Originally Posted By: 2James1
Any shops you recommend?
I am unfamiliar with any shops in your state. Typically, the better garages are self owned and it will take some hunting and relationship building. I would look into quality of work and honesty over price. The big stores like Pepboys typically have high turnover rates and inexperienced technicians. $ usually exceeds customer satisfaction. Still, a hundred bucks for VC gasket isn't bad - but who's doing it?
There are some exceptions though! When I was starting out, I worked at a Sears with guys that had been there (Yes, at Sears!) for 30+ years. ASE certifications actually meant something and if your car needed additional work, we tossed you a pair of safety glasses and showed you the worn item (play or damage). Everything I touch is like signing MY signature. To this day, even if I’m doing a friend a favor, I give them no [censored] answers and turn it over when I know it’s done right.