I will never come here again! I came here a year ago to have them fix my tire pressure sensor. At first they explained they wanted to run a diagnostic test cause they "didn't want to just throw parts at the car" and I thought that was nice of them. A few hours later they called and said they needed to do further testing to make 100% sure it's the Tire Pressure Sensor and it'll be $199 (which they didn't mention in the beginning). They said it's rare they have to run this full diagnostic but in my case, they have to run it to make sure. I told them I just wanted to get the Tire Pressure Sensor replaced but he insisted that we do a full diagnostic just in case. I ended paying for it. They listed a couple other things wrong with my car but in the end, it was the Tire Pressure Sensor, so I basically paid the $199 when I didn't need to. Today I went to Steves to get my Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor replaced and they said they'd like to run a diagnostic test on it to make sure that was the issue. I wasn't suprised when I received the call an hour later that they "needed to run further testing" and wanted to charge me the $199. That's only for "testing", than another $270 to replace my Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. I ended up picking up my car and calling another place right up the street that did everything for $170, which included a basic diagnostic that clearly shows it's the sensor. Don't fall for their $199 for "further diagnostic testing" trick! They will tell you a million things wrong with your car and try to upsale you on things you don't even need (including the full diagnostic test). Steve's auto prices are alot higher than other shops (call around and you'll see) and other mechanics would run a full diagnostic test just to make sure they're fixing what needs to be fixed at no additional costs! I ended up going to Emission Time up the street 90th and state in Sandy and paid $170 out the door!!
Marcus, I'm sorry you don't feel there's any value in our recommendations or scientific testing, for most of our clients that's the very reason they come to us. If a mechanic doesn't charge you for diagnostic testing then most likely they're not really doing any. Anyone with a computer and internet connection can Google any car symptom and gets tons of suggestions and that's exactly what most unskilled mechanics do when they offer you "Free" testing, you really are just rolling the dice. If I could tell you all the stories of which I have personal experience with clients over the years who came to me after another shop or dealership had replaced hundreds of dollars and in some cases over a thousand dollars in parts that didn't fix their problem, then you might begin to understand our professional approach. However, I respect your right to do what you think is best for you and we have no hard feelings and wish you the best. - Richard (Owner) 801-694-7936
- Steve's Automotive Specialists - Sandy