Today is November 4, 2023 and I am reviewing a business for the first ... read more Today is November 4, 2023 and I am reviewing a business for the first time since moving to Orlando almost 4 years ago. I originally went to Affordable alignment at the recommendation of a neighbor that works there and had a specialist with German vehicles which was perfect for my old Audi convertible, the mechanic specializes in German vehicles is a fellow by the name of Mike and I cannot say enough good things about him. His knowledge and dedication is legendary. That is the good news, now, for possibly the worst experience I’ve ever had with an automotive shop. A little background, I drive a 2020 Yukon and use it as a black car service and today I drove to Port Canaveral from Orlando and my air conditioning stopped working on the way back from that trip. I drove directly to Affordable alignment, because in the past, they have typically Fit me in and done work for me immediately. Today was no different. One of the mechanics referred an AC specialist in the shop to me and he immediately diagnosed the vehicle since he could hear that the blower motor seem to be working properly. he immediately stated that it was either a very dirty filter, or the actuator was not diverting the air to the proper vents. That led him to removing the filter behind the glove box, and discovering that it was one of the dirtiest filters he’s ever seen and was so blocked up that when he removed it, the air conditioning began to work fine. With a smile on his face he said will order a filter for you. It will be here in a few minutes and I will install it and you’ll be on the road. As you can imagine this is about the best news you can hear when you’ve suddenly discovered your air-conditioning is no longer working. It could be many many things all of them potentially quite expensive. This is about the cheapest fix anyone could hope for. I thought to myself even if they charge me a one hour minimum for a 5 minute diagnosis of $100 for labor and $34 for the part plus tax I’m looking at $150 worst case. After 45 minutes from my initial arrival, I went to the office and was presented a bill for $292, I paid it without question and stated on my way out the door that I felt I was being gouged, and I think made it clear that this was the last time I would put myself in that position with this particular business. Instead of saying something along the lines of I’m sorry you feel that way or is there anything we can do to go through this and make you more comfortable? Instead, I was insulted by the cashier, and was told I wasn’t gouged at all that they have to charge for labor and diagnostics, I was made to feel as if this was my first trip to the Mechanic And keep in mind earlier. I explained that I had witnessed the diagnosis it took 5 minutes and that’s being generous. I have noticed over the last year that this place is exclusively focused on money and profits and doesn’t really any longer focus on doing quality work for a reasonable price , I suspect a new generation has taken over and all they focus on is the Almighty dollar. If you’re one of those people like me who does not have money to burn, stay away. If I’m the other hand, you have more money than you know what to do with I must admit, they still do as quality work as they’ve ever done . This is just the last time they will do any work for me.
All my friends and family take our vehicles to Sweeneys and have done ... read more All my friends and family take our vehicles to Sweeneys and have done so for over 20 years. They are always courteous and professional and above all very honest. I highly recommend them.
I was looking for an auto repair shop that I could trust would NOT tre... read more I was looking for an auto repair shop that I could trust would NOT treat me like a stupid woman and jack up the prices. Women and the elderly get a sticker of "sucker" put on their forehead when they arrive to Firestone, Goodyear, Tire Kingdom and the likes. I got a referral from a AAA driver who said they would take their own car to Jake's if they didn't do their own service at home. I was assured Jake's only performed service that was actually needed and did not try to sell you extras. I liked that. I took my car in and while waiting a few minutes in the office, a gentleman came in to pick up his car. An Elderly gentleman. He told me that Tire Kingdom told him he needed a new serpentine belt but the gentleman wasn't so sure so he took it to Jake's for a 2nd opinion. The mechanic at Jake's determined there was nothing wrong whatsoever with the serpentine belt and charged him $0! This confirmed Jake's is what I was looking for!! Now to me... I have an old car with very low miles. Jake's found my problem quickly and a few others which I expected. I hadn't taken the car in for quite a while other than oil changes, tires and such. One repair would correct my "noise". One was a major safety issue so I didn't lose my wheel one day driving down the road! Two could be done at a later date but they wanted them to be on my radar. I wasn't sure I could afford the two major issues at the same time but Jake found discounts or specials or coupons or something and lowered the price by enough where I could afford to do both! I was so relieved and thankful to have found such a good, honest establishment. I was introduced to most of the mechanics while I waited to be driven home when I left the car and everyone from the young woman working the office, to the mechanics, to Drew and to Jake. Everyone was so nice, caring, and knowledgeable. I would recommend Jake's to everyone especially the elderly and women!!
