I was a customer of Absolute Automotive for many years, which is why writing this review is a bit difficult. My previous experiences with this shop had been satisfactory including reasonable prices, which is why I returned for service this last time.
I had my Mitsubishi Montero Sport, with approximately 95,000 miles, towed to the shop after it had been in storage for several months. Before storage, I had driven it and I had not experienced any misfires. My vehicle was towed because an oil leak had contaminated the alternator, preventing it from keeping the battery charged. I wanted the leaks repaired, the alternator replaced, and my SUV inspected before I began driving it again, so it would be dependable.
The shop performed repairs including oil leak repairs, a tune-up, an oil change, a new alternator, a new air filter, and a new 5-year battery. My bill was just under $2,000.
When I picked up my SUV, I was told it had developed a misfire likely related to Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer I used during storage. I was instructed to drive my vehicle and run several tanks of premium fuel through it, and I was told the issue should resolve itself. During that time I experienced surging and reduced engine power.
I followed those instructions, but the issue continued. I returned to the shop, where the code was cleared, but the problem persisted. I was again advised to continue driving my SUV and to continue using premium fuel. At that time, I was not advised that additional diagnosis was needed to determine the cause of the misfire.
After several months, while driving on the freeway, the engine suddenly shut off and I had to coast to the shoulder. Approximately an hour later, I was told my vehicle had suffered catastrophic engine failure and was not repairable. I was also directed to a local wrecking yard (B & R Auto Wrecking) that might offer around $200 for my SUV. Even though it no longer works, I decided to keep my vehicle.
I reported the drivability issues multiple times and followed the advice I was given by the same person at Absolute Automotive. Despite this, my vehicle ultimately suffered catastrophic engine failure.
Also during this time, that same employee sent me unsolicited and very explicit photos of himself by text message. He later apologized via text. I responded that his behavior was not okay and that I did not want to discuss it further. I do not believe the owner(s) of the shop would condone this behavior. I have been unable to speak with an owner because the same employee who sent the nude photos answers the phone whenever I call.
I also submitted a written request by email for copies of my last three repair invoices several weeks ago so I could better understand the work that had been performed on my vehicle. I have not received a response.
As a long-time loyal customer, I did not expect this type of experience. As a woman in her 60's I no longer have a working vehicle because it would cost thousands of dollars to rebuild the engine, so now I have to walk everywhere.
To say the least, losing reliable transportation has had a significant impact on my daily life.
I’m gonna show you a few pictures of my “new “rear brake replacement on my Ford van for my trip from Eugene, Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona.
I was told by the owner he only puts on new parts on a rear brake if the old parts are broken Because the new stuff is cheaper than the old stuff. I’m not a mechanic nor certified, but I do know that the rear spring kit and new star wheel should be used on a full brake replacement on a vehicle that is nearly 30 years old. They also only replaced one brake booster and with a little bit of Internet research you can find out that they need to be replaced in sets. I’ll also include a picture of the part I had to buy in Phoenix to fix the brake issue. I was experiencing on my drive down there.
In my honest opinion, after the conversation with the owner, I feel like the shop can no longer be trusted. He told me he didn’t want to get into a pissing contest and that he refunded me 300 bucks and call it even that’s the kind of honest Work they do.
If I could ask the owner, one thing would be, what do you do for your family’s car?
Edit: Maybe you should have replaced both brake boosters instead of just one side? The old one failed after our conversation leaving us stranded yet again from your half ass work. 7 months what does that have to do with leaving old parts on my vehicle, you have a nationwide warranty! I wouldn’t trust your shop to fix my bicycle at this point. Proof is in the pictures pal.