Absolute Auto Repair IA 50322

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El Censor Ético

"I brought my 2010 Dodge Journey RT (3.5L V6) to this shop for a coolant leak. After receiving estimate #31912 for a total of $3,036.22, I decided not to proceed due to technical discrepancies and costs that I find to be predatory. Technical Analysis of the Estimate: • Inflated and Overlapping Labor: I was quoted $1,417.50 for 'Camshaft Seal Remove & Replace' on top of $567.00 for the 'Timing Belt Remove & Replace'. Technically, to access the seals on this engine, the timing belt must already be removed. Charging for both procedures as independent tasks is a clear case of overlapping labor that does not align with industry standard labor guides. • Extreme Parts Markup: The timing belt and water pump kit (Gates TCKWP295D) was quoted at $710.15. For reference, a superior Continental Pro Series PLUS kit (PP295LK3), which includes the hydraulic tensioner and all necessary seals, has a market price of approximately $234.79. • Total Labor Cost: Charging nearly $2,000 in labor for a job that takes between 6 to 7 hours according to standard manuals is excessive and unreasonable. Note regarding potential shop justifications: To anticipate the typical response of 'our prices include a warranty and quality parts': no warranty justifies a 300% markup on parts, nor does it justify charging for overlapping labor by virtually 'disassembling' the engine twice on paper. High-end OEM components like Continental or Mopar provide the same or better reliability at a fraction of the price quoted here. As a customer who understands my vehicle’s mechanics, I feel obligated to warn others: always demand a labor hour breakdown based on the manual and compare prices before authorizing repairs. I have attached photos of the quote provided and the actual market costs for high-end components." "If there was an error in the estimate, please inform me and provide the updated estimate; / will remove the criticism."

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Alex Andrews

I needed some new tires for my truck. I got a few options at different price points and mileage ratings and they helped with their opinions based off my driving habits. Great experience and very happy with the tires themselves and overall level of service from Absolute Auto!

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Lillian Warnken

I brought my car in around September 13th for a small gas leak. After doing my own research, I suspected the issue was coming from the fuel pump and made sure to tell the shop that upfront. They told me they thought it was the starter instead, but I specifically asked that they check the fuel pump before replacing anything. They agreed, only to go ahead, replace the starter anyway, and then tell me afterward that I did in fact need a new fuel pump. They did work with me on the price of the unnecessary part, but it was still frustrating. About 2–3 weeks later, my gas gauge went out and I had to bring the car back again. They said they needed to order a part and gave me a loaner. The loaner car was hitting around 7 RPMs at only 30 mph, and when I mentioned it, it didn’t seem like a concern to them. I took my own car back until the part arrived. When the part finally came in, they worked on my car again. When I went to pick it up, every single light on my car stopped working. They told me they had replaced a computer, but “the new one worked with the gas gauge, not the lights,” so they had to reinstall the old one. My car screen immediately notified me of the issues when I started it so there is no doubt they would have seen these aswell before moving the car out of the garage. After more back and forth, they said the problem was a wire. They ordered that part, installed it, and while they originally told me I’d have to pay, they ended up not charging me. Fast forward to late November, right before leaving town for Thanksgiving—and the same gas gauge went out again. I brought it back and reminded them I would be leaving town soon. All they did was reset it and told me to see if it holds. They also informed me that my battery was bad and offered to replace it for $235. I declined. But when I came to pick up my car today, the battery, which had never given me issues before was completely dead. I am now taking it to Walmart for a replacement. I will not be returning, and I cannot recommend this place. I truly believe something was damaged with the fuel pump work, because none of these problems existed beforehand and the more they work on my car the more problems I have. The amount of repeated issues, miscommunication, and new problems introduced after each visit has been incredibly disappointing and frustrating.