Hills Automotive

BAIT AND SWITCH -

I went there for a simple transmission diagnostic test. Hill's supposedly specializes in transmissions and has the equipment to accurately and efficiently diagnose transmissions.

First car - 19 year old female.

5/11/11: I took my 1993 car to John Hill/ Hill's Automotive for a transmission diagnostic test. My car was hesitant in shifting from 1st to 2nd. John Hill drove my car and put it on a diagnostic machine. He told me, "your transmission is fine but the Vehicle Speed Sensor needs to be replaced. Once that's done your problem will be resolved."

5/11/11: Paid Inv. #23974 @ $53.35 for Labor Description as "Diagnostic of Transmission".

5/20/11: Returned to Hills Auto. Cameron Hegwald (Auto Tech) removed and replaced the vehicle speed sensor, then test drove my car. The car still hesitated to shift from 1st to 2nd. He returned to the shop and put the car back on the diagnostic machine (2nd time). The diagnosis this time??? New Transmission needed! Estimate: $2,000.00.

5/20/11: Paid Inv. #24024 $290.84 for a Speed Sensor which did not fix my problem.

What's wrong with this picture?
$344.19 total spent a to get diagnosis.
I feel I was burned and I won't go back
.

Beware, do not take them at their word, get your pricing in writing or in my case, they will charge you more. I asked for a price, was told $300.00 for labor and $200.00 for parts. I took them for their word and made the appointment. Big mistake, went to get my truck and labor was now $683.10. When I told John of the error in billing, I was told, no that is the price, sorry for the misunderstanding. Had to pay the inflated bill, will not take the second truck to Hill's for sure. By the way, they failed to tell my about the $27.04 transaction fee. BE WARE Next stop, Better Business Bureau. John, you know who I am and you have my phone number if you are interested in making this right.

This is the first automotive repair shop that I feel actually did a GREAT job. I was told so many different issues about my car from several shops, even that it would not last a week without over $2000 in repairs. I am a single mom struggling already so I can't afford that price.. So after 8 months I found Hills.After going in and getting an estimate they performed the work for $270 dollars. It actually would have cost more but the owner new I only had $300 dollars and worked with me. The whole team was compassionate, understanding and very professional. I feel bad for the young lady who feels so burned. As a woman this is the only place I would recommend to other females who have felt taken advantage of at other places. I think you need to keep in mind that even doctors need second opinions and sometimes finding one issue opens you up to finding other issues that the original problem was masking.

Thanks guys for helping me keep the faith in auto repair shops!!!

Awesome, honest, thorough family-run shop! Not the cheapest place in town, but then, I wouldn't want that shop working on my cars. I have no reservations about these guys' integrity.