Thunderbird Auto Repair LLC

William Perry

★★★★★

Edited a year ago

I like to support family owned businesses. They are the foundation of our country. For that reason, and because Thunderbird has an excellent online profile and reviews, I chose Thunderbird Auto. I try to be a loyal customer. Mr. Francisco told me after my first visit that I was "family". I believed him. Every time I've been in, I've felt that I received quality work at a fair price and honest evaluations. I've lived in Surprise for 3 years, and when I've needed mechanic work I've brought my cars to Mr Francisco. I've also referred friends here, and they have brought their vehicles here. Mr. Francisco's son typically writes up the orders. He is not overly friendly, but ok, I can live with that. Last summer I had my car in and the repair was going to take 3 hours. There is no place to wait except outside, even when the temp is 110⁰. I asked about a ride, maybe to the Walmart 5 minutes away. His son said he could do that but would not pick me back up, I would need to get an Uber. Ok again, I guess I can live with that. Not exactly customer friendly, just matter of fact, take it or leave it attitude. I have 2 vehicles, a 2016 Pilot and a CRV. Maybe 18 months ago, Mr Francisco suggested that I have the radiator hoses replaced ($300 cost) on my Pilot as it almost had 100,000 miles, and Honda recommended it at 100,000 miles. I put it off last summer but decided to do it this summer. I took it in today. I mentioned I had been told it was $300. His son told me that the $300 quote was for the CRV and not the Pilot. I told him that I was pretty sure the price was for the Pilot. He told me again I was wrong, it was for the CRV. Ok, that's fine, and I asked him to give me a quote for the Pilot. He told me that he had another customer to call and I could wait in my vehicle. I waited 15 minutes in my car running my a/c (it actually is 110⁰ today). He finally came out and told me it would be $480 plus tax. I was shocked that it had gone from $300 to $500, and I told him I would need to check some other places. He told me again the $300 quote was for the CRV and that I was never given one for the Pilot. He told me prices had increased and that his labor prices were less than any other shop and $480 was the price. He told me 2.5 hours of labor and $50 for the hoses. Essentially, take it or leave it and his attitude said he really didn't care which. I may have received a quote for my CRV as well, but I am 100% certain that I also was given a quote for the Pilot previously and specifically remember the mention that it was recommended at 100,000 miles. Yes, it's been more than a year, and I definitely expected that the $300 price would have increased since then, I just didn't expect such a huge increase. I left Thunderbird Auto. There was no reason for the son to repeatedly tell me I was wrong and had not been given a quote for the Pilot. Just tell me what the price is. After leaving I pulled into a parking lot down the street and called the Peoria Honda Dealership and asked for a quote to get my radiator hoses replaced. I expected it would be higher than an independent shop. The quote was $399 plus tax. That's $100 less than Thunderbird Auto. My Pilot is at the Honda Dealership now getting new radiator hoses. I feel so disappointed. My trust in Thunderbird has been destroyed. I know Thunderbird Auto has great reviews, and I 100% agree with them. Quality work and reasonable prices and honest mechanics. I know that Thunderbird has been in business for years, and they have more business than they can handle. I also know that losing my little bit of business is not going to have any effect on the well being of Thunderbird. I have written this review so that Mr. Francisco will know why he has lost my business and likely others too that are treated this way by his son. I WAS NOT TREATED LIKE FAMILY . I now will find a different family owned auto repair shop in the area that will appreciate the little bit of business I am able to give them that will treat me like family.

Haley Winter

★★★★★

2 years ago

I chose Thunderbird Auto Repair mainly because it is close to my house, and have ALWAYS seen it busy. For years. Having one vehicle and needing repairs done in my only day off meant needing to catch a Lyft home so I just wanted to be close by. I had an oil change done, and was impressed with the low price. I feel like I pay $100 everywhere else I go. I was initially there for AC diagnosis and repair. Once the problem was identified it was made clear I HAD to have my motor mounts replaced. I wasn’t happy with the unexpected cost, but when I went to pick up my truck I felt a lot better. Francisco showed my videos of the actual leak in my AC hose, showed me why the motor mounts needed to be replaced, even showed me the broken down parts. My truck was given an inspection and of course with having an older vehicle that I KNOW needs other work, there were a few concerns. He highlighted what should be done ASAP and what can be done as I can afford. My truck runs beautifully now, my AC is ice cold after weeks of not having any, and I just really felt that these guys are honest and genuine. I’m happy to give my business to a local place that uses quality parts, not aftermarket stuff. Thanks for saving me from 100 degree weather!

Ernie

★★★★★

2 years ago

Just picked up my car - no charge!!! An honest mechanic- highly recommend! I was told by another business that I needed back brakes when they were rotating tires & changing oil. I told them another day - thank God!! I brought my Kia Soul to Thunderbird & told them I needed back brakes - they checked them out as well as front brakes & topping/checking all fluids & called me to say brakes were still at 70% & no need to replace! Needless to say - I’m never going back to other business & Thunderbird will be my go-to mechanic going forward. Thanks for your honesty- hard to find in today’s world.

Cal Patterson

★★★★★

3 years ago

What a pleasant surprise to find an honest Auto repair shop so close by. These guys had the best price, worked in a timely fashion and honoured their warranty even though the follow up required work was not entirely their fault. The staff are pleasant and accommodating and stick to their word. I highly recommend this garage. 5 stars ++++.

Kimberlee Smith Chiago

★★★★★

6 years ago

These guys are amazing! I honestly cannot say enough good things about this shop. I called them up this morning after my car started making a random cowbell type noise. It was scary sounding and after googling (I know I know - never try to self diagnose) I knew I needed someone to look at it. Francisco told me to bring it in and they looked it over and found a loose shield on my transmission that was causing the issue. Simple fix and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. While they had it up, they also took the time to point out a few things that would need attention in the near future. No pressure, honest, affordable, and best of all... caring!! These guys actually care about their customers and their community. This shop is one in a million. I am a customer for life now. Thank you so much George and Francisco!!! You guys saved my weekend and my wallet! If you need work done on your car, call these guys. You won’t regret it.

Ambiguous69

★★★★★

2 years ago

So kinda big post but I had an issue with my car not being able to pass emissions. I enlisted in the AZ emissions program and they referred me to the sun devil auto in surprise. I took my car their and they had it for 4 days. Sun devil auto told me that I needed a new head gasket due to coolant being in my cylinder. I was in disbelieve so I took my vehicle to Thunderbird auto and they did their own diagnostic and figured out that all I needed was 1 sensor. I am so grateful to have an honest shopand reliable people to help me with my vehicle to pass emissions. I will for sure keep coming back to Thunderbird auto due to the customer service and honesty they have given me.

Matthew Keyton

★★★★★

3 years ago

My 2007 Ram’s breaks stopped working all together and had to have it towed in. I thought I knew what the issue was and already have quotes from other national companies but I like to support locals first even if it costs a little more. After their team there looked at it, the repairs were right in line with the national companies for the parts needed but $100 less on the quote. Upon picking up my truck the next day as parts needed to be ordered in, my breaks work great. When I found out they had trouble with the NAPA distributor sending bad parts and knowing that they would not put that in my truck made me feel muck better. The team at Thunderbird Auto did live up to the other 5 star ratings we read before coming here.

Adam Owens

★★★★★

6 years ago

The group of auto mechanics working at Thunderbird are absolutely top notch. I decided to take my truck to this shop after being constantly told I needed additional unnecessary repair at another shop. These guys located the issues I was having and repaired my truck to a fully fixed status. Not only that they don’t try and sell you things you don’t need. The owner is very informative, fair priced, and timely with his repairs. He even went ahead and fixed a few things at no additional cost!! I have taken my vehicle here several times and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks again for the help and repair Thunderbird Auto!

Joyce Sellers

★★★★★

6 years ago

Thunderbird Auto........ I'm so glad I finally took my car there to be serviced. They did a Awesome job.!!! George let me know just what needs to be done to my car plus a estimate which was very reasonable. He is a very nice man. And Jose was Awesome too!!! I will continue taking my car to them as they value their costumers!!! My one regret,,,,,, I did not take my car there sooner .!!! i rate them a 5 STARS Plus!!!

June Bruns

★★★★★

5 years ago

March 27th, 2020. I am so glad that I found Thunderbird Automotive via Google! What a fantastic, honest, knowledge, and personable group of guys! I was searching for a local, small business for my 2005 PT Cruiser. I prefer supporting local businesses. After reading the great reviews on their website, I decided to call for an appointment. My car had an intermittent ‘check engine’ light, preventing the car from passing the emissions test. Also, I needed an oil change. Only having a few days before my registration would expire, I was very happy they made time for me right away. Francisco is a top notch businessman, mechanic and all around good guy! He and Jose treated me so well, I just cannot find enough good words for them! First, after I dropped my car off, Francisco took me back to my home. Oh, my glovebox had recently jammed and would not close. As soon as Francisco saw that, he figured out the problem in 2 minutes. Now it works perfectly! After performing a diagnostic test, they figured out the problem. Then Francisco spent a lot of his own time driving the manufacturers’ suggested ‘drive cycle’ , to reset the codes. Not only that, he actually took my car to the emissions testing station and got the passing test done for me! Wow! What a great guy! After that, and the oil change, Francisco picked me up at my home so I could get my car. This was the very best customer service I have ever experienced from any automotive repair shop! Thunderbird Automotive will be my go to place for all future car problems, and/or preventative service! Please call Francisco for your car repairs! You won’t be sorry! They turned a car problem headache, into a very pleasant day for me! Thank you, Francisco! They deserve 10 stars!

Aurora Verdugo

★★★★★

6 years ago

We have been at Thunderbird Auto Repair twice and the owner operates the business that's Amazing. He provides the best customer service and makes sure you understand what needs to be done. And doesn't pushes to do the job right away as other auto repair shops. Honest, Reliable and LOCAL! Thanks

D.A Madge (DaMadge83)

★★★★★

8 years ago

I Came in last Monday to bring my trailblazer in to have a oil leak fixed and check something else that was making a noise from engine. Well turns out it was a gasket and also I needed a new ac compressor. Well once they got into it a little more I also needed a ac tensioner so they also replaced that as well. And when I called to see when the car would be done they told what day and time it should be ready which a lot of shops just say when we a get a chance we will call when it’s done but not here. I was kind of nervous to take my car here at first because I take it to a shop i usually go to and they told me they couldn’t diagnose the oil leak because the engine was dirty I called Thunderbird auto and spoke to Francisco and he told me bring it in don’t worry about it we can find it and sure enough they did. Also I like how they gave me a ride home when I was leaving my car with them which was really awesome because hardly any shops do that for their customers. Also they were a lot cheaper than some of the other shops I would usually go to, but now I won’t have too anymore! I definitely recommend getting your car worked on here they definitely take care of there customers and they don’t rip you off which is a HUGE PLUS! Also there techs are very knowledgeable and know what they are doing! But definitely go check them out for yourself you won’t be disappointed I promise!

G.A. Nuñez

★★★★★

6 years ago

Francisco, Jose and Jorge are really great guys and charge very reasonably. I came to them with my car, that needed quite a bit of work done, that would have easily cost me thousands of dollars at the dealership. They were very transparent with the cost and labor. They fixed my car and saved me from the potential financial headache!

Iris Magana

★★★★★

4 years ago

Second time I use their services, all for different services. I was diagnosed incorrectly at Pep Boys. 1500 to fix my AC is what they were claiming. Came to thunderbird auto, they gave a proper diagnostic and spent a fraction of the price. Pleased with my service. Thank you for being great!

Gloria Castellanos

★★★★★

4 years ago

I absolutely loved my experience here, they were so friendly and helpful. Went in for a much needed oil change and sat me aside to check if they had what they needed for my car and then we're able to get it done in a reasonable time. 100% will be a returning customer and will absolutely recommend to family and friends.

Jason Barajas

★★★★★

7 years ago

Excellent service. They seem to put a lot of care into the experience. The gentleman who ran the invoice and quote was helpful explaining the year guarantee on their work and what they found on my repair and was careful to not pressure into extra unnecessary work as some mechanics do. The mechanic showed me on the vehicle the issue and potential future issues if I’d like to come bac at some point in the future. Seeing it with my own two eyes it was clear they were honest and helpful about what was urgent and what was a future repair to think about. I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates an honest and straight forward mechanic experience where you can trust they want the best for you, your vehicleC and your wallet.

Jake Fousel

★★★★★

9 years ago

El Mirage's last honest auto mechanic? I took my 99 Durango in for a coolant leak. I knew it was the bypass hose but I didn't have the time or tools to do it myself. I've struggled with the auto mechanics in town....never using them twice. I decided to give this place a try. I met Francisco at his location and he looks at the vehicle and made some guesses as to what could be wrong. Francisco ultimately concluded that until he takes it apart and looks he won't know for sure.(oh-oh, I've heard that before) Good thing I did know what was wrong so I waited for the call from Francisco to see what sort of business honestly he had. To my delight the next day Francisco called and said it was just the "bypass hose" and that the more expensive repairs would not be needed to correct the issue if I couldn't afford it. Francisco offered to change the water pump as well since he already had the work done to get there to replace it. I opted to go for the more expensive repair and get a new water pump anyways, it was 5 years old and it was probably not far off from needing replacement anyways. Thanks Francisco for having business ethics and integrity! Your shop is also clean and organized, another good sign of how you operate your business!