clunker and not worth much, if it runs we don't have to buy a new one. They gave us a quote and we agreed to that work. Then they found more things as they fixed the car (timing belt corrosion being one of them), and did an oil change because, to be fair, there was no more oil in the car due to the massive leak. OK, so this increased our price $150, and no one called us before the work was done to get our approval. That bothered us slightly but we took it in stride because the work definitely had to be done. Fast forward a week and the car is running pretty well, nothing odd going on. We're on another little getaway and the check engine light comes on again! As soon as we were back in town we took it in, had them read the code, and guess what: same problem of the clogged tubes and exhaust failing to recycle properly. We think what happened is they took a look at the car the first time and got so stunned by the oil leak that they forgot to check the tubes. The second time, they cleaned everything out, zip tied up a piece of undercarriage that had come loose, and sent us on our way. It was great of them to take another look and, when they discovered the original problem was still there, they fixed it under the cost of our previous repair. We thought this showed great integrity. Bottom line: if you want mechanics who know what they are doing, come here. They will fix things that are wrong that others don't find or tell you isn't a problem. read more