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Review content:
I took my car to Pat's because I suspected an internal coolant leak into the engine because of a leaking head gasket (I don't know anything about cars--but I researched a lot on the internet because I didn't want to get ripped off). I had just moved to Rochester, and wanted to find a loyal, trustworthy, honest mechanic, but was very nervous about trusting a new shop. I drove to another (unnamed) shop, and immediately was turned off by the brusk, somewhat unfriendly attitude, so I drove to Pat's (an unobtrusive, almost hidden location--but worth it!). Pat and his crew were so friendly and upfront, it blew me away. I knew immediately they might win the ""contest"" to become my neighborhood mechanic. Pat shook my hand warmly, and explained how they would diagnose the problem, etc. The kicker was that a day later, Pat solemnly called me and let me know that not only did my car have a cracked engine block, which would normally cost $5,500 parts / labor, but that he had researched and found out that my car manufacturer (a Japanese one) had issued a ""silent recall""--where a manufacturer extends the warranty pertaining to a fast-growing problem BUT WITHOUT TELLING THE PUBLIC / ITS CUSTOMERS! In other words, the manufacturer is hoping nobody finds out about the warranty extension...most people end up taking their cars in and paying for repairs to dishonest or lazy mechanics who don't tell the customer about the ""silent recall"" (or never researched in the first place). Well, Pat was honest with me and told me up front about the ""silent recall""--knowing he would miss out on the repair job and $5,500!! He easily could have just fixed my car, but he told me over the phone he wants to build a reputation as the best place in town, and I was very impressed. I had the dealership pick up my car and repair it--for free, obviously, due to the extended warranty (""silent"") which they verified over the phone (of course, they claim they mailed a letter to me, but I never got it!). Anyway, my car is fixed, but I will not forget about Pat's honesty, and I vowed to tell everybody I know about Pat's Auto in Rochester. In fact, I tried to get the ""Rochester Post"" newspaper to do a little story on it (since it ""saved"" my Christmas!) but they ignored me. They probably thought it was a ploy or something, but this is a 100% true story. I am an attorney, and I also believe wholeheartedly in the free market and rewarding companies that bend over backwards for their customers, but also punishing companies that do NOT serve their customers. We must let the free market do its job! Needless to say, Pat's Auto has earned my undying loyalty, whereas the auto manufacturer that made my car and that other mechanic in Rochester have lost (or will never gain) my business. I feel bad that Pat didn't get my $5,500 job, but his shop will be amply rewarded over the years with ALL my business, and that of my wife's, relatives, friends, etc. Thanks, Pat!!
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