NJ has a dicey reputation when it comes to auto repair. This blog is about the role of a certain dealership.

My parents get their car serviced by what I consider the finest mechanic on the East Coast, Jake. Jake’s a great mechanic for many reasons but the most important is that he loves cars.

So usually my parents go to Jake, but there was a recall on a part. It was an unadvertised recall which they only found about the recall through Jake. Here’s what happened at the dealership.

Dealer: Whoever is taking care of your car is making a lot of mistakes. We found serious issues with your transmission. It’s leaking.
Parent: Interesting, since there’s never been a spot under my car in the last four years.
Dealer: Oh, it’s leaking.
Parent: How much will this be?
Dealer: 808 dollars.
Parent: Can i have a copy of the estimate?
Dealer: Certainly.
Parent: And you replaced recall part XYZ?
Dealer: Yep. when do you want to get your car in?
Parent: Just as soon as my personal mechanic looks over your estimate and tells me all this needs to be done. can i have my keys please?
Dealer: Sir these issues are real and if your mechanic is reputable he will concur…

At this point my parent put his ID card on the counter so the Dealer could see it. He works for one big 3 networks, in the news department.

Parent: I do my best work off camera. How about you?
Dealer: Here’s your keys sir. Thank you and have a nice day.

The only thing that turned out to be leaking was the integrity of this dealer.