Service Techniques

I took my 2003 Honda to Service Techniques several times for service and had been happy. From oil changes, to radiator hose repairs, to complete replacement of all motor mounts, this place was cool and I never felt like I was getting ripped off.
Unfortunately that all changed with my last service. I took my 2014 F-​150 in for an oil change on the Thursday before a 3 day holiday. They were really busy, so I had no problem leaving the truck there and picking it up later. Dropped it off at about 10AM. Never heard back from them and when I called at 6PM, half hour before closing time, I got their voicemail. Left a message and still never heard back. Drove by that evening and could tell the truck had been moved, but didn’t know if it had been serviced. Called in the morning and they answered this time. Apologized for not calling back and said I could come in and pick up the truck any time, but they wouldn’t have the ticket ready for ½ hour or so. I had to wait for someone to be able to take me in and didn’t get there until about 4. I couldn’t see my truck anywhere. Nobody was in the front office. I had to walk to the back of the shop to find someone. They got my key and cashed me out, again apologizing and giving excuses for the delay. I asked where my truck was and they weren’t really sure, but thought it was on the side of the building. I went around to the side and couldn’t find it. Then noticed it in the neighboring lot.
Fast forward one day. Go to take the truck to run some errands and find a nice pool of oil all over my f*ing garage floor. Now I’m sitting at Earnhardt Ford waiting for them to fix this mess. There is so much oil, they don’t know yet if it’s because they didn’t get the drain plug in right or the filter on right. I’m pissed to say the least and will be requesting a refund for their half-a$$ed work.
I also wasn’t impressed with their $ 55 price tag for an oil change that would have cost me $ 45 at Earnhardt Ford and would have included a 10 point inspection and fluid top off, which Service Techniques does not do.

I have been taking my vehicles to Kevin at Service Techniques for over 18 years. My main point is that they do good work, they are honest, and actually will look for ways to save me money. I have had everything from oil changes to an upper engine replacement in my ’88 Toyota 4×4. As some of the other reviews state — this is a «working» shop, and they are quite a team. Highly recommended.

Growing up my mom had found them and never settled for any other shop. Same goes for my brother and myself. Heard today alone from two people in the shop that they have been going there for over a decade. Amazing to find places like this filled with good honest people that you know are in it to help you and not take advantage of what you don’t know about cars. Always going above and beyond what they have to to make car issues a little less painful. Cannot recommend enough.

These guys truly are awesome. The reviews are correct, they’re honest and affordable and a wee bit disorganized. But they’re SO busy all the time! That should tell you something. The owner is a crazy old dude, we thoroughly enjoyed him. We needed a whole new motor in our jeep, we were really in a bind and down to one vehicle and it was a STRUGGLE, my friends. They were able to put a newer motor in and we haven’t had any problems since. We were referred to service Techniques by a friend of my husband’s. Glad to have found a great shop close by. Customer service was great. I would recommend them and we will return our business there.

First of all you should know I am a licensed Engineer and very fussy and particular. Cars are a hobby for me so I notice everything. I have never felt compelled to write a review of an automotive repair shop before, but I feel a duty to make this report because of the value received. So now I have that out of the way, read on:
Reception: A tiny, two-​seat area where the walls are covered with exhibits forming sort of car museum — everything that can go wrong and they’ve fixed, it’s there. And the magazines include automotive service specialist publications, so I was clearly in a place where the people there were interested in their craft.
Receptionist: Steve, who I thought was a bit shouty and wasn’t too sure about to start with. But I was wrong. He kept me informed about the work as it progressed, even brought the wheel into the reception area to show me what they had to do, showed me the replacement part as soon as it arrived, and clearly knows about customer concerns. I witnessed him dealing with a wide variety of customers, from young to old, and he knows how to communicate politely and how to explain things to those who don’t understand cars.
The Manager and Owner: Kevin, a sort of Automotive gem. He’s out there with the technicians, and apparently eats, sleeps, and breathes auto repair. He’s a motorhead, and used to ride bikes. I heard him talking about a fix where he saved a customer thousands by repairing an on-​board computer — a sealed, supposedly non-​repairable part, by the way– by fixing two tiny wires inside it. The old wires are there in his exhibits, so I know what he did.
The Work: All done properly, the car was returned clean, and for half a day’s work I was charged $ 217 (including parts). Try getting that kind of value from a dealer.
In Summary: At last I have found a place I can trust, one that is fair, and because the owner has a passion about what he does and is on the service floor, I feel the work will be properly and consistently done. And their prices are extremely reasonable.
My only Concern: I hope their business model keeps them in continued operation, they aren’t the kind of cut-​throats I’ve experienced before so their profits can’t be huge. But the odds tend to be stacked in favor of decent, responsible businesses so I wish them the best.
I’ll be back.

There are few auto mechanic shops in the world that are known for being honest and doing what’s in the best interest of their customers… this is truly one of these places, though.
I’ve been bringing cars and trucks to Service Techniques for the last ten years, and I will never bring a vehicle anywhere else, as long as these guys are still around. These are the folks you want to know when your car breaks. I can’t count the times that these guys have bailed us — or friends we’ve referred — out of a jam, and their prices are always more than fair.
If you’re looking for a mechanic that will tell you the truth and always give you a fair shake, take your car in here.

I started coming here after getting frustrated with the chain shops who kept finding extra things my car needed. A $ 30 oil change would always turn into $ 200 in additional repairs and services.
Finally, on a friend’s recommendation, I started coming here. That was 7 or 8 years ago. I keep coming back with my two high-​mileage vehicles here for years because they always give me the straight scoop — never trying to sell anything extra, and often doing little extra things for no charge. I know I can trust them. If you don’t mind a few F-​bombs every now and then and other colorful aspects of the shop (like their wall of parts from previous repairs) this is the place to go.

I have been taking our cars here for over 15 years. They make sure the repairs they do are right, and what you needed for your car. Our daughter and a few friends also bring their vehicles here. One of our cars has over 176,000 miles and it runs fine, thanks to the excellent care that Kevin and the other guys provide. Get a quote for repairs from somewhere else, then go here. You won’t be sorry.

I recommended Service Techniques to a friend at the gym. She was taking her son’s older car to the dealer because they would give her a shuttle ride back. I told her it would probably be cheaper to take it to Service Techniques and get a cab, LOL. But seriously, through all the apparent chaos and keys and notes laying around on the counter (that’s how they tell what you want to do :), the guys get to your car and call you and give you the scoop. Nice thing is … you can trust them. Big appointment system? No. How long your car might be there? Not really guaranteed. If you can live within these parameters though, and stay out of their way (e.g. don’t call us, we’ll call you), you’ll be pleased with the quality of work, the fair pricing, and the service overall.

Uh oh… you are looking for an auto-​repair shop. I know the feeling of helplessness and dread, the dollar signs dancing in your head. Luckily for me – and now for you– my husband’s office is near the little, tucked-​away, strip mall-​like shop that is Service Techniques. It would be easy to overlook. I wouldn’t give the shop a second glance, but my husband started taking his vehicle there for oil changes and minor repairs due to the convenient proximity to his workplace. Over the years we have taken several vehicles to this shop for problems big and small, and have always driven away happy.
They don’t advertise that I know of, and yet they are always very, very busy. Here’s why: They get down to business, they are professional and have never tried to milk you for all that you’re worth. They will let you know what the problem is, give you options, and price it fairly.
You and I may not be friends, but if we were I would refer you to Service Techniques if you needed a reliable, honest and reasonably priced auto repair shop.

This is my kind of mechanic! He tells you exactly what is wrong and what your options are, and doesn’t try to upsell you on any BS.

I took my auto in to get a second estimate on some work recommended by the dealer. I thought the dealer quote was high. Kevin not only provided a cost that was less but actually pointed out that the recommended repair was not necessary yet and gave me tips to watch for to determine when the repair is needed. They saved me $ 700! Thank you!

I’ve been doing business here for some 20 plus years. Yes I’ve repaired many a car myself, even replaced a few engines. But if I’m not doing the work, these guys are. It’s not a polished white floor shop with techs in ironed work shirts. This is a real shop with techs in grease up to their elbows because they are working on your car. The prices are fair, the staff honest and knowledgeable. Kevin the owner is a character and always fun to chat with. He is blunt and always has a story. Want a mechanic you can trust, this is the place. Make sure you check out the wall of parts.

I’m always nervous about taking my car to places not knowing anything about anything they are doing. I called one place in Tempe about getting my rotors fixed and they told me $ 500. So I asked for other recommendations for places from friends and they told me about Service Techniques. They quoted a cheaper price and it ended up being cheaper than that even after adding a last minute oil change. I recommend them to everyone now. They are realistic and friendly and I appreciate that.

My family has taken our cars here for many years. Usually they check it out and say everything is fine, or fix something small for free. Always great service and trusted for an inspection. Once I bought a used car on impulse before bringing it to them to inspect. They later inspected and said I shouldn’t buy it, it would need $ 2K of work. I couldn’t get the dealership to let me trade for a different car. So I brought it back and Service Tech did extensive work. The car has been great ever since and after several years I’ve only replaced a tailpipe.

Kevin and Dale have always taken care of me over the course of the last 5 years+. I heard of them throught a friend of the family that said he would trust his 16 year old daughter to bring her car here by herself and not have to worry about her being lied to and upsold. To this day, that still rings true. They tell you what you need, why you need it and what you can wait to get taken care of and how long you can/​should wait. I trust these guys and even thought I live in Gilbert it is always worth the drive to get an honest assesment at an excellent price.

If you live in Chandler and don’t take your car here, you should. Yes I am that «frugle person» who would take my car for the $ 19.99 coupon oil change, well I have learned my lesson and will bring here, because the $ 30 is well worth it.
Those «other» places always want upsell you any and everything (and $ 19.99 does not include the filter anyways). I have brought Kevin the quotes/​suggestions those lube and tube joints give and most of the time it’s mostly garble. Granted I do have a car with 100,000+ so she does need some pampering, but Kevin was able to save me at least 30−45% of what those other places would have charged and only recommends what he thinks you need and what you can hold off on.
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