We called Clyde's Mobile Automotive because they came highly recommended by a close friend of ours. They were our first call because of the recommendation, but we called 8 other shops afterward to get estimates.
When I called Clyde's, I said the exact same thing that I said to every other shop I called:
"I have a question about my X year X make X model car. On Sunday my acceleration sputtered on the freeway at 55 mph when I was getting up to speed, it lasted about 5 seconds, and then I got to 60 mph and it was fine and I got home no problem.
"Today [Wednesday] is the next time I drove it, and it turned on and moved a few feet then died completely. I turned it on again and had the same exact occurrence. I can't afford to tow the car to a shop, pay for diagnostics, find out I can't afford the repairs, and then tow the car somewhere else. So before I tow it out, can you tell me some of the the possible causes, and tell me the estimates for those repairs?"
Cam at Clyde's told me, "I feel very confident that the problem is a cam sensor, and the part could cost about $100." He told me in laymen's terms what the cam sensor is and does and why he felt it was the issue. Then he said, "I'll come out to where your car is and diagnose it on the spot for $65/hour. I'll get under the hood to confirm and check for any other issues too. Then I can tell you what the parts and labor will cost if you decide to hire me for the parts and labor. I can be there in about 45 minutes."
I texted him my address. Cam and his partner Sarah got here in 30 minutes.
In the meantime I called 8 other shops to get other estimates prepared. In every call I said the exact same thing I told Clyde's when I called them. Every other mechanic I talked to either told me:
"There's no way of knowing what's wrong. I have no idea without running diagnostic, which will be [$99-120/hour]."
Or
"It could be the fuel pump, an ignition module, or a crank sensor, or a hundred other issues. I have no idea what the cost will be without running diagnostics, which will be [$99-120/hour]."
Or
"It could be the fuel pump, an ignition module, or a crank sensor, or a hundred other issues. Those could cost anywhere from a few dollars, to a few hundred dollars, to a thousand dollars. I have no idea without seeing the car."
I was pretty bummed out by those phone calls after speaking to Clyde's and getting the information Clyde's was able to offer.
Then Clyde's (Cam and his partner) arrived. The diagnostic confirmed exactly what he told me he thought the issue was on the phone. Then he went under the hood AND under the car (right here where it broke down!!!) and examined some things to further confirm and make sure no other issues were present. He found that my passenger brake light was out.
Then he showed me the cost of the parts he found locally using Amazon. He verified I was okay with the cost. His partner went and got the parts and he stayed with me and my car and did some more inspecting. Sarah returned with the parts in 20 minutes. Then they fixed my car right here, the brake light and the sensor. I didn't have to tow it anywhere. I only paid $65 for diagnostic work. He only charged me the cost of the parts ($96.70 including the brake light), the $65 diagnosis, and 2 hours of their time at $70 per hour.
I will **always** use Clyde's Mobile Automotive, from here on out. They told me they do regular maintenance work like oil changes and brakes too. Not only was the cost incredible, but the service was incredible, and Cam and Sarah also just seem like truly, incredibly kind, warm people. I can't believe they aren't the most popular mechanics in town. read more
