My wife recently took her vehicle to Finsanto because that's where she had been taking it for years prior to us meeting. The business seems very professional and their processes (taking pictures, etc.) is a nice, but unnecessary touch (a doctor doesn't take pictures of my organs to show me before he does surgery). I'm not going to question the quality of their work because we didn't have anything except a simple diagnostic check performed, but that cost $120 just to identify possible problems. Most shops do this for free, or remove the diagnostic fee if you have the recommended maintenance performed. But more importantly, after receiving the itemized bill, I started to have my doubts about their pricing. Ultimately, I chose to take my wife's car to a different shop and saved myself approximately $700, while also getting an additional service performed. Additionally, I had them check a couple things Finsanto identified and the other mechanic confidently said, "why would I repair something that isn't broken or worn?" Again, I suspect the work at Finsanto is quality. But, I think some of their recommended repairs are questionable and that you are paying a premium compared to many other shops. I'm not saying not to use Finsanto, rather I'm saying their prices are much higher than the service received. ***Edit: After receiving a response from the owner, I'll provide more accuracy to ensure future customers are informed and all details are on the table. Again, I'm not saying Finsanto did a poor job, rather I'm stating I found "differing opinions" through another mechanic and Finsanto's prices were higher. My wife relayed to the owner that we were taking the car to Germany and we wanted it checked from top to bottom. Finsanto did that at a cost of $120 dollars. The shop that fixed the car did the same for free and corrected a couple actions Finsanto said were necessary based upon the manufacturers guidance. But upon a visual inspection by another mechanic, he stated the parts/ mechanics of the vehicle were still functioning properly and the manufacturers guidance is a "recommendation based upon normal trends, but doesn't account for all cars or drivers". To the specifics, Finsanto recommended: 1) A new battery at a cost of $251.44. Battery was replaced at Advanced Auto parts for $168.61. 2) Lube, Oil and Filter at a cost of $79.88. Other mechanic lube oil and filter cost ~$60. 3) Evac and recharge/ HVAC services $250.99. Other mechanic cost $249.78. 4) Replace Brake Pads and Rotors $348.47. Other mechanic recommended continued use and no maintenance for 30-40k miles based upon driving habits. 5) Brake Flush $153.88, Other mechanic $98.56 6) Air Filter $65.46, Existing air filter is a K&N re-useable filter that simply needed to be cleaned, not replaced. Air filter cleaned and replaced in 20 minutes. 7) Cabin Air Filter $64.00, Autozone and 15 minutes of my time $19.88 8) Alignment $139.88, Other mechanic $89.95 9) Check Engine Light $119.88, other mechanic did not identify a check engine light or electrical problem to be corrected Just counting services conducted, Finsanto was ~$317.54 more expensive than the alternate mechanic. Counting the brake work the second mechanic said was unnecessary, the savings is $666.01. In closing, I am not questioning the quality of Finsanto's work, nor do I think they were being dishonest in their assessment. I think they stated the manufacturer's recommendations in some cases when it was not warranted, and that based upon my actual experience, their prices are higher than other shops. Because the owner did reach out to me via his/her review, I raised my star rating by 1 star to account for an owner that truly cares about their business and their customer's opinions and concerns. Service: General repairs & maintenance
Mr Ohlmann, I appreciate your feedback. Your wife did not come in for a simple diagnostic. She called us, I personally took her phone call, and said she wanted her Fiat thoroughly looked at because she was taking it to Germany. Therefore, yes, you're going to get a full report of what was found with PICTURES. We did an inspection that takes almost 2 hours. We gave you an estimate of everything that was found based on condition or mileage because that's what we were asked to do. The shop manager went over the report with you and even told you what was a priority and what could wait. We even jumped the vehicle so your wife could get home. I think your review is unfair considering you got involved in the tail end and never called us back with your concerns. Nonetheless, thank you for your service and good luck in Germany.
- Finsanto Automotive Repair Shop