don't have time to work on your car(s)

Fred's Automotive have been in business over 30 years and are still at exactly the same place, and are very busy.   Appointments are usually 2 weeks away but they also make time for emergencies if your car breaks and need fixing right away.   They are not the least expensive place to bring your car to, but probably the most honest place I would trust my cars to.   They are tasked with keeping my Fiero running in good condition and making sure my car isn't going to die on me while on a roadtrip.  

David will remember my battery being dead and the oddity of my car unable to start even with his bigass battery booster hooked up to it.   Fred's thought my battery was low in current after testing a whole bunch of stuff so replaced it and the car was fine.   

Last month when we had our club meeting, my car battery died again. Same symptoms.  The battery was still under warranty anyways so Fred's told me to get BCAA to boost my car and get it to them.  BCAA came and was unable to get my car started even with hooking up their 4 battery truck booster.  It was determined that it might be my starter motor.  It sounded plausible since it is still the original 33 year old starter.   We tried to push start my car and I ran out of driveway but the car did kick.  So we were that close.  I thought I try cranking it again and the starter engaged and the car started!   So my next thought was maybe it was the solenoid on the starter motor.   Since when cranking, it was pretty obvious the battery had lots of juice.  

I drove the car to Fred's Automotive, parked it and turned off the car.  Tried restarting it and again, the starter motor would not engage.  I was thinking maybe the gear on the starter motor was stripped.  So I left it there last night, and this morning, I went to work. 

I needed an oil change anyways so I left instructions to use the Delco filter I had in the car and to use 5-30 Synthetic oil.  Also to check on the electrical system.   

They just called and told me it's all done.   The problem was the negative cable between the starter and engine.  It had worked loose so they relocated it where that won't happen again.  No need to replace any parts.  Oil change is done.  

Given my experience with some dealerships, they would have replaced a ton of parts by now.   

Fred's automotive also has a lot of business restoring old cars.  Currently I see a old classic mini and a 66 Mustang having their engines and drivetrain rebuilt.  

 Again, honest shop, reasonably priced.    I recommend them if you don't have time to wrench your car yourself.