Vehicle Mechanic

[Danibeth]

Good morning ladies and gentlemen,

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year

My truck has a few things that will need to be done within the next few months probably and given that I have almost 175,000 miles on it and have only had to do regular maintenance as needed and replace shocks, alternator and just recently the front wheel bearings once, I won't doubt that there will be other big maintenance that will be needed. So I'm looking for a mechanic that I can trust. Here's the thing: I travel a lot though I don't imagine that I'll be moving from Tallahassee anytime soon. I go all over the place though so I NEED a mechanic/shop that will have a warranty that will be covered nationwide just in case something fails with any work I have done. I have been taken advantage of in the past and that has made me very wary and untrusting in regards to repair shops. I ended up having to take my dad (he is a mechanic) in with me whenever I had work that needed done on any of my vehicles because of that. Now that my dad has moved clear across the country that is no longer an option and so I'll be approaching all work a little differently. I'm willing to pay a little more for work that will be quality, so long as I know that I can trust the people who are taking care of my truck not to take advantage of me and do work that I won't have to go back and have them redo constantly. I'm also willing to travel a reasonable distance to be able to have a good mechanic (for example if there is someone in Thomasville that is particularly wonderful and works at a place that carries a nationwide warranty, I'm willing to travel).

So, any recommendations from the brain trust here?

Thanks a lot in advance

Danibeth

[Steve Stinson]

The only way I know of to get a nationwide warranty is to go through a dealer. I don't know if Pep Boys or any of the national chains offer that service.

That being said, I have 7 trucks constantly being abused by use as land surveying vehicles. The best local mechanic I've found is Al Bass at Bass Auto Service on Capital Circle NE just South of Micossukee Rd.

Good Luck - Steve Stinson

[fishinfool]

I know Pep Boys and Firestone have warranties that are covered through all their stores. I do not know any local technicians that I would recommend that work in those shops.
I currently work at the KIA dealership as a technician, but we will service most any make truck.(there are some we simply do not have the computer support for).
I am guessing you have a domestic truck, Chevy or Ford. They are pretty straight forward when it comes to repair and should be able to be repaired successfully by a competent technician. Transmission work can be a little worrisome, but other repairs not a big deal.
Porter's Automotive Repair on W. Tennessee is very reliable. Heath is an excellent technician and has been in the business over 30 years.(850) 224-2886

[Danibeth]

I know that Sun Tire, Tire Kingdom, Midas and Pep Boys have warranties that are honored throughout every store. Thanks Steve.

Fishinfool.....I have a Toyota FJ Cruiser. My mom lives in Jacksonville and had a mechanic that she really liked and trusted at one of the Honda dealerships there. He has moved to Gainesville and she will take her car out to Gainesville to see him when she needs work done because she knows that he will do quality work and won't try to screw around with her. I took my 4Runner to him back when I had it and I've seriously considered having the FJ taken down to see him, it just would be nice to find someone a bit more local if possible. Thanks for the recommendation of Porter's.

Danibeth

[countrycorners]

We use Jack's Service Center 2980 E Pinetree Blvd Thomasville. Bobby is the fellow to talk to. We use them for my high mileage Silverado and our low mileage Audi. We have lived all over the US at one time or another, so we've had to find trust worthy folks to keep us going. Here its Jack's/Bobby & crew. Ask Bobby about warranty companies.

[Can'tCatchAnything]

Tuffy's on North Monroe has always been my go-to for things I'm unwilling/unable to do myself.

[Danibeth]

Thanks, I'll give Bobby a call

[fishinfool]

Danibeth,
I am quite familiar with Toyota trucks. I worked at Toyota for quite a while and I currently own a Tacoma and I do all my own service. Both of our trucks have the 4.0 litre 1GR-FE engine. Very reliable and relatively trouble free. If you have not done it in the past 60k miles spark plugs are probably recommended. Coolant exchange, front and rear diff and transfer case fluids should probably be changed also.
The suspension parts are pretty reliable. Some ball joint wear and replacement is expected around the 200k mark.If you want, I would be happy to service your truck. Kia of Tallahassee service department. Just specify that you want me to do the work. 850-576-2116
If you want to use someone else, I will not be offended. Just offering.

[Danibeth]

Thanks, I will let you know. I appreciate the responses.

Danibeth