Columbia Auto Center

I brought my car in to have a motor mount replaced. I specifically requested an OEM mount because, in my opinion, they are superior to aftermarket. I came back a few months later, and in the course of them inspecting my other motor mounts, I discovered they had replaced the top front engine mount instead of the right side engine mount. That's a problem because the mount they actually replaced should've cost about $150-60; I paid $245. I verified my $150-160 price with two local Toyota dealers and another mechanic shop. I presented my research to Columbia Auto. First, they told me it was more expensive because they sourced their part from Anchor which is an aftermarket parts distributor. So despite my request, they used an aftermarket part (a MORE expensive one to boot!). I asked to talk to the owner because I really thought they'd made an honest mistake and would be happy to remedy it (or at the very least acknowledge they shouldn't have charged so much/used an aftermarket part). I was shocked by the owner's response. He accused me of being a scam artist and advised that I should call Toyota for manufacturing a crappy car instead of complaining to him.

Was a customer for 4.5 yrs and had 3 cars serviced/repaired by Columbia Auto. But things have changed. 6 months ago brought in Toyota for break work. Drove home and left front would "clunk" when break was applied. Took it back. 2 days later they said nothing was wrong (still "clunk" noise). Took it to Dealer; apparently Columbia Auto broke a clip that held pad in place (it was rattling around). Should have moved on but last month brought Dodge truck in for pulling to the right and computer issue. They had it for 4 days, said they test drove it on first day, second day, and third day but could not get same computer issue. I had to call each afternoon to get update. On 4th day they said the break line was broken. I asked if it broke during one of the test drives, they said "No, you brought it in broken"...what? and insisted that they did not test drive it at all because they noticed the fluid leaking and it was unsafe to drive (break peddle went straight to the floor). I complained but said to go ahead and fix the break line but they told me to take the truck elsewhere (had to tow it to another shop). So either they lied about test driving it for 4 days or breaking the break line. Either way; a lie is a lie and no way to run a business. Very disappointing. For Shame!

Was a customer for 4.5 yrs. Brought 3 cars to Columbia Auto. But things have changed. 6 months ago brought in Toyota for break work. Drove home and left front would "clunk" when break was applied. took it back. 2 days later they said nothing was wrong (still "clunk" noise). Took it to Dealer; apparently Columbia Auto broke a clip that held pad in place (it was rattling around). Should have moved on but last month brought Dodge truck in for pulling to the right and computer issue. They had it for 4 days, said they test drove it on first day, second day, and third day but could not get same computer issue. On 4th day they said the break line was broken. I asked if it broke during one of the test drives, they said "No, you broght it in broken" and insisted that they did not test drive it at all because they noticed the fluid leaking and it was unsafe to drive (but they had it for 4 days). I complained but said to go ahead and fix the break line but they said to take the truck elsewhere (had to tow it to another shop). So either they lied about test driving it for 4 days or breaking the break line. Either way..a lie is a lie and no way to run a business. For Shame!

I took my 2000 Mazda Miata in for a suspension replace and supplied all needed parts. They lied to me about installing the bumpstops though, said they were incompatible(I should have refused to pay at this point). Well I know better now, reinstalled the entire suspension myself with my bumpstops correctly and the car is great. Over all my experience with the Columbia Auto Center has resulted in a net loss of $1000USD and 32 hours learning how to replace a suspension correctly. Find a mechanic you can trust please. I DO NOT recommend this company to anyone.

I took my vehicle in for AC repair and when I went to pay, the total was $500 less than the estimate. I thought it was a mistake, but they told me that one of the parts turned out to be ok and didn't need to be replaced. Most places would have just added the cost to the total or replaced the serviceable part. Columbia Auto Center has my absolute trust. Very friendly and clear explanation of what is needed. Highly recommended!