DB's Service Center

unknown

[updated to include more specific information] This information is in regards to one of your service providers, DB's Service Center, Madison, WI. I went in for an oil change and to get my tires rotated, and mentioned that my steering wheel wobbled a bit (I used the word wobble). They started with the wheel after explaining it could be the tires and balance. After an hour I received a call explaining that they hadn't done any work, but that I'd need to replace some very expensive parts of the car, including the differential and inside of the transmission ($1600-1800), plus tires (they also suggested I think about selling the car because the repair work might not be worth the trade-in value). They did not feel I could drive the car much longer, and if I did the transmission case would crack. The tires made sense to me--I know I was nearing the end of their life but thought I might have another 10k miles on them. The info in the labor description says, "Customer state vehicle has a vibration coming through wheel when driving. Check and advise. Found the passenger side constant velocity joint bearing inside the transmission to be failing causing low speed vibration while driving. All 4 tires are almost down to the wear bars and in need of replacement." After much distress (I am new to the state and did not have anyone who could drive me home, so I had to rent a Uhaul van from across the street to get myself around--they made me uncomfortable with driving my car and did not think I should drive it), I found a place to get a second opinion. I retreived my car, paid around $40 for the diagnosis, which after I left thought was unfair--they said nothing about charging me for an estimate or checking out the wheel and had in faci indicated early on that it may only be the tires. The place I went for a second opinion after researching reputable places near my home (I drove across town to get to DB's) through Mechanic Files and Angie's list. The second place said nothing about the transmission or differential issue, only recommended I get new tires and replace the brakes (it was about time). I could not find any indication of other owners of my car having the differential/transmission issue. I recently moved to Madison and did not know anyone who could initially give me a recommendation. I went here because this is where I returned my Budget Truck. Db's was very nice, but this time I'm not sure they were honest with me. I don't know much about cars, but that's no reason to be taken advantage of. I won't be going back, and with the extensive list of well-recommended mechanics on Mechanics File and Angie's List, I don't have to. Make sure you know what you are doing if you go here!

The service went well, and there were apparently no surprises throughout the process. The work included a road hazard warranty. All work was documented clearly on the estimate and work forms. It was a pleasure to deal with Dave and Tad at DB's Service

The work proceeded smoothly, and the car was ready on time as promised. It was nice that the final cost was below estimate.