BRAKEmax — Local services in Oro Valley

I won't be going back here. First, they misdiagnosed the problem with the engine running rough and recommended all new plugs and wires, along with some other things. $1500 later and the vehicle did not run any better when I picked it up. They told me that the 'chems' needed to go through the system for a couple of days. After 2 days it wasn't any better. I left it the next day, and they replaced an ignition coil. Another $400 (but they told me they gave me $50 off for my trouble. Some research later shows that the ignition coil for which they charged me $349 is available for $172 AT THE DEALER, and as little as $30 for after-market! I told them how I was unhappy with the local dealer, and was looking for another mechanic. They will not be it. They should be ashamed for the blatant part price gouging. Aside from this review, I will make sure to share this story personally with at least 100 people. Update 04/15/2022: After the original review was published, the management contacted me. They refunded the difference between the dealer prices (not after-market) and the prices they charged me for the parts. They stated that their pricing in the computer 'glitched' and that the personnel at the location aren't in control of the pricing. I can't confirm this, but when I originally questioned the price of the spark plugs at $39 each (before the original review), the location personnel stated, "We use OEM parts". My conclusion is that the location personnel have at least some knowledge of how much parts should be, and how much they are marked up. The tune-up I received was unnecessary, and they should have offered a complete refund for that as well. Management was apologetic, respectful, and diligent in attempting to contact me. I'm glad that they refunded me almost $600, but I still will not...

Pretty disappointed to report that I such a bad experience at this BRAKEmax in Oro Valley after my engine light came on and I had to bring it in for a diagnostic and repair. I had had a previously good experience with a smaller issue, so I was hoping to repeat the experience, but instead there were so many problems with the service and integrity of this shop, including:

I called the night before to make an appointment, was given one for the next day and when I arrived, they said they hadn't written down my appointment but would try to fit me in

The diagnostic took over a day to run, and the bigger problem was that I had no communication whatsoever about what was going on with the car, so I had to call regularly to get updates. This is after I requested updates.

Once I got the final word about what was wrong with the car (water pump issue), they said they didn't have the part and would have to ship it from Phoenix and it would come the next day. At this point, I told them that we had to leave town by Sunday and they said they should have it by Saturday.

They gave me a huge quote to do the water pump replacement; I called the dealer and they gave me a quote that was over $500 cheaper, but the dealer wouldn't have the car ready in time for me to leave town so I had no choice but to stick with BRAKEmax.

They did not have the car done in time, so I had to rent a car, then fly back to Arizona to pick up the car and drive it back. Brutal.

I asked them to save all the parts they were taking out and they assured me they would set them aside. When we came to pick up the car, they said they didn't have them and couldn't find them.

Really disappointed with the whole experience. Would obviously never go...

BRAKEMAX - ORO VALLEY: ONE of THE BEST AUTO SERVICE TEAMS YOU WILL EVER FIND I usually don't rave about someplace I go to fix a car problem, but I feel compelled to write about the outstanding customer service and outstanding technical abilities of Keith and his team. (I have had my car serviced by BrakeMax Oro Valley for the past decade or so.)

As a woman, I usually have dreaded in the past taking my car in to get it fixed -- you never knew if you were going to have to deal with someone who didn't realize women are people too. This is not a problem for the BrakeMax Oro Valley team -- in fact, when you go there, they make you feel like family. Wow!

For example, they treat you with respect and dignity and are compassionate and honest about which repairs are needed now and which can be left for the future. Very few auto places will do that for you. Myself, I greatly appreciate that kindness and consideration.

They also will drive you to work (if you need to leave your car for service) in their free shuttle. That alone has made a great difference for me and taken out a lot of the remaining stress of taking in my car for repairs.

I am grateful for having found Keith and his BrakeMax Oro Valley team -- their actions remind you that we are all at our best when we are of sincere service to others.

BrakeMax Oro Valley is a place where you can be certain to be treated with honesty, respect and compassion -- things that we can all use more of -- especially in these challenging times.

Thank you, Keith and teammates, for making a big positive difference in the...