31/12/2014

The review below is 100% accurate

Paul and Shawn are the most disrespectful men I've met- they talked to me like I am an idiot (sorry, women are just sooo dumb, right?) with blatant obnoxious smirks throughout. BTW- when you lie and leave voicemails contradicting yourself- welp, good luck talking your way out of that one. Just because I don't have the patience or the desire to argue and call you out on your lies doesn't mean the BBB and small claims won't.

C W.

Source: YPAGE

31/10/2014

Never Again

The customer service experience at independence automotive was terrible. I was told to arrive at 9:00 am to have my warranty information called in and verified. The owner and the technician Shawn (tall white guy) didn't want to explain too much to me and Shawn acted as if I was an inconvenience when I asked for clarity regarding issues with my car. I sat in the waiting chairs, which were all covered in dog hair until 12 noon. I went outside and asked the owner who was playing with dogs on the side of the building for an update and he didn't know what I was talking about. Come to find out they hadn't called the warranty company and my car was still parked outside the garage. I asked the owner will my car still be ready for pick up at the close of business as promised. The owner stated I don't know. I asked him what was the hold up. He stated "oh, we have to get your warranty verified" I said "ok, did you call it in?", he said, "oh, uh, that's right, no I haven't. I asked the owner why did they have me come in at 9 am and it's now 12 noon only to sit around for nothing, that they've wasted my time. The owner said, "it happens like this sometimes". I told him to give me my keys back and I'll take my car elsewhere. Sloppy customer service to me, is an indicator of sloppy work done to my car. Thanks independence automotive for showing your true colors. I guess I didn't "look" like the usual customers you typically serve.

Jasmine M.

Source: YPAGE

23/02/2011

BMW

Just wanted to say thank you so much for the job well done on my BMW. I really appreciate all the time you spent on my vehicle. My husband is really pleased with your shop. Now we know who to see for our automotive needs. I was afraid when the dealer said everything was fine but my vehicle was still making the rattling noise. With two infants, I can't take that chance. Hats off to Jason for diagnosing and repairing the problem. We are so thankful and we will be lifetime customers. I have already sent a few referrals that way. Keep up the great work Jason Nesbit!!!!

plumpudding

Source: YPAGE

04/02/2010

Bad Experience

Brought in for Timing Belt Service. Nothing wrong with the car. It was just time for the service. Engine was making no abnormal noises or exhibiting signs of any problems. After picking up the car and driving it up the street, I noticed a rattling sound that was not there before. Brought it back immediately. The mechanic who worked on it denied hearing anything, but another mechanic there admitted to hearing the noise. The other mechanic said that it sounded to him like the tensioner was bad. They assured me it was safe to drive, and to bring it in Monday to have that part replaced. The owner, emailed me to assure me that the sounds would be fixed, and if it wasn't on Monday, my full purchase would be returned to me. Picked it up Monday, the noise was still there. Mechanic that worked on it claimed it wasn't. Told me there was nothing else they were willing to do. He laughed at my assertions that he might have made a mistake, and mocked my suggestion that the dealer take a look. Took it to VW South dealership. Owner said he was ok with me doing that. Dealer confirmed noise, and confirmed that it was coming from the timing belt that I had just had installed. They also confirmed that this was not a normal noise that a timing belt should be making. I contacted owner, and attempted to obtain the refund promised me, so that I could obtain a proper repair at the dealership and get my car back on the road. He had two chances to do it right at this point. At this time, the owner stopped answering his cell phone, refused to come to the phone at his shop, and stopped answering any emails. I have filed a complaint with local BBB.

fudgey

Source: YPAGE

26/07/2014

Great experience.. went on friend's referral for the first time. The advise was conservative for an old vehicle rather than asking for un-necessary replacement parts. I'll wait to give 5-stars after 2nd or 3rd service!

ANANDK

Source: DFORC

05/08/2014

We always get the best results and service from technicians that we trust. That is why we keep coming back when our older foreign cars have an issue! Marcella & Brad Burks

MARCELLA, BRADB

Source: DFORC

24/09/2014

Independence Automotive and their staff have become family and we really trust and appreciate the work they have done on our cars for the last 10 years.

TOMD

Source: DFORC

07/06/2012

Considering the nature of the problem, I was very pleased that Independence was able to get to it and resolve it very quickly. They were informative, reasonable and easy to work with. My only complaint is that they don't have loaners.

CHARLESB

Source: DFORC

28/10/2014

Excellent service. Reasonable pricing.

ROBERTB

Source: DFORC

27/05/2013

Great service. Thank you.

ASHISHS

Source: DFORC

28/05/2013

I had a used car inspected before purchase and the mechanic was extremely thorough and found some things wrong that were important to know. Definitely worth the $95!

JEFFL

Source: DFORC

29/05/2013

THIS IS THE ONE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SHOP IN TOWN THAT I TRUST TO DO A GREAT JOB AND TO BE FAIR AND HONEST.

KELLAB

Source: DFORC

20/03/2012

These guys took great care of me! It is nice to have a mechanic you feel you can trust to give you top service at a far price! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!

ANTHONYL

Source: DFORC

03/07/2013

Everything went very smooth & timely. A thorough job was done...very pleased. joe

JOET

Source: DFORC

05/07/2013

Independence is the only place that will service my cars. They are through and professional. I don't charge for every little service. The checked my AC for a problem and spent at least an hour. I was not charged. These guys are great.…

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

05/04/2012

Our family has received consistent quality care for all our cars at Independence for 10 years and highly recommend them.

TOMD

Source: DFORC

17/08/2013

I was keep informed of the fixes, cost and solutions to the problem. They checked all hoses and belts to ensure I would not have any mechanical problems when driving across country. I was very happy with the service I was given.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

26/08/2013

Always great prices and service! Fast and friendly! Thanks!

DARRENL

Source: DFORC

17/09/2013

Great job!

BURTONC

Source: DFORC

26/09/2013

It's the comfort I feel dealing with Independence Automotive. I feel like they care about me and my BMW. Just peace of mind. Thank you guys.

LINDAD

Source: DFORC

28/09/2013

The work as always was well done and prompt.

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

27/12/2014

There is no better place to have your car serviced than Independence Auto. The prices and service are outstanding.

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

29/01/2015

Everything was great. See you on Friday and hope I can line up a ride to bring the Camry back on Monday to replace the timing belt. Suzanne

SUZANNEF

Source: DFORC

01/02/2015

I am very pleased with you device and with the respect you give to my questions and comments.

SUZANNEF

Source: DFORC

04/02/2015

There are two great things about my latest visit to your shop. I can now drive my car around without feeling that I am driving " Uncle Buck's " monstrous Mercury, if you get my drift. The second thing is the peace of mind that I now…

SUZANNEF

Source: DFORC

17/02/2015

Very reasonable priced compared to the dealer.

TRUDAN

Source: DFORC

21/02/2015

Independence is simply the best. Done all my work for years. Worked on my Mercedes, Volvo, Toyota, Cadillac and Broncos over the years. Work is excellent and reasonable. Never upsell. Always give a quote and ask for a go ahead before…

MONTYR

Source: DFORC

06/03/2015

I trust you to always do a great job. You are dependable and kept me posted as to what was wrong and how much it would cost. Great jib!

BARBARAS

Source: DFORC

28/03/2015

Hendrick BMW estimate was $1000. Independence Automotive did the work for $600. Enough said.

DAVEL

Source: DFORC

05/12/2013

They are very professional and describe in detail what is wrong and how it was repaired.

DENNISP

Source: DFORC

13/12/2013

I brought my car there in the morning...they were very busy. But, they worked my car in and did a great job on the repair. I have relied on Independence Automotive for a couple of years now, and they have always done a great job at a…

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

11/06/2013

Great service, quality work at a fair price.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

18/06/2013

Dennis and Shawn has great customer service skills. I am a woman so when I go to the shop I never feel as if I would be taken advantage of. They are both very knowledgeable and help out when they can. Thanks Guys!

ASIAB

Source: DFORC

29/06/2013

Absolutely the best in the area. Honest, professional, and extremely knowledgable Staff. The guys are simply the best!

RICKM

Source: DFORC

06/03/2013

I have found you guys to be the best.... I appreciate both Shaun and Paul for you honesty, skill, and knowledge as it relates to Mercedes Benz and Range Rover. You guys are fair with your pricing and you seek ways to make the customer…

WILLIAMF

Source: DFORC

12/03/2013

They are great because they keep you in the loop as to what is happening with your car. They have weekend availability.

RENEEG

Source: DFORC

12/03/2013

Great service on my emergency!

DEVONAD

Source: DFORC

15/03/2013

Really like the service here! I bring all my vehicles here, no where else.

JERMAINEB

Source: DFORC

23/03/2013

Shawn is great. very helpful and gets the job done. very informative in showing what maybe wrong and seeing the parts that are bad. follow up is great when needed as a double check if ever needed

PAULP

Source: DFORC

26/03/2013

I will certainly take my business here again! Not only were they polite, but fixed my car in a very timely manner and explained to me what caused the problem and the best way to fix it.

BARBARAC

Source: DFORC

13/07/2012

We can always depend on great service and honest prices from our friends at Independence Auto!

MARCELLA, BRADB

Source: DFORC

03/08/2012

The guys at Independence Auto of Pineville always do a great job. They are very efficent and I have alwyas been pleased with thier work on my cars!

KEND

Source: DFORC

23/08/2012

My experience with Independence Auto has been exceptional. This latest visit in which a electrical door part had to be replaced happened without a hitch. Sean is wonderful. The Company is fairly priced but the service is priceless!

LINDAR

Source: DFORC

11/01/2014

As always great work and thank you for same day service. You guys are great!

BURTONC

Source: DFORC

08/02/2014

Independence is the best place in the south Charlotte area for car repairs and maintenance. The service is top notch and efficient. The prices are fair. I will not take my cars anywhere else. I have learned that Independence is the…

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

06/03/2014

The staff was outstanding and the service was even better.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

16/04/2014

I am very pleased with the service and the fair pricing at Independence Automotive. I believe I have found my new auto mechanics and could not be happier.

SUZANNEF

Source: DFORC

21/04/2014

They were able to fit me in late on a Friday - and were very pleasant and quick in fixing my car. Thanks!

SUSANS

Source: DFORC

16/05/2014

Exceptional and professional service

DIANE / KENT

Source: DFORC

22/05/2014

Good experience. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Problem resolved.

JOEF

Source: DFORC

29/05/2014

Excellent service as always.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

27/06/2014

Independence Automotive is technically strong and trustworthy. A few long term seasoned automotive experts make for a good business. I go there when I have a problem I cannot diagnose or solve myself. In my experience with Dennis this…

JEFFL

Source: DFORC

17/07/2014

I always get straight answers and great price for the work that needs to be done to my vehicles I wouldn't go anywhere else.

PARRISH

Source: DFORC

29/04/2012

Thanks for the great work you did to repair the brakes on my old car. You were thorough and professional. Your price was fair and the work was done in less than a day. With your help, I expect to keep my 94 Sable another 10 years. I…

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

07/11/2013

Excellent service at reasonable prices.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

19/11/2013

We would not trust anyone else with our vehicles. The guys at Independence Automotive are extremely knowledgeable, they stay behind their work, and are priced right. We recommend all our friends to Independence Automotive of Pineville.

JASONE

Source: DFORC

25/11/2013

Got me in and out within one day - water pump, brakes and oil change…great service

JOHNG

Source: DFORC

05/12/2013

Always pleased with the professional services provided.

LINDAD

Source: DFORC

19/03/2012

Service was excellent. Very nice and welcoming. Explained what was happending. Good price and I felt well taken care of. Chris Burnett

CHRISB

Source: DFORC

20/03/2012

These guys took great care of me! It is nice to have a mechanic you feel you can trust to give you top service at a far price! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!

ANTHONYL

Source: DFORC

08/11/2014

The service that I received was very well. They were quick and knowledgeable.

TRUDAN

Source: DFORC

09/06/2012

Great service, resonable rates. They even dropped me to my work! Excellent.

ASHISHS

Source: DFORC

09/06/2012

You guys are the best! Great work! Great service! Incredibly understanding! Thanks so much!

RICKM

Source: DFORC

16/01/2015

We have always been pleased with our service at Independence. We feel that are quite skillful and honest with their work, They are fair in their pricing..They contact you before any repairs are made. I would be glad to refer friends to…

DIANE / KENT

Source: DFORC

31/01/2015

Have been a loyal customer for many years. Have recommended many friends who have recommended more people. If you want good service and don't appreciate getting taken advantage of by a dealership Independence Automotive is for you.…

MELLISSA & ALLENZ

Source: DFORC

04/02/2015

The great thing about the repair is the fact that my car no longer no longer drives like "Uncle Buck's" monstrous Mercury and I have peace of mind in regards to the timing belt. Thank you, again for. By the way how long are these repairs…

SUZANNEF

Source: DFORC

11/02/2015

Great service as always.....

BURTONC

Source: DFORC

17/02/2015

Always appreciate the knowledge, friendly service and special care Paul and the guys at Independence Automotive apply to their craft.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

06/03/2015

Another great job. I trust you and know that my car will be repaired properly. It is a great feeling to know that you repair only what is needed! You kept me advised before the work ws done and the cost. Would never go anywhere else!

BARBARAS

Source: DFORC

23/03/2015

Excellent service and knowledge of my BMW and Landrover - wouldn't take it anywhere else!

JOHNG

Source: DFORC

24/06/2012

I appreciate working with Jason who always seems to go all out in explanation and support.

MIKED

Source: DFORC

14/07/2012

You guys are going a good job.

KEVINM

Source: DFORC

07/08/2012

Thank you for being a great honest repair shop. I can now drive my car 'til I die....no more dealerships for me. Thanks for showing me the AC on/off button!

BARBARAS

Source: DFORC

04/04/2013

Friendly, nice guys.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

09/04/2013

The Guys at Independence took great care of me like they always do. If you need work on your car, Independence is the best place to go!!

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

23/04/2013

The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light came on. The mechanic figured out what the problem was.

DEVONAD

Source: DFORC

24/04/2013

Some of the quickest and most honest service I've had in a long time! Would highly recommend.

JOSHR

Source: DFORC

04/05/2013

The usual excellent treatment that I have come to expect from Independence.

MONTYR

Source: DFORC

04/05/2013

Awesome people, and great job.

ASHISHS

Source: DFORC

04/05/2013

Shawn took care of my flat in record time. We are so glad to have Independence Automotive in our lives because we can trust them with our car service.

TOMD

Source: DFORC

31/01/2013

Great service.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

22/05/2013

Professional, smart, fast. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

JAMESH

Source: DFORC

22/05/2013

Smart, fast, efficient, professional. Would highly recommend to anyone.

JAMESH

Source: DFORC

09/02/2013

I was extremely happy with the service at Independence Automotive. As soon as I arrived (without an appointment), they took a look at my car. They very quickly and accurately diagnosed the problem, and repaired my car while I waited. …

JEFFS

Source: DFORC

09/02/2013

I was extremely happy with the service at Independence Automotive. As soon as I arrived (without an appointment), they took a look at my car. They very quickly and accurately diagnosed the problem, and repaired my car while I waited. …

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

10/02/2013

The guys at Independence Auto are awesome! The boss man is real laid back and a cool dude! They do prompt great work!

KEND

Source: DFORC

21/02/2013

No nonsense - guys get right to the point and my estimate was very acurate

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

24/02/2013

I appreciated the response to my issue with the positive cable and oil change due however a issue. When I arrived the radio was working. Evidentally during the cable repair there must have been a surge with the radio on and I presently…

MIKED

Source: DFORC

27/02/2013

As before, I received very fast and professional service. My car was repaired at a reasonable price. I was particularly pleased with the quick service, which allowed me to not have to use a rental car.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

11/01/2013

5 gold stars for effort and amicable people. However, my car chugged as I made my way down Rt 51 and kept doing so for two more hours as I did errands. My brother says check the oxygen sensors. What do I know? If it's operator error, I…

SUSANM

Source: DFORC

22/01/2013

As always, outstanding service. Small town approach to doing business the right way. Always feel at home.

LOUL

Source: DFORC

23/01/2013

Always great experience here! Fair and honest pricing!

JERMAINEB

Source: DFORC

29/01/2013

Quote was spot on,repair was timely and price was hundreds less than the dealer.

DENNISP

Source: DFORC

06/12/2013

They did a great job on my car - drives like new. They are also very fair and honest. Recommend highly.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

27/12/2013

Wonderful experience every time.

AUDREYR

Source: DFORC

12/01/2014

finally found a place that does perfect work and stands behind it too, thank you all so much , paul

PAULP

Source: DFORC

10/02/2014

Paul was great. As a new customer, I really expected the best treatment. However, when I arrived early the day after the car was ready, the inspection had not been done as promised. I no longer had my ride waiting for me, so I had to wait…

NATALIAR

Source: DFORC

25/03/2014

EXCELLNT SERVICE AND ADVICE ON CAR MAINTENANCE NEEDED ON NEXT VISIT. REASONABLE PRICES. I DO MISS A LOANER CAR BUT NORMALLY THE WAIT IS NOT VERY LONG (1 HOUR AT THE LAST VIST).

JOET

Source: DFORC

26/04/2014

Very happy with service. I have an old car and they didn't try and sell any other service that I might have needed. I will definitely be returning.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

06/06/2013

Absolutely the best shop in the Charlotte area. I've used them for 20 years on several makes of cars. Never upsell you. Service is prompt and the personnel go the extra mile to be sure the customer is satisfies. Everyone despises car…

MONTYR

Source: DFORC

18/06/2013

You are the best! I can keep my car forever as lonf as you do all repairs. Great people, great service!

BARBARAS

Source: DFORC

30/06/2013

Excellent service

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

25/09/2012

I have used this garage many times and have always been real pleased. I would reccommend there services to my family and friends. Thanks Jason

JASONC

Source: DFORC

27/09/2012

I have been a customer of Independence for about 2 years. I have received nothing but superior service. The work is well done and completed before the promised time. Last week I brought my car in work and asked have the coolant flushed…

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

03/10/2012

After providing a comprehensive estimate, they were able to come in at the estimated price. The work was well done and the car was ready as promised. Nice, polite, good service without condescending attitude. I'll have these guys do more…

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

21/05/2014

Best shop in the area. Been doing my work for years. Won't go any place else.

MONTYR

Source: DFORC

26/05/2014

Professional every step of the way ! Quick turnaround. Will definitely use Independence Automotive of Pineville again.

DANM

Source: DFORC

20/06/2014

Excellent service as always. I'm so glad I found Independence automotive and have told many of my friends!

COLETTEJ

Source: DFORC

09/07/2014

Great service. Paul is always honest and prices are reasonable.

GLENNS

Source: DFORC

11/07/2014

Independence has taken care of my vehicles for 20 years. They don't try to sell you stuff you don't need. They stand behind their work. Just an A+ establishment.

MONTYR

Source: DFORC

24/07/2014

Straight forward, good work at a fair price. Am a repeat customer for a reason.

DANNYE

Source: DFORC

29/07/2014

I was pleased with the description of the problem and the response and solution to the problem.

TONYD

Source: DFORC

16/09/2014

Work done on time and very reasonably. Have had Independence look after my cars for nearly 20 years and I would not take them anywhere else.

MONTYR

Source: DFORC

14/10/2014

Best service as always!

COLETTEJ

Source: DFORC

07/06/2012

I am truly disappointed in the most recent repairs done at your establishment. I continued to bring my car back and forth and you did not admit any mistake. After being a customer for five years I expected much better service. You made no…

JACQUELINEB

Source: DFORC

12/10/2012

I was taken very well care of, Paul did not want to do anything that the truck did not need so he went with the simple fixes first that did not cost me anything. When that did not work , I was shown the vehicle was out of alignment and…

GINGERM

Source: DFORC

20/10/2012

Trustworthy and knowledgeable in every way. I came in at 4pm needing emergency service due to 6 a.m. travel the next morning. Brake pads and rotors were replaced. The owner and the mechanics went above and beyond, and that adorable pug in…

LAURIEW

Source: DFORC

29/10/2012

Top notch! You guys guys are the best! Thanks so much! Car runs great! It's great to finally have an honest, reliable establishment to take our cars to for service. Rock on Guys!

RICKM

Source: DFORC

11/11/2012

I have found Independence to be a great alternative to the typically high priced dealership service departments.

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

18/11/2012

I feel like I am in good hands with Independence Automotive with my BMW. The staff is very knowledgeable and explain my service concerns in layman terms. To me, their phone number is 704 BMW-HELP.

LINDAD

Source: DFORC

05/12/2012

Love all the guys at Independence Automotive!! They are friendly, knowledgeable, and honest. It's a always a great experience and I'm thankful to have mechanics who have integrity.

JOANNAB

Source: DFORC

05/12/2012

A great experience as always. Car problem diagnosed correctly and and corrected beautifully. Loved time in office; lots of cheery people coming through and Skipper being his wonderful canine self. Susan McCarthy

SUSANM

Source: DFORC

05/12/2012

Great work as always!

MICHAELP

Source: DFORC

28/12/2012

Good communication about what needed to be done and reasonable prices.

JOET

Source: DFORC

29/12/2012

excellent

DONG

Source: DFORC

04/01/2013

You guys are STILL the best! Thanks for working with us!!!

RICKM

Source: DFORC

04/01/2013

My car window motor went out in the rain and I could not get my car in elsewhere for days. I was referred to Independence Automotive and I was able to get my car in that same day and it was fixed within a timely fashion. I was provided…

Anonymous

Source: DFORC

10/01/2013

The Best! I never have to worry about any repairs that are done to my car. They are honest, reasonable and you know your car is repaired properly. As long as my MB I will use Independence!

BARBARAS

Source: DFORC

10/12/2014

As usual, the reception and service were outstanding!

ELEANORH

Source: DFORC

19/12/2014

repair was excellent

ANDREWT

Source: DFORC

29/10/2005

Work gets done quickly

I have gone here for years. The owner I think is honest and gets work done quickly and IS accomodating, however, he is difficult to communicate with. There have been times I have wondered if I had been overcharged, but being a woman that…

Michelle N.

Source: JUDYS

03/02/2010

Stay far far away

Brought in for Timing Belt Service. Nothing wrong with the car. It was just time for the service. Engine was making no abnormal noises or exhibiting signs of any problems. After picking up the car and driving it up the street, I noticed a…

Guest G.

Source: JUDYS

30/10/2009

CROOKS!!!

Call the dealer when they give you an estimate - they are much higher and say they are trying to help you. Dealer did a $1000 major repair, they quoted $2500. Oil change is $120 with them, Jiffy Lube charges $90 for synthetic. these…

Guest G.

Source: JUDYS

02/05/2016

These guys are the REAL DEAL! Thank you to Richard and Sean for a job very well done! I will definitely be back. Recent large repair on my car and felt right at home with the team at Independence Automotive after a friend recommended them. Richard and Sean both took the time to explain in very accurate detail the work that needed to get done and the timelines involved. The repairs turned out to be top notch and I could not be happier! I will recommend this group of professionals to my friends and family! You guys did a stellar job!

Eric Martin

Source: GPLAC

11/06/2016

Only place I go!! Great people and fair pricing! They work on just about everything you can think of!!!

IVIPIRE

Source: GPLAC

10/06/2016

I've taken my Honda Odyssey, BMW 525, and Nissan Sentra serviced by Shawn and I've never had any problems with his diagnosis or repairs. He has always been upfront and very professional in dealing with me and my family. I recommend Independence Automotive to all my friends!

spencer foster

Source: GPLAC

09/09/2015

Stopped by this shop to get a 2nd opinion on my Mercedes C350 from dealer. These guys correctly diagnosed my car, solved the issue and saved me over $800 worth of unnecessary work the dealer quoted. Dealership's lies lost a valued customer, Independence Automotive's honesty, and thoroughness gained a new valued customer. Great Service, Great Mechanics, Great Prices!!!

Naimah B

Source: GPLAC

12/08/2015

I own a 2011 GLK 350 Mercedes and I always go to the dealership for my A and B services. I thought maybe if I found a local mechanic I could save a little money since I have no plans on upgrading my car. There was nothing wrong with my car I just needed to get the B services and air filter. The lead guy Shawn calls me with a quote an outrageous quote of $1200 and an additional $300 if I wanted to get my brakes pads replaced. I told him thats ridiculous amount of money to pay and I have never paid that price at the dealership. So he explained that I would need spark plugs base on the mileage and thats an major job and expensive. I asked if he checked the spark plugs and he said no, then he ask someone in the back ground to check the spark plugs. He said the price was quoted on the mileage alone. I told him I would call him back once I found out some information from Mercedes . So called Mercedes and my Service Consultant said you were last here in April 2015 and we recommended a B services (cost less than $500 and air filter (which cost around $100). I asked when do you recommended spark plugs he told me at 60,000 miles and again at 120,000 miles. My car currently has 92000 miles. So why are you trying to get over on me? If you care about honesty and integrity this is not the place to go. When I went to pick up my car he offered no explanation or apology for blank trying to inflate his fees. You would be better off going to a dealership plus you can get loaner. I ended up paying $63 for them to install a light assemble on my rear driver side, that probably took 10 minutes to install plus I paid for a rental car for 1 day. I see why in the beginning of our conversation he said I can install the light for you and want charge you for it. I should have walked out the door then, what a waste of time, just proves to me that you cant support small local business.

D Tate

Source: GPLAC

08/01/2015

I may have found a mechanic I can depend on at Independence Automotive. I don't trust mechanics. Let me just put that out there. I can't tell you then number of times I have heard a mystery noise or had an indicator on my dash light up only to be told I needed way more than I actually do. How do I know this? Because I know enough about cars to see through the technical speak a lot of mechanics try to confuse you with and also because I always, always get a second (and sometimes third) opinion. Cars are like going to the doctor. Sometimes the first diagnosis is not always correct regardless of what the error code or service bulletin tells you. I had a car in the past make awful noises, I was told I needed a whole new wheel bearing assemble and then I find out from someone else I only had a stick wedged between the rim and the undercarriage and that's what was causing the noise - no charge. Unfortunately there are still a lot of unscrupulous auto repair shops out there whose sole purpose in life is to upcharge whenever possible - to sell you services and parts you don't need. Many dealers are the same way. Case in point, I took my current Ford Fusion to the dealer at 38,500 miles because I had a series of trouble lights come on suddenly and then my power steering completely failed 30 seconds later. I had to muscle the car there and darn near crashed on the way because it took a huge effort to turn the wheel. So I'm just 2,500 over my warranty period and the diagnosis is I need a complete steering rack & pinion system replacement. The cost $3200. What?! My new car is barely a year old, I'm within spitting distance of the basic warranty period and that's what they want to charge me? I couldn't even negotiate them down because I was so close to the warranty. I was so disgruntled at that point and I said, no way, just clear the trouble code and let's see what happens. They cleared the code, the power steering came back and until this week I drove it another 50,000 miles without further incident. That's two more years' worth of driving and tells me there was absolutely nothing wrong with the rack & pinion. Well, the power steering issue happened again this week at 91,000 so I looked on Angie's List hoping to find an A+ rated shop and someone I could work with. I took it to Independence Automotive in Pineville. In about an hour Dennis diagnosed that my control arms were causing too much torque resistance and causing the power steering sensor to trip. I was also getting a pretty wicked squeaking noise over bumps that I thought was just a bad strut, but I was told that the control arms were causing the noise too. Because I have trust issues I asked him for the error code numbers so I could look them up and see if he was full of it. Lo and behold, there was a service bulletin stating the same issue - excessive control arm torque. So I told him to replace the control arms, reset the error code, and what do you know, the car has never run better on the road. Power steering came back and as a bonus the squeaking disappeared. Time will tell if the steering issue happens again but for once I feel like I got a real diagnosis, not a guess, and the problem was solved. I also didn't get pressured into buying additional parts and services I don't need right now. He did mention the strut and some tire wear issues but I didn't feel like I had to deal with it immediately. They are a little higher priced than other big name chain shops, but if they keep fixing the right things I will keep coming back. The total repair was done in less than 24 hours and cost $1200 for computer diagnosis, four control arms, and labor.

Kraig K.

Source: YELP

11/11/2012

I am always on the lookout for good & honest mechanics that are conveniently located to work & home. I had high hopes for Independence Automotive. So, the other day I dropped my car off for them to diagnose a problem. I left the car and they called me about an hour or so later to give me the quote. They said that I needed a new power steering pump. They quoted $800 for parts & labor to fix it. However, doing some research & talking to other mechanics, I decided to take my car elsewhere for repairs. Needless to say, we found a shop that fixed the problem for around $175. I am not sure if these guys were trying to rip me off, or if they just didn't know any better, but either way, it was totally disappointing and now I don't trust going back there again. :-(

Julia M.

Source: YELP