Advanced Auto Service, Inc.

While they are good at fixing normal mechanical issues, these guys are entirely at a loss trying to fix electronic or electrical issues. My VW had a spedometer issue. First time with these guys they recommended replacing the speed sensor. Since they had to order the part, they gave me the car back and promised to call back when they got the part. After waiting three weeks I went to Autozone and picked it up (was in stock at the store) and replaced it myself. This did not resolve the issue. A week later (1 month after promised call) they finally call me. I tell them that it is intermittent, that it happens more in the cold than the heat, and that I replaced the speed sensor and wanted him to test/inspect the wiring loom and the gauge cluster. I gave them my car on a Tuesday and they didn't call me back until Friday (8/6/2010) evening. Told me that they didn't know what the problem was and thought it "might be the computer". Told me that they tested the speed sensor (already known to be good, didn't ask him to do), but did not test the wire harness (they didn't want to take apart the dash), they did not test the gauge cluster, or the computer. They wanted to charge me $155 for doing essentially nothing. After agreeing to only paying $75 just to get my car back I called around. Evidently All-Data, a program many shops have, said the typical fix is to rebuild the instrument cluster. Sure enough, sent it into Mr. Whizard Tech Service and they verified that was in fact the problem. Oh, and the speed sensor did not plug into the computer as Mike insisted. I'm not sure I'll take any car back to this shop since I was accused of trying to "rip him off". I don't think I did since they didn't do the work I asked. He also complained that VW's were "too complicated". Mine is a 1996, not exactly new technology. The speed sensor system is identical to a 1996 neon btw, and is a common setup in most modern cars.
Apr 20th, 2022

*Update on the review* As of 2022 this shop is no longer in business. The owners retired and put it up for sale. Went in for an oil change and an emissions test. Quick and great service. Also a nice little quant lobby. The owner and his wife are very nice people and they care about their customers.
Mar 1st, 2022

I found these guys through AAA Missouri. They are master mechanics and really support their customers. Super clean operation- you could eat off the shop floor.
Jan 30th, 2022

Took my vehicle in for an oil change and tire rotation. They checked everything and found the battery was weak. I had no doubts about what they found and had battery replaced then. Mike and his team are very thorough with their inspections and will continue to use them.
Dec 12th, 2021

Nov 29th, 2021