D`Avico`s Auto Repair / Elwyn, Pennsylvania
Rating: ★★★★
Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Diagnostic Service, Automobile Inspection Stations & Services
Address: 388 W Lancaster Ave, Elwyn
Postal code: 19087
Phone: (877) 670-3077
E-mail: ashley@davicosautorepair.com
At D`Avico`s all we sell is service
Reviews:
A Business of Integrity
John is a man of integrity, and his daughter, Ashley, is of the same caliber. From the first moment I met John, I trusted his opinion because he was knowledgeable and respectful. I actually live in Wynnewood, but I drive all the way to Wayne simply because I won`t do business with any other mechanic. It`s a great repair garage.
VXL / 5/10/2012
be suspicious of positive reviews.
I was ripped off here, big time--and you deserve to be warned!! Fail to heed, or read, at your own peril.
To be sure, the owners do not seem like bad guys, but wolves wear sheeps` clothing, smile, shake hands and pose with their families--like a politician.
BOTTOM LINE, they wanted to install a $1,200 computer to fix an ignition problem because the key was not being detected by the immobilizer. I to... view moreok it to another mechanic who reprogrammed the immobilizer (he determined the computer to be fully funtioning, when D`Avico said that was the problem) to recognize a new key for $180 total. D`Avico`s incorrect, and perhaps fraudeulent, diagnosis cost $8.00 more than the diagnonsis and complete fix at another shop.
True Facts:
My car would not start, I had it towed here because it`s right around the corner (thought I`d support local business). They said it would cost between $100-$160 for the diagnosis, it was $186, with a ""shop fee,"" of which I was not previously informed. In contrast, I was quoted a flat rate at the Honda dealership of $70 for diagnosis.
D`Avico`s diagnosis: the computer was fried, cost would be about $1,100 ( they were wishy washy on this).
I did personal research, called friend of my family who`s a mechanic and wrote the guys from NPR`s ""Car Talk."" Without looking at it, the other mechanic said the immobilizer (which prevents theft) probably needed to be reprogrammed to recognize the key--never in 40 years of being a mechanic had he seen a damaged computer in a Honda absent flooding or severe accident. The ""Car Talk"" guys, wrote back and said ""it`s not likely the computer because the car was not flooded, the diagnosis sounds like BS, get another opinion.""
I asked Mr. D`Avico if he could reprogram the immobilizer, he said the immobilizer cannot be reprogrammed because the computer was fried.
I had the car towed to the friend of family mechanic who works at a Honda dealership about 40 miles away, and he reprogrammed the immobilizer to recognize the key for $180--including diagnosis (at dealership rates). If I had NOT done this, I would NOT have exposed what was either: 1) D`Avico`s blatant fraud (i.e., they hoped to reprogam the immobilizer inexpensively and charge for an expensive repair), or 2) D`Avico`s incompetence--one of these two must be true.
If D`aVico ACTUALLY and TRULY performed D`Avico`s suggested repair (rather than the reprogramming the immobilizer), I would have to ""buy back"" a NON-WORKING CAR for $1,386. Instead, towing it 40 miles fixed it for $180.
If they ripped me off in this manner, why would they treat you differently?? TRUST is a key quality of a mechanic, and these guys have PROVEN to be UNTRUSTABLE..... I WOULD AVOID THIS SHOP!!!
BTW: the family mechanic checked the computer and found absolutely nothing wrong. He also scoffed at the notion of installing one for $1,100, because the unit cost is $450 and installation is quick and easy.
To be sure, the owners do not seem like bad guys, but wolves wear sheeps` clothing, smile, shake hands and pose with their families--like a politician.
BOTTOM LINE, they wanted to install a $1,200 computer to fix an ignition problem because the key was not being detected by the immobilizer. I to... view moreok it to another mechanic who reprogrammed the immobilizer (he determined the computer to be fully funtioning, when D`Avico said that was the problem) to recognize a new key for $180 total. D`Avico`s incorrect, and perhaps fraudeulent, diagnosis cost $8.00 more than the diagnonsis and complete fix at another shop.
True Facts:
My car would not start, I had it towed here because it`s right around the corner (thought I`d support local business). They said it would cost between $100-$160 for the diagnosis, it was $186, with a ""shop fee,"" of which I was not previously informed. In contrast, I was quoted a flat rate at the Honda dealership of $70 for diagnosis.
D`Avico`s diagnosis: the computer was fried, cost would be about $1,100 ( they were wishy washy on this).
I did personal research, called friend of my family who`s a mechanic and wrote the guys from NPR`s ""Car Talk."" Without looking at it, the other mechanic said the immobilizer (which prevents theft) probably needed to be reprogrammed to recognize the key--never in 40 years of being a mechanic had he seen a damaged computer in a Honda absent flooding or severe accident. The ""Car Talk"" guys, wrote back and said ""it`s not likely the computer because the car was not flooded, the diagnosis sounds like BS, get another opinion.""
I asked Mr. D`Avico if he could reprogram the immobilizer, he said the immobilizer cannot be reprogrammed because the computer was fried.
I had the car towed to the friend of family mechanic who works at a Honda dealership about 40 miles away, and he reprogrammed the immobilizer to recognize the key for $180--including diagnosis (at dealership rates). If I had NOT done this, I would NOT have exposed what was either: 1) D`Avico`s blatant fraud (i.e., they hoped to reprogam the immobilizer inexpensively and charge for an expensive repair), or 2) D`Avico`s incompetence--one of these two must be true.
If D`aVico ACTUALLY and TRULY performed D`Avico`s suggested repair (rather than the reprogramming the immobilizer), I would have to ""buy back"" a NON-WORKING CAR for $1,386. Instead, towing it 40 miles fixed it for $180.
If they ripped me off in this manner, why would they treat you differently?? TRUST is a key quality of a mechanic, and these guys have PROVEN to be UNTRUSTABLE..... I WOULD AVOID THIS SHOP!!!
BTW: the family mechanic checked the computer and found absolutely nothing wrong. He also scoffed at the notion of installing one for $1,100, because the unit cost is $450 and installation is quick and easy.
michael helper / 10/21/2011
Great Mechanic!
The best mechanic I have ever used. Very thorough and professional. Nice people too.
Bobstranick / 6/17/2011
Always satisfied
I used to take my 4runner to the dealership. The service was ok, until I dropped it off and they never did the repair and told me it was my fault. I happened upon D`Avico`s a while back and decided to use them. Not only do I feel welcome but I have gotten a better understanding of my vehicle and how to maintain it properly. Everyone at D`Avico`s seems to know more than the other guy and always take good care of m... view morey vehicle. I have tried to send everyone who asks me about car maintenance to D`Avico`s. If you are even the slightest bit unhappy with your current mechanic and or dealership I highly recommend D`Avico`s Auto Repair. All they sell is great service and the free Otis Spunkmeyer cookies aren`t a bad touch either.
psunewguy / 6/16/2011
Glad I found them
My son goes to college in the area and had a problem with the transmission on his jeep. I found D`Avico Auto repair on line. Since I do not live in the area, I had no way of knowing the quality of thier service or thier reputation. I checked with a few community resources in the area and confirmed that D`Avico was a reputable auto repair facility. Once the vehicle was there D`Avico`s kept me informed every step o... view moref the way. At a time when I was at the mercy of the garage to inform me about what was wrong with the vehicle, without ripping us off, (which happened at another garage in the area, previously) I felt very confident in thier diagnoses and explanation of the issue. They never tried to push any type of additional work that the jeep could use. They had the jeep diagnosed and repaired within 24 hrs for what I consider a fair price. They even offered rides to my son to and from the facility. I have nothing but good things to say about D`Avico`s and their service. Even my son commented on their excellent customer service and professionalism (not something you usaully get from a teenager!). Overall, a very enjoyable process. I highly recommend them.
coachbob38 / 9/24/2009
Excellent service and 100% satisfaction guaranteed
The owner John D`Avico is proof that there are still honest and fair people out there. He and his employees are dedicated to serving the public and will go out of there way to make you feel you are their main priority. They are extremely helpful will take the time to explain what is wrong with your car . I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a first rate shop at a fair price.
rrosebud / 4/8/2009
Charged $500 for a $250 job. Will never return.
My fiance fell for the tow truck`s lie that this shop would be cheaper for her when she had her car towed. Instead it turned out to be double the price. So if you don`t know too much about cars you may be taken advantage of by this shop. Beware.
blue213432 / 12/5/2008
1988 porsche 911 carrera targa g50
1954 chevrolet corvette
1985 porsche 911 turbo
2018 volkswagen tiguan 2.0t se
2004 volkswagen golf
2015 subaru xv crosstrek 2.0i premium