17/06/2013

Let me begin by saying how wonderful it is when you find a mechanic who is honest and affordable!
I started my day by going to Pep Boys. The problem I was having was my A/C very suddenly stopped working yesterday while driving home on the freeway. I am new to Indio (from Los Angeles, as of June 1st) and I don't know anyone who could even give me a recommendation so I went to a name I thought I could trust. $50 for an "A/C Performance Evaluation" and I'm presented with the diagnosis of "air compressor clutch coming off needs compressor and dryer then re-check." An estimated $1100 worth of repairs for a remanfactured compressor, etc. Thank God I didn't have that kind of money at my disposal.
I promptly returned home and started making phone calls. I googled "automotive repair indio ca" and just started going down the list. Five phone calls in, I was referred to Al's Automotive - by another shop that didn't do A/C repair. I took it as a good sign to get a professional reference.
I told Ed over the phone the same thing that I told Pep Boys, only now I added that I had "confirmed" the issue. I asked directly for a quote for replacing the air compressor. He mentioned a rough estimate of $750, depending of course on whether that was the necessary repair. (That's the key!!) I brought my car right over for yet another check. They determined that my compressor was not actually attached to the engine block, due to missing bolts, causing some shifting - and the potential root of the problems. I was told that Mark could not complete the system check unless the compressor was properly positioned and the bolts were replaced. I approved the work and returned home. Within a couple hours, upon repositioning the compressor, replacing the bolts and adjusting the belt, they determined that the system was fine. I have a good compressor with no leaks observed in the system. They did a quick recharge of freon (to take it from half to full) and sent me on my way for about 12% of the total cost that Pep Boys quoted with the misdiagnosis of needing a replacement compressor. I could have spent a lot of money unnecessarily. Thank you, Al's Automotive.
I highly recommend bringing your vehicle to Al's Automotive. Quality, HONEST car maintenance and repair.

Amber R.

Source: YELP

27/10/2015

I recently had my car in Al's Automotive to have all the bushings on my lower control arms replaced as discussed with the owner. Purchased tires the next day and had my car aligned at a shop that does alignment. My vehicle could not be aligned because only one set a bushings were replaced. I told the owner of the shop about this and he just wanted to take it into another alignment shop! Completely disregarded my question as to why he didn't replace the other bushings. To top it off the shop didn't inform me that my right lower control arm was damaged! So upset and disappointed with this place; it's hard to find auto shops with integrity this day in age.
I do not recommend this repair shop!

Edmund S.

Source: YELP

27/09/2011

I called ahead to tell Mr. Ortiz what problem I was having with my Expedition. Mr Ortiz told me when I should bring it in. He quoted me a price. My worked was done the same day. The final price was ten dollars more than what the quote was, which is great. Mr. Ortiz and his staff are very friendly and honest. There work is great and I would recommend using him. He (Ortiz) and his staff has a reputation as being a solid and honest mechanic. Great job.

A Google User

Source: GPLAC