Tha's Auto Repair

LEFT IN TEARS.... I, along with my elderly mother and father, have been loyal longtime customers of Tha's for over 10 years. His prices were more reasonable than others and we knew he wouldn't do anything unethical in fixing our cars. However, lately I have seen a substantial decline in the quality of the work and customer service. I scheduled a routine oil change days in advance and still ended up waiting for 2 hours (the wait at Jiffy Lube is 10 minutes). So expect long wait times. Furthermore, I saw one of his new guys not use a funnel when topping off the break fluid and lots of oil dribbled out of the bottle into my engine. Keep in mind last week my dad had his oil changed by Tha and he discovered the oil cap was left completely off, just sitting on the engine when he returned home. If my dad hadn't immediately checked, who knows what kind of damage could have been done. So after two hours of standing (no chairs), waiting for my car oil to be changed, I asked to check the oil level. I couldn't see the oil line very clearly, but Tha insisted it was fine. I thanked him and left. The next day I thought it would be a good idea to check the level. Every time I checked (different times of day, different leveled surfaces), the oil was showing low (see photo). I called Tha and he raised his voice at me explaining the level is fine! I told him I'm concerned, and asked if could I swing by for him to do a quick check. He reluctantly agreed. When I arrived, I held out my phone so Tha could see a photo of the low oil level knowing I wasn't making this up. He brushed me aside impatiently snapping, "Ya, ya, I don't want to see a photo. Let me look at the car." I trailed behind him and when he checked the level it surprisingly looked pretty normal in the middle. "That's strange," I said. What would cause that to happen?" Immediately he became visibly angry and threatened, "How do I know?!? I don't know where you took that photo or where you checked the level! WE are professionals! WE know how much oil to put in your car! The next time you come back and I check your oil, YOU will be charged!" I was shocked that he was speaking to me in such an angry, unprofessional manner and I explained how I was simply a concerned customer trying to prevent possible engine damage. Shaking his head at me with extreme annoyance he admonished, "No, oil can be at 10 percent on low and be fine. You worry too much! Next time you go somewhere else for your oil change or I charge you extra for my time!" Feeling unappreciated, I explained how my entire family has been supporting his business for over 10 years as very loyal customers. Tha cut me off saying, "Ya ya- I appreciate your business..." and then completely walked away from me when I was talking in mid sentence. After getting balled out, I left shaken up and in tears (on Valentine's Day of all days!), feeling disrespected and like all my years of loyalty were slapped in the face the minute I questioned him. Is it such a crime to come back 2-3 times in those 10+ years and ask for 5 minutes of his time to recheck the workmanship? No customer should be yelled at and treated with such rudeness, along with putting up with long wait times, and lower quality work. I will take my business elsewhere where they value their customers and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Feb 14, 2024 · Diana Christine

This guy is incompetent. He did not gap the plugs and now my car mpg went down. He has no accountability and pulled an ego trip. He said knows more then me. If he knew more then me then why didn’t he gap the plugs. He is incompetent and has little to no integrity. I would not recommend him to anyone. My car performs worse after he worked on it.

May 13, 2023 · John Doe

I've heard nothing but bad things about this guy's business!! He is cheating people!! Don't go here!! He may have been great two years ago, but something has happened and he's not anymore!

Feb 15, 2024 · K Hansen

Beware while going for smog test. While other charge reasonably less. This guy charged $42 for first attempt which was failed due to new battery. He didn't give any checklist or bother to ask any questions before doing smog test. At the end he said that he will retest. But when I appear again to retest he denied and again charge $28. That total $70 for smog test for 2014 year car. My advise is to discuss everything upfront and get in written. Also, he may not do your job on time while he will not refuse to take your case and promise to deliver quick (false).

Feb 11, 2021 · suresh lakhani

Tha was helpful and his prices reasonable, very nice person too.

Jun 22, 2024 · Kevin Johnson