Last Chance Garage

I'd give it less than one star review, but it's not an option...



I've known the owner, Chris, of Last Chance Garage, for many years and have taken my car there in the past. Up until now, I was satisfied. HOWEVER, this all changed, it felt like a Jekyll and Hyde situation.



We contacted Chris for a safe and reliable commuting car. This has been almost 4 months ago now, and in that time, the car was used TWICE for it's purposes. The rest of the time, it was either at their shop sitting around, or at a real mechanics garage being repaired.



Chris brought an issue up to us before we test drove the car saying that since it had sat a bit, the shifting had to "work itself out". Well, that was a misrepresentation of the facts, we had to take it to a mechanic and was diagnosed as a broken gear linkage!! When he was informed of this, he did not offer to refund us the money; he just said he was sorry and that he thought it would get better. REALLY?!!



We were offered to have the car bought back at the 'original purchase price'. As I noted to Chris, we spent $1,500 to have the car repaired to a safe/working condition. We were told that whatever repairs we decided to do were our own decision. Yes, I'm sorry, we decided we'd prefer a SAFE car!!



When the Temperature light came on THREE times, we were advised to ‘check the coolant level’. Three times for the same issue, this is the advice of ‘experts’…needless to say, we did not trust this, so we had a mechanic look the car over and was advised the RADIATOR WAS SHOT. Last Chance actually did this repair, after first asking us "what is it we want" & having it for TWO WEEKS in their shop.



When asked numerous times for what updates/repairs were done to the car so we could update our files, our requests were never answered. At this point, I can only trust what we've had done by another mechanic.



We're out thousands on a car that still has the ENGINE LIGHT ON! (when we purchased the car Chris acknowledged the Engine Light and said it was just an emissions thing. He reset it for inspection purposes and noted that when it comes on again he'd fix the issues). We took his word on this. When I contacted Chris about the Engine Light recently, he replied that any further communication from us would be considered harassment. HARASSMENT?! Can you really harass someone for expecting professionalism in a business owner and for them to honor their word?



Look up other reviews on Yelp and Yellow Pages for others input.

To address some of Last Chance's responses:

"honesty is a top priority" - how honest is it to say you fixed the car only to find out all you did was reset the codes.

"making sure our customers drive away in a safe vehicle" - really? Is it for certain customers only?? When we drove out with our newly purchased vehicle, it was NOT safe; with bald tires, shot gear linkage, broken axle, and leaking shocks. I'd hate to see what a non-safe vehicle looks like to them.

"expertise with VW's &Audi's " - is that why they don't seem to fix the issues the first time and one has to come back repeatedly for the same issues, only to have them NOT fixed?



This troubling situation desecrated a relationship of almost 30 years over a few thousand dollars. I hope it was worth it to them.



As I value my safety, money, and emotional state of mind, I now go to the dealership. It's way better to pay dealership prices so you can get a positive resolution should an issue arise.



Last Chance Garage had their last chance with us.

Dissatisfied and disappointed.

I had the almost the same exact experience sadlymistaking a 3000 car ending up costing me 5000 after I got the promised repairs done elsewhere. I still don't have any faith in the car and I am going to sell it at a huge loss. The absolute worst car buying experience of my life. If this garage is really your "Last Chance" then just throw in the towel and give up over priced and underexperienced.

If you notice there have been no reviews for the past few years... There is a very good reason why... THINGS HAVE CHANGED A GREAT DEAL..... I WAS MISLEAD BY A REPUTATION THAT NO LONGER EXITS.



DO NOT PUT YOUR TRUST IN THEM YOU WILL ONLY BE DISAPPOINTED.





1. $50 for an oil change while other local garages advertise $24.99.

2. Convincing someone that their car is no longer safe, then helping them sell it for below market value

3. Taking that money, selling them a car with promises to make needed repairs.

4. Accused of harassment when asked to make good on their promised repairs.

5. Promising to make good and return the purchase price,

6. You guessed it another broken promise!





I feel as thought I have been bullied by LCG and lead astray by old posts.