Oil change service near Concord, CA

Watch out for this shop. The owner, Charlie Qu is a hustler. He does not want me to buy my auto parts at Napa Auto. Charlie said that Napa parts are all made in China. I had my client repair her car to Advanced Auto Service to repair AC. Charlie promised my client heaven and earth. It took 2 weeks for Charlie to fix the car and made everyday promises that it was going to be fixed.

I took my car here for what turned out to be a simple, small electrical issue. Instead, Carlos told me I needed a fuel injection flush - one of those things they upsell you too when you go to an oil change place. Only this one cost over $300! Carlos assured me that the problem was resolved. I ended up stranded at the side of a freeway two miles away. I had to get the car towed at a cost of over $150! The solution was easy, took 10 minutes, and cost me nothing at the place I towed it to. When I called Carlos to tell him I was stranded at the side of the freeway because of his poor workmanship, his attitude was dismissive, condescending, and unhelpful. He proceeded to tell me that he doesn't guarantee that his workmanship will fix the problem. Really? Imagine if your doctor treated you that way. Basically, he took my money and did nothing. I get the feeling that this place once was a good shop, but someone got greedy and dishonest. To be certain, Carlos is a good talker. He seems sincere and knowledgeable. But the emphasis here is on SEEMS.

I was looking for an honest, straight forward, no-glitz service shop who could take care of our 2 Subaru's. I Yelped the Walnut Creek area and found Car Doctor with straight A's. That piqued my interest. After reading the other reviews, I thought I would give Car Doctor a try. I know my cars histories inside out, as I keep a spreadsheet on their services, mileage when anything happens, etc. I even know how many millimeters are left on my brake pads. I was 99% sure I needed rear shocks, and I knew the rear brakes on the wagon were very low. And that's what also Car Doctor said. No up sale, no gimmicks, just the honest truth.