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| - I found American Five Star about 5 years ago when I purchased one of those Car Care Punch Cards. I used them for my routine car maintenance for a while, and through two different cars. I always had a great experience; even without my punch card the prices were reasonable, and service was always great. I had a good rapport with the owner, Eric. On the few occasions they noticed something was off during a routine inspection, they would thoroughly explain the problem/solution and make sure I felt comfortable. When I moved out of state, I was very sad to leave this shop behind and have to find a new one.
I moved back to Phoenix about a year and a half ago, and even though I no longer lived in Tempe, I made the drive back here when my brakes were acting up. I'd been to several places in Chicago trying to figure it out, and they all told me everything was fine. After I drove across the country, I knew everything was not fine. I walked in and began explaining my situation to Eric. To my surprise, he remembered me and my car! He really listened to the problem, acknowledged that it wasn't an issue he would be able to notice by a simple test drive (and Murphy's law of everything working fine in front of someone who can fix it), and joked that he'd get into some precarious situation to really see how the brakes handled it. When I returned later, he had in fact witnessed the problem! Nobody else ever bothered to actually drive the car as part of the diagnostic process. He actually took me into the shop to show me my brake pads, and compare them with the front ones (which were fine). Again, always explaining things and making sure I feel comfortable with the suggested repairs.
The only negative experience I've ever had was with a receptionist who didn't seem to accurately communicate my desires with the shop, or the mechanic's suggestions with me. I'd prefer a direct conversation with the person who is actually under my hood. That said, she is no longer at the shop and everyone else I've seen has been a lot more knowledgeable, efficient and professional.
I would recommend American Five Star to anyone looking for a non-corporate, decently priced, knowledgeable and professional shop. I don't see any reason I'd go elsewhere.
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