Our family has used Honest-1 over the years for oil changes and minor repairs and they have been fine. Last summer, I took my daughter's car in because the a/c wasn't blowing cold on the driver side. They evaluated it, did some work and topped off with freon and dye. She drove it around and then brought the car back. We were told that she would need an evaporative core replacement (around $1300). We decided to wait and with the freon top-off, were told it should be okay for awhile...which it was, until this summer. When it started blowing warm air on the driver side again, we decided to schedule the repair before my daughter went to college. I called Honest in the morning and the girl that answered was fine but not enthusiastic, no smiling voice. I told her my name and asked her to look up our vehicle in the system to view the suggested care. I know they track this because lord knows--they send emails with suggested care for my vehicles often. The girl could not find the info and when she finally did, claimed there was nothing listed as far as suggested repairs. Interesting. That was a red flag. I was not confident in Honest at this point so I called Brakes Plus who also provided service for us in the past with exemplary customer service and technicians. They answered with enthusiasm and scheduled an appointment. It had been 4 months since we were in for a minor repair and he remembered us immediately, pulled up my information right away and confirmed they could replace the evaporative core if needed. He stated they would verify the need prior to performing the work. He also gave estimates for all service before starting. This is where it gets good and Brakes+ saves the day. Turns out, the evaporative core looked ok. They only took a small part of the dash (stereo) out to insert a camera and take a look for things that would have been present had there been a failing evaporative core (leaks, oily substance, etc.) They topped off the freon, put dye in to detect leaks if there was one and we drove it for a week. Went back in today and there is absolutely no leak. If Honest used a camera a year ago-they would have seen that as well. I don't know what kind of game Honest-1 is playing but I am beyond thankful for Brakes+. I trust them completely. Brakes Plus also rotated my daughters tires, replaced the rear brakes, gave a report on the aging struts (future repair) and took care of the other requested services. They even found all the applicable coupons and applied them for us in addition to service discounts. Who does this? (hint...not Honest). Our entire family is switching to Brakes+ for all of our car care needs.
Ms. Chevallier, I am sorry to hear that you were not greeted enthusiastically and that there was any confusion concerning repairs for your 2007 Toyota Camry CE. I personally checked your records in our system and there is not a recommendation for an evaporative core replacement. The only deferred service/recommendation is a replacement of the drivers side mirror. The last time you were here we replaced an a/c hose that was leaking at that time. I would be happy to send you the pictures we have in our system. I am sorry that there was any confusion. In the future if you have any issues please call me so I can correct the issue. Robin Mainer, owner Honest 1 Auto Care 972-829-6135
- Honest-1 Auto Care Castle Hills TX