We've been going to Joe for awhile now. Several repairs. We've used several other mechanics (and the dealership) in the area. Joe will explain the problem to you and tell you your options. He will work with you to find the least expensive solution. For example, we went and found a part at a junkyard and he installed it. After no less than FIVE attempts at getting our A/C repaired at other places, he absolutely refused to give up until the real problem was found. His price was the same as each of the other repairs - with the difference that the A/C now actually worked (and still works and it's been a couple of years).
He keeps the parts for you to see. He calls you when he's over estimate. He's one of the most communicative mechanics I've ever met and I think the other reviewer had a very unusual experience. Some people don't listen carefully when mechanics explain, and I can only think that must be part of the problem - because Joe is a good explainer. I have also known him long enough to see the way in which he trains and works with his (potential) assistants. He really demands excellence of the people who work with him. Other car owners whom you meet at his shop will tell you exactly what I just told you. He is busy (and usually very busy - he is honest about his time estimates too, because he's just one person and he cannot fix all the cars brought to him in one day, he's that popular). We've decided the trade-off (leaving the car longer rather than taking it to shops that promise a repair in 1-2 days and then the thing does not work) is good.
BTW, on one of those NON RHODES repairs, because we were within repair warranty period when it stopped working, we ended up being without our daily driver for a total of 3 weeks. Had to rent a car. Car was taken back 4 times for the same paid repair - and when they could not get it to work, they offered to keep trying (after the 90 days) but, sadly, we needed our car too.
So we took it to Joe and he fixed it. Apparently he fixed the other reviewer's car too (something for which I think he deserves more than 1 star). It's very hard to find someone to fix your car these days. He specializes, I think, in keeping cars on the road with top quality repairs (and parts) while not doing what the dealers do and replacing huge modules of the car at one time. read more