"Sometimes you go to a doctor for a check up and everything is fine. Then two weeks later you get sick and you have to pay for lab tests"
After plugging it into a computer they learned that the 12 Volt battery was low and needed to be replaced. They would need to perform further diagnostics with the new 12 volt battery to determine if anything else needed to be fixed. The quote for the 12 volt battery was about $600 (dealership would do it for $300). This included $185 for the diagnostics already performed. $185 of work that was already done for a fee that was not disclosed and not authorized.
I decided not to go through with any fixes.
They explained they are like a doctor. "You have to pay for a lab for a blood test and to read blood test results."
Peace and Love,
After explaining my feelings that this was very unfair, Jim dropped the fee to $148. Saying it was as low he was going to go.
We are big fans. I don't know what kind of bad day some of the commenters must have been having to write some of these comments, but I have taken my cars to Jim's for years. If any of these commenters who are so negative are actually disgruntled customers, then I hope they have found a good mechanic, because they missed out on having one of the best mechanics in Albuquerque.
When I went to pick up the car. They told me I owed $222. The only work they did was a partial diagnosis. Especially since I had just had service done by them 2 weeks before- I asked why they did not disclose there would be such a high fee when I dropped the car off? Jim said it is posted and pointed to a sign hanging in the small lobby. A small sign that was mixed in with dozens of other random signs and posters.
I asked if they could promise to verbally warn and disclose to future customers of such high diagnostic fees. They said "NO". They could not estimate the diagnotic fee for each specific vehicle and often it would be much more than $222.
$222 for a partial diagnosis. Jim's Automotive is modeled on a broken medical billing system including secret fees until you get the outrageous bill.
If you have unlimited funds and are ready to write a blank check for service I am sure you will have a great experience here. Then again ...maybe not.
If you are needing a serious mechanic who will take care of your aging vehicle for the long haul, call Jim's. I don't know if these comments are from posers or not. All I know is they don't represent the people who actually work with Jim's everyday.
I am adding Jim to my prayer list.
If you are a worker and live on a tight budget I would be extremely careful with your vehicle here.
I left the car there with Jim. Jim and the Front Desk Person DID NOT DISCLOSE there would be a MANDATORY FEE to ASSES the problem.
Why did I choose a local business when I am being treated like I am at a sleezy big box corporation???
My family recently was struggling with pulling from our brakes. I have little kids, so brakes are very important to me. The guys at Jim's did an awesome job fixing the problem and my brakes are working like new.
I payed over $250 for an oil change and a "trip inspection" to make sure the car would be safe going to California and back. They recommended replacing a few easy fixes and I payed an additional fee to change an air cabin filter. The car was showing red warning lights on my way back from California, 12 days after the oil change and trip inspection. I took it back to Jim's Automotive to see what the problem was.
Wow. First off, we love you Jim's Automotive!
JUST BE UPFRONT WITH COSTS PRIOR TO TAKING THE KEYS FROM THE CUSTOMER.
Trevor
Even though I am not a fan of dealerships and find them very expensive I suggest leaving your car with the dealership rather than Jim's. It will be less expensive and more pleasant.
I am a professional mechanical engineer and an amateur mechanic. When I cannot figure out a problem or simply prefer to have someone else do the work, Jim's Automotive is the only shop I trust to work on my cars. This whole group is fair, trustworthy and between Jim, Dale and Henry there are no better technicians, that I know of, for diagnosing a problem.
I took my 2006 Toyota Prius here after another shop in town I was going to lost my trust due to poor customer service. I chose Jim's Automotive because of their support of a local public radio station and they advertise that they specialize in service of the Toyota Prius.
Who would pay $185 for a diagnostic test when the dealership diagnostic costs $90 and other shops will not charge a fee for diagnostic test????
I needed a second opinion on some work that was reccomended for my car. Jim's was honest, straightforward, and prompt in taking a look at the car and providing detailed, clear information in a friendly and respectful manner. And the cost was quite reasonable. I will be taking my car back to them again!
Thank you, Jim and staff for such a great experience. You made sure I understood completely what was wrong with my beloved 30 year old Landcruiser! I appreciate that you did not dismiss it as an old waste of time and energy. Your customer service showed expert knowledge and was very courteous. She runs better now than she has in years! Thank you all again!
Jim S Automotive Inc is a US Car Repair based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jim S Automotive Inc is located at 4401 Lead Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA.
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