So here's what happened. My car broke down in the middle of the night. I called random towing places and reached East Ave auto.
The guys was there in about 45 minutes which was good time considering it was snowing that night. He ended up giving me a ride back home since it was near East Ave auto. The $75 bucks was worth it I guess.
The next day, I received a phone call from East Ave auto. They told me my cv shaft on the driver side was broken. I pretty much knew that since I grew up around cars. There was a auto garage two houses down from my house and my childhood friend's uncle owned the place.
They quoted me a price of $270. Well what could I have done? If I wanted another garage to fix it, I would have to tow it to another garage. So I said fine. Since I wasn't from around here, I thought maybe the parts were expensive.
Later the next day, I got the car back and everything was good. Then, I heard the passenger side making clicking noises and so I called around to get a quote from other shops. Here was what I got for part AND labor:
Dave's Auto clinic- $150
Monroe Muffler (right down the street from east ave auto)- $190
Vesa Automotive- $195
It ended up East Ave Auto charged me 2 hours of labor! Anyone that knows cars should know that a CV shaft can be put in about 25-30 minutes, even less in a garage!
Just look at this Youtube video to see what it all entails! SO SIMPLE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RbVQ1dk6is
As for the passenger CV shaft replacement. Dave's Auto Clinic was too busy and I need the passenger side replaced asap so I don't break down again. I ended up finding a guy who was a mechanic that did weekend auto repair jobs in his garage. He was super nice and charged me the wholesale price for the CV shaft from Advanced Auto Parts for $59.99 Brand New, not re-manufactured. The labor took him about 90 min because he didn't have a lift or air hammer and he babied it every step of the way. Labor was only $70! Plus, he went on a test drive with me just to make sure it was fine. AND told me to not go above 60 mph for about 1,000 mile so the cv axle can get broken in. Something EAST AUTO NEVER TOLD ME!
So East Ave Auto cost me -$270 and tax
Mechanic Jon cost me- 130 and no tax.
I feel robbed!
Conclusion:
East Ave auto did an ok job but come on, it's not like something crazy hard or delicate like painting the car. It's just a cv shaft replacement.
Way overpriced. Seriously, do not go unless you broke down right in front of their garage!!!!!!!
I will upload the receipt and everything to proof I am not just saying all these things!
(ps. Anyone who wants a reliable mechanic for a great price, private message me! Trust me, this guy Jon is great! He will never tack on charges to the parts ( many garages will buy the parts from an Auto part store down the street and then tack on 20-30% onto it! And don't think you will get away with buying your own part and bringing it to them, they will charge you more on labor to make up the difference!)
This mechanic Jon. he will also baby your vehicle and take his time to check other parts of your car for free! He is located out in Webster. )
EDIT: 4/06/2011- So East Auto called, I guess someone told them about the review I wrote on yahoo. The owner offered to refund me back $80 if I took the review off.. So I guess the good thing is they are willing to work with you. But it seems only because they don't want to lose future business. read more