Connie & Dicks Service Center

We have been here several times and were very happy with service. Last time was a disaster. Brand new young workers incapable of running the business. This place is worse than going to Pep Boys. Said car needed expensive repairs after doing ridiculous diagnosis that cost me $ 150. Took my car away and went to dealer. Turns out Connies was TOTALLY wriong. Repair cost me about $ 100 and was on my way. This shop doesn’t know what they’re doing. Will never return. I have now put out the warning.

I’ve been taking my 2010 Toyota Prius to Connie & Dicks for regular maintenance for the past two years. As a college student, I hate going to the Toyota dealership and over-​paying for service. I was hesitant to take my hybrid to anyone besides the dealership, but the hybrid experts at Connie & Dicks know what they’re doing!
My service has always been pleasant and timely at C&D. They always drop me off on campus and return to pick me up when service is finished. They offer 10% off for college students and AAA members! If you are a student at the Claremont Colleges, take your car in for maintenance at C&D!

Just took my car there today for an electrical issue, was helped by Oscar Barroso. Oscar was so nice! He helped me right away and clearly explained everything there were going to test my car for. He also said they would get back to me within a few hours, great service and very helpful! I would definitely take my car there again.

A good, reasonable and trustworthy mechanic is hard to come by. When my wife’s Jeep started having problems last year, we honestly put off repairs because we dreaded the diagnosis and getting raked over the coals by the dealership or some shady independent shop. We came to Connie & Dick’s through a personal referral and prior knowledge of their reputation and they did not disappoint. Had a few other issues not popped up which forced us to take the car in earlier than we wanted (during the holidays), the original problem would have been a fraction of the cost we were initially expecting.
Oscar is an exceptionally knowledgeable and diligent troubleshooter. Cindy the owner is a genuinely wonderful person. This may seem like a strange thing to notice, but the shop itself is extremely clean and organized. I would put my name and reputation on Connie & Dick’s to take care of your auto repair needs any time! While out of the way from where I live, there’s no other choice for us other than this shop because the trust we have and service we receive from C&D’s is too valuable to leave.

My first time to repair the display on 2005 Prius. They did a quick great job with a 2yr warranty on labor and parts. Small dispute on cost of analysis before repair, however resolved properly.

I brought my 1993 Nissan Pathfinder that had been an online magazine build by MotoIQ on 11÷6÷2015. I explained to the service writer that it would not run above 2500 rpm, and that I had another mechanic replace the MAF (Mass Air Flow) with a stock Pathfinder sensor, and it ended up choking the engine so that it had no power and negatively affected the gas mileage as well. I emphasized that it was vehicle that had an engine swap, and that the engine had a performance cam, infinity pistons, etc., and that it was important to put in the appropriate sensor if that was the problem. The service writer told me on 4 separate occasions that he would call me before the end of the day, on 2 of those he never called, on the other 2, he did not call and claimed to have the incorrect number.
On Wednesday the 11^th, he told me that they had narrowed it down to the MAF sensor, but that they were unable to determine which sensor it was, and that Jim Wolfe Technology (who manufactured the air intake) would not return his e-​mails. I knew something was not right at that point and told him that I would call back in a few minutes, hung up and immediately called Jim Wolfe Technology. Within 2 minutes I was talking to Ben in Sales at Jim Wolfe, and when I described the car and the problem, he said, «Is that the green Pathfinder? The one that Mike Kujima built?» He added, «I know exactly what car you have». At that point I knew things were not right. Ben explained where I could find the information on the part number, which I then called Connie and Dicks and passed it on to the service writer. My car was not ready until the 17^th, and to replace the MAF sensor along with «wiring repair» (when I asked, the repair was described as placing the wires back into a plastic outer covering that they had come out of) I was charged $ 1,100. This was after a $ 55 off coupon. I explained in detail why I thought the charges were outrageous, and that I would not be back again. Particularly since I had mentioned the sensor when I dropped it off… Never again.

I have been coming here for 2years now so I’ve gotten to know them and are always happily greeted. The mechanics are very knowledgeable and do a great job. The manager is very friendly and professional and he takes the time to explain the needed repairs. This is a great reliable shop. I highly recommend it to everyone. Remember the maintenance of your car is important so your car will perform depending on how you treat it !!! Anyhow if you want your car repairs done well just come here

After initially taking my new Lexus to the dealer for maintenance, I decided to try a local auto shop and found Connie and Dicks. I have taken my car there 3 times now and will not be back. The staff is all very friendly and communicates well, but as many others have noted here, their prices are extremely high and they upsell you on unneeded services every time. This last time I was charged well over $ 100 for a simple oil change (my car has less than 25,000 miles on it and is spotless). My appointment was at 9:00 and they said it would be ready by 1pm, which is kinda long for an oil change. I called them around 2pm because I hadn’t heard anything, and lo and behold, was told that Lexus really recommends the engine filter replaced (not cleaned) and also a MISTing service for the cabin air filter to eliminate mold spores and unhealthy air. Of course, this would bring the cost to well over $ 300 –all for a car that was in perfect shape and practically new! I declined the MISTing service, but allowed the air filter to be replaced, bringing the total to $ 138.62 for my «simple» oil change. My car wasn’t ready until after 4pm. Afterwards, I combed through my owner’s manual to see when they recommend these services. According to the manual, the air filter may need to be CLEANED (not as soon as 25,000 miles) eventually, but not replaced until much later. There is no mention of MISTing. After online research I found out it’s a trendy new optional thing for germaphobes.
As a single woman relying on a mechanics expertise and honesty, I cannot continue to patronize an auto shop that I feel will be trying to oversell me. As another review commented, I suppose it does no harm to replace things that don’t need it, but I am not willing to pay premium prices and need to establish a trusted relationship with my auto repair shop.

I needed to get my car fixed because I was hearing a clunking sound and my friend recommended this place. I felt so comfortable taking my car here, which is pretty important to me. They showed me exactly where the problem is and explained thoroughly what they can do to fix it. After they took my car in, I had to get to work, so I was dropped off and then picked up at the end of the day. The prices are great and the customer service is even better. I’ll be going here for a long time.

For your son or daughters auto home away from home while at college, this is where you should go for unexpected car repairs. Connie & Dick were fair and prompt at every moment we needed them including a last minute fix the day before graduation. Thanks Oscar!

Well, all I want to say is, I won’t be taking my car to the dealer anymore! They told me that I needed $ 2300 worth of repairs but it just didn’t make sense to me. So, i brought it here for a 2^nd opinion. I have a friend that told me about the owner being a woman and I liked the idea of that. I was able to explain what I was hearing and her guy took the car for a test run, then told me what he thought. The owner had him actually show me exactly what it was, when it was up in the air, so I could see for myself! Very much appreciated the small-​town feel, but BIG results for me! They saved me $$$! And took the time to show me! I liked that!
So, for any women out there that just HATE going to shops that make you feel silly or inadequate because you can’t tell the difference between a alternator and a carburetor, go here, they were fantastic with me. Definitely going back!

I’ve taken my car here three times. Twice for an oil change and service and once because I got a flat tire. They took care of me with the best customer service I have EVER experienced in the auto repair industry. Being a young female I trust their opinions and service. I will continue to come here every time. The Owner, Cindy, also takes the time to get to know me and certainly knows her stuff about cars. Highly recommended. You will not find that at any olé place.

Quick, professional, and thorough service. The attendants were friendly and knowledgable, and took time to explain the recommended servicing that arose from my inspection. I look forward to doing business with them in the future.

Honest, hard working, and friendly. I have taken my car in for maintenance a few times. They always do a great job and keep my high mileage car running like new. I recommend Connie & Dicks to all of my friends and coworkers. This is a great family owned business and a good way to support local business.

This is my third visit to Connie & Dick’s since we moved to Claremont. We have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra with very low mileage and they are incredibly honest as to the need for service. When I came in this week, I was past the time for an oil change, but under the mileage. The service manager made sure I realized that it wasn’t due based on the mileage and that I really wanted the service (which I did.) When I asked whether it needed tire rotation (another service that was due per time) they explained why it didn’t and I went with their recommendation.
Another time I went in without an appointment when made tire pressure light was on. They immediately checked the tire pressure and filled all the tires with no charge.
Yes, they have a small waiting area, but you can walk over the tracks to Claremont Village and have coffee while you wait. Maybe the prices are a little higher than you could get elsewhere — I don’t know, because I haven’t shopped around. I’m happy to continue as a customer because of the customer service, honesty, competence and AAA affiliation.

I have been with Connie’s for close to 20 years and I feel so lucky to have found them. Recently I had a valve job done on my Acura and after a few weeks the «ticking» sound associated with older cars and valves didn’t go away. I called Cindy and not only did they take care of the issue for free (runs so quiet now) but they got me a rental car for 2 days.
On another occasion, my car was in the garage with a dead battery. Rich, from the shop drove to my home. charged my car and then replaced the battery at 5:00 PM on a Friday. All of the above took less than ½ hour. All the staff are trustworthy and friendly and I’ve never felt I paid too much.
I’ll never go anywhere else-​true professionals in every sense of the word.
Tonya

Way too expensive! $ 2100 for an alternator, battery, cable and fuse box (installed). Checked Unilocal.Called a couple other high rated shops and was quoted less than $ 1000. This place tried to rip me off.

Great customer service. They did a great job replacing my headlight bracket although it cost about $ 400, and seemed like it was something that could have easily been done much cheaper. Unfortunately, their quote to fix my rear brake drums was just about 4x more expensive ($ 800) than what I eventually ended up paying at Brake Masters ($ 198). This was not the first time that I felt they were trying to upsell me and charge too much for what was really needed to keep me safely on the road. The bottom line: If you want someone to hold your hand and kiss your a$$ and money is no object, then I say go for it! Otherwise, you’d best get a second opinion.

I went to this garage when a «check engine» light appeared on my Subaru. My experience was good overall, but their prices are steep and they seemed eager to get as much out of my wallet as they could.
The Good:
I get the sense that they do good, quality work here. The facilities are clean (though there’s not much of a waiting area) and the service professionals you’ll speak with are friendly and, well, professional (though, if you’re like me, you’d rather speak directly with the technicians). They’ll take the time to explain and educate customers. They kept me informed by phone about what was going on after I left my car at the shop. They cleared prices with me up-​front and didn’t stick me with any surprise costs. I didn’t have to wait forever to get an appointment and the time they estimated for a diagnosis was both reasonable and accurate.
The Downside:
Obviously, this business has been successful over the years. The result shows up in your bill. The fancy website, nice facilities, and good customer service all come at a price. This is not the sort of place that’s going to weasel you out of money – no, they’re much more likely to over-​charge you up front, right to your face. A simple diagnosis cost me $ 178 to begin with. They also charged (and then discounted entirely??) $ 112 to look over the rest of the car. I’ve never been charged nearly that much for those services, even at dealerships.
Their motto is «We Can Fix It, but We’d Rather Maintain It!» My experience was that they’d rather buy new expensive parts unless I asked them to attempt less-​expensive and less-​drastic measures first. I was told that I was in need of $ 1,700 worth of new engine parts AND a $ 270 fuel-​injection service (which is more than you’ll find listed for a fuel-​injection service at other garages, by the way). This is a Subaru with under 80,000 miles. There’s no way it needs that much work, so I asked if the fuel-​injection service alone wouldn’t solve the problem. Ah! It might! NOW they tell me, after asking me to give them 2 grand! I insisted that they perform only the fuel-​injection service, which – as I predicted – took care of the problem.
No, they weren’t trying to rip me off – their advice was warranted by the diagnosis, according to the codes they pulled. It wouldn’t have been WRONG to replace those parts. But any mechanic interested in maintaining my car rather than racking up my bill would have STARTED with the more minimal service BEFORE recommending we move to the big bucks. Had I been a less savvy customer, I’d have paid a lot more to have the same problem resolved. (And perhaps I’ll eventually have to get those parts replaced, anyway – but obviously it wasn’t absolutely necessary at this point.)
Conclusion:
If you’re not too concerned about your pocket-​book, this place will take care of you and do a fine job with your car. Personally, though, I’d rather not pay a premium for conveniences and customer service, and I’d certainly rather have a mechanic who’ll give me more economical options before telling me to replace nearly two thousand dollars worth of parts. That said, I really do think they probably do a good, dependable job here – it’s just not the garage for me and my thin wallet.

Used to love and recommend this place. But the past two years it has changed. The current owner is not overseeing the shop as he once did and they seem to have moved more to a service manager commission type of business. Take your car in for one thing and they will find a few hundred $$ of other stuff to write up and recommend. Has been the practice the last couple of times I have had work done.
The work is still good, but I have lost faith. Last time I left with over $ 2000 of work they recommended I tend to after they fixed a fuel line problem. Took the car to another AAA shop. They agreed the windshield wipers needed to be replaced. None of the other work was necessary or needed «unless you plan on showing the car at car shows.»
It is a shame, but after over a decade of loyalty, they have lost a customer.