Lakeside Automotive

I would not recommend this business to anyone. We took our 2004 Volvo in for a new rack which they accomplished in 2 (yes two) weeks. Looking forward to FINALLY getting the car back they then told us that the power steering went out. After fiddling around with it for another long time (2 business days short of one MONTH) we finally took delivery of it, even though they wrote on the service receipt that it was unsafe to drive. We took it to Traverse Motors to have them look it over. After spending the day giving it a thorough review and test drive, we were told there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with it and to pick it up. Here’s the clincher — I went in after 3 weeks to see what the heck the deal was. They were rude and arrogant. They told me I had a «PROBLEM CAR» that the car was just plain «BAD» and that «it’s beyond it’s useful life.» I told them what an inconvenience it has been to our family and asked what they would do for us in the meantime (i.e. rental etc.) and the mechanic (I think he is the owner also) cut me off and said «That’s a heartwarming story but that’s your own personal problem.» Seriously. I am a TC Native, and RUDENESS does not go far in this town. Where ever this business came from, I recommend they go back there. Take your Volvo to Traverse Motors or Dave’s Garage. They know what customer service is.

As a former automotive technician and shop owner, I’m picky about who services our cars. Over the last year I’ve used Lakeside several times for maintenance and repair services.
I have several criteria I use in choosing a repair facility: Is the owner there? Is the shop clean and organized? Are there adequate tools and equipment in evidence? Are the techs on commission or hourly pay? Are they honest and reliable? Is the job done right the first time and if not, are they anxious to make it right?
Lakeside meets all my expectations and more. I had two particularly difficult diagnostic challenges which they met and were successful in correcting. One had to go back for a second time on a very busy snowy day. They dropped everything, took the job in and fixed it at no charge. To me that shows integrity and a desire to satisfy their customers.
Notice I did not mention prices. This should not be the primary factor in choosing a repair shop. Granted it’s important, but the items listed above are equally important.
I have always been well treated at Lakeside and recommend them for foreign car service.
And no, I’m not the owner’s brother-​in-​law.