The first time I came to the Auto Doc was for an oil change and maintenance check up at which time they said I had an oil and power steering fluid leak, but that I didn't HAVE to have it fixed. That was a couple months ago so I checked in with them today. It all started off great as always - kind at the front desk and got me in without an appointment. After waiting for about an hour or so - no worries there - they said would replace the valve cover gasket for me which would fix the worst part of the oil leak. I agreed to have this done - if it needs done, it needs done. They got me right in and had it fixed. However, during the check out, I got the specifics on what exactly the part was/how much for parts/labor, etc. Turns out the cost was $205.40. I did some checking around. For the part that cost $79.95 at Auto Doc, it cost $31.99 and $33.99 at AutoZone and Napa respectively. In addition, I called two other shops in close proximity to the Auto Doc, and the first shop estimated $125 including parts and labor and the second one said $94 for just the labor - I could purchase the gasket separately or have them get it. Labor was $115 for about 45 minutes worth of work. Moral of the story, I paid AT LEAST $80 too much or 40% more compared to the other garages. That's insane. It's totally my fault for trusting this shop - absolutely should have checked before I agreed to let them do the work. However, my message to you is to go somewhere else. No one should pay 40% too much for auto work whether they make the same stupid, elementary mistake of not checking around that I did or not. You shouldn't have to do that with a reputable shop. Just don't go here - you WILL be taken advantage of. Which is unfortunate because the customer service is really great. :( I'm really bummed this place turned out to be a hoax.
Hi Ali, the high prices come from being in such a high rent district of Houston. We aren't the cheapest, but we do offer the best customer service around and a great 2 year/24,000 mile warranty.
- The Auto Doc