FAQ
Do you give free estimates?
No, but we give accurate ones. It takes expertise to diagnose a problem properly, and the process often involves state-of-the-art equipment. We determine all the parts necessary to make the repair and we ensure they’re available. This takes time, which is billed at our normal labor rate. When we give you an estimate, you can be confident that we’ve done everything in our power to avoid the nasty surprises that hide behind “free” estimates.
Do you do pre-purchase inspections?
Absolutely. The best time to find an expensive problem is before you’ve bought the car. If you’ve found a vehicle you’re interested in, tell the seller you’d like to get your mechanic’s approval first. This is an increasingly common practice, and reputable sellers shouldn’t have a problem with it. Naturally, our inspection isn’t a guarantee the vehicle won’t need future repairs, but if you let us sniff out the lemons you’ll avoid a lot of aggravation.
Can you diagnose problems over the phone?
No. We really need to see the car. For instance, if your car hit a pothole yesterday and now it has a flat tire, maybe all you need is a new tire. Or maybe there is hidden damage that will cause a breakdown two weeks from now. We can’t tell unless we look at it. Even when the symptoms of a problem are specific, such as a warning light on the dashboard, there are usually several possible causes.
Do I need to have an appointment?
Preferably. Scheduling appointments helps us work more efficiently, which means you get your vehicle back as soon as possible. If you are a new customer, we like to plan a little extra time to get to know you and show you our shop. Of course, if you’re an existing customer and you have an unexpected emergency, we will do our best to accommodate you.
What if I can’t keep my appointment?
Please call and let us know. We have set aside that specific time to work on your vehicle, and we might be ordering parts in advance. Just like your doctor or accountant, we run a professional business. We respect everyone’s time and we appreciate when you respect ours.
Can I provide my own parts?
Sorry, but no. In our experience there are too many bad things that can happen. To get the right part, you often need to know more than the year, make, and model, especially when optional equipment is involved. Even reputable parts stores make mistakes – you can get the wrong part or one of inferior quality – and not everyone selling things online is reputable. We have excellent relationships with our parts suppliers, so if there is an issue we can trust them to correct it promptly. If there is a problem with a customer-supplied part, it takes more time and energy to fix, and no one ends up happy.
Are there payment plans available?
Full payment is expected at the time you pick up your vehicle. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. We figure that when banks get into the car repair business, then we’ll start lending money.
Which one of you is Duncan?
Two of us are. (We hear this question a lot.) Craig Duncan is the owner and the one who started Duncan’s European Automotive. Ben Duncan is his son and will someday be the owner. Some people think we sound alike on the phone, so don’t hesitate to ask. And if a woman answers the phone, it’s likely to be Ben’s wife Celeste – yet another Duncan, but not one you’ll confuse with the guys!
What do you use for diagnostics?
AutoLogic Tool
Tech 2
Launch X431
Vadis