This is review that is long overdue but must be added to the chorus.
Dean's Automotive is outstanding.
That is simply put, without emoticons, slang or exclamation marks. That is because it is true.
First, everyone, including the cat, have treated me warmly and with courtesy. George, Warren and Donna are first rate business people.
I've made three trips to Dean's, with a different problem each time.
First, my brakes were in a dangerous condition- I had to pull the brake pedal up after stopping. This was an area I know nothing about and figured it would be a major hassle in terms of money paid and time lost. Not knowing what to expect, I arranged for a rental and expected the car back in four or five days.
I had brought it in early in the morning, and got a phone call around lunch time as to the progress. It was George calling to tell me that since some additional parts were needed from the South Bay, the car wouldn't be ready until the next morning. I was stunned - George actually sounded disappointed that it wouldn't be done within the same day, and I was thinking closer to a week. As promised, the job was finished the next morning, the price was reasonable.
Overheating sent me back for the second visit. Again, I'm thinking radiator, cooling system and $$$. A quick check indicated the problem was the thermostat. Again, Dean's diagnosed the problem and fixed it quickly and with reasonable prices.
The third trip is one all car owners will have to make a some point- the major service.
The car I have Mitsubishi Lancer has treated me fine, and I plan to hang on to it for a while. As it approached 75,000 miles, there were some serious service recommended to keep it going. Shocks and struts, timing belt, catalytic converter and various sensors would all have to be replaced.
I talked it over with George beforehand. The great thing about him is that he'll listen to your suggestions, but he'll let you know there are other things to look at and other ways to diagnose what the car needs. One of these is a road test- common sense, right? I have dealt with mechanics who follow exactly what I believe the car needs, without them actually finding out if any of what blabbed about was necessary. The result ? A car that kind of works, but not at its optimal level.
This major service was going to take some days this time. I even got a ride home form Warren. I really appreciated that I was informed by phone about what the original diagnostic showed and how to proceed next, with a timeline. After three days, George let me know the car was ready. He mentioned that Dean's guarantees their work for twice the length of other shops, with a sense of pride not just of the policy , but I suspect, the quality of the work done.
The work is done quickly and correctly. The people are knowledgeable, friendly and have pride in their work. The prices are reasonable. Every experience increases the trust and lessens the stress. What more could you ask for? read more
