SV
Steven Vestri
Aug 12, 2026
I recently brought my Audi A5 to this shop because the check engine light had come on. I want to start by saying that the individual who greeted me was very pleasant, courteous, and professional. Unfortunately, that was about the only positive part of my experience.
Before bringing the car in, I had already replaced the spark plugs, ignition coils, and PCV valve after having the check engine code read at an auto parts store. My intention was very simple: I wanted the shop to clear the code, drive or check the vehicle, and determine whether the newly installed parts had resolved the problem. If the check engine light returned, I wanted to know what the actual problem was and what it would cost to repair.
Instead, I received a diagnostic charge/quote of nearly $300, with the diagnosis described as a cylinder misfire. I specifically explained that I had just replaced the plugs and coils, which should have addressed a potential misfire issue. What I found particularly frustrating was that, along with the diagnostic recommendation, the shop provided a long list of other items they said needed attention—amounting to thousands of dollars in additional potential work.
One recommendation that really stood out to me was an oil change. I had just had the oil changed approximately two weeks earlier, including having the fluids checked and topped off. So seeing an oil change listed as a recommended service made me question how carefully the vehicle had actually been evaluated.
I also questioned a $27 "job supplies" charge. I was told that this was for things such as fluid top-offs and miscellaneous supplies and that this type of charge is very common in the industry. Perhaps it is, but I have personally never encountered this charge, and given that the vehicle had just been serviced two weeks earlier, I felt it was reasonable to question it.
My biggest issue isn't that a shop identified additional maintenance items. I understand that vehicles can have multiple issues, and I appreciate a shop pointing out legitimate concerns. My issue is that I came in with one specific request and expected a straightforward diagnostic process: clear the code, see if it returns, determine the actual problem, and provide me with the cost to repair it if necessary.
Instead, I left feeling like the focus quickly shifted from diagnosing my specific concern to recommending a substantial amount of additional work—some of which was particularly questionable given the vehicle's recent service history.
Based on this experience, I would be hesitant to return or recommend this shop to someone looking for a straightforward and transparent diagnostic evaluation.