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Any opinions on Jim's Automotive

After some poor service and feeling overcharged on occasions, I recently stopped taking my Prius to a dealership for servicing and started using Jim's Automotive on Lead/Washington. So far have just had oil changes and safety checks. Not real impressed but not exactly put off either. Does anyone have an opinion on their service, particularly if you've had more work done on your vehicle? Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by hettie on October 30, 2012 at 8:26pm

I took our Corolla (which we no longer own) there a couple years ago because the hourly rate at the garage we had been taking it to was really steep. Jim's did several hundred dollars worth of work and failed to fix the problem I had taken it in for. While paying the bill, I saw a sign which said they don't drive the car unless you specifically request it and pay an extra fee. I hadn't noticed the sign because I dropped the car off quickly before work one morning, and no one said anything about it at the time, despite me explaining that the problem only came up while the car was in motion.

To me, a mechanic who doesn't drive the car both before and after attempting a repair is absurd. It's an integral part of the process! We never went back and returned to Jeff's Gasoline Alley, where the rate is high and the work is worth every dime. I don't know if Jeff works on Prius', but I recommend him at every opportunity.

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Permalink Reply by PJH on October 31, 2012 at 6:41am

Thanks, Hettie, for the valuable input.

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Permalink Reply by mombat on October 31, 2012 at 8:27am

We like Wheel Align it on on 2nd and Mountain, small, kind of messy and funky, but they have consistently done good work on our cars at reasonable rates.

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Permalink Reply by RivetGang on October 31, 2012 at 8:38am

Independent Vehicle Service is where we take our Prius and our Volvo... not bargain basement prices, but have always stood behind their work. I have always been happy with staff, mechanics, and the job done...

-jas

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Permalink Reply by jes on October 31, 2012 at 8:59am

I'm sorry to hear you had bad experiences there. I've been taking my car there for years and while I don't know what comparative prices are, they've always done a wonderful job for me and never treat me as if I were stupid (which I am when it comes to cars) I like and recommend Jim's.

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Permalink Reply by jans1812 on November 1, 2012 at 3:15pm

I've taken my subcompact there for regular and sometimes more extensive service for a couple years. (No "big" repairs, though.) Completely satisfied. I especially like that it's walking distance to my home. I was referred to them by a neighbor who has been going there for many years now, and I recall that they were willing to offer only "necessary" work and not push for more.