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December 2025 by Luke Powell
I want to share my experience as objectively as possible so others can make an informed decision.
I brought my 2015 Ford Focus ST (2.0L EcoBoost) to this shop to have the engine timed. Shortly after that job, the engine came loose from the timing cover/engine mounts and dropped, breaking the CV axle. I paid to have the car towed back to the shop, and to their credit they replaced the engine bolts and CV axle at no charge.
Unfortunately, what wasn’t caught during that repair was damage caused when the engine fell — specifically, a coolant hose that had rubbed through. I drove the car about two hours to my parents’ house without inspecting the work (my mistake), and immediately after exiting the highway the temperature gauge spiked. I shut the car off right away. After adding coolant and restarting briefly, the car began smoking and smelled strongly of burning antifreeze, so I shut it down again.
I contacted Tim, the owner, and explained the situation. He told me the shop would fix anything they caused or incorrectly installed, which I felt was reasonable. I towed the car back to the shop. At that point, I was told the car had overheated and that the turbo exhaust seals were blown. This was disappointing, as the turbo was a nearly new Garrett unit (~$1,500). Tim explained that it couldn’t be definitively determined whether the engine falling was their fault or related to prior work I had done myself.
We worked out what seemed like a fair compromise: I would supply a replacement turbo, and the shop would handle the labor. However, after installing the new turbo, the shop realized the issue had been misdiagnosed — the turbo was not the problem. Instead, the cylinder head/headifold was cracked (a known issue on these engines). At that point, returning the turbo was harder to achieve since it had been installed.
Tim was professional and clear when explaining this over the phone, which I appreciated. I asked if I could supply a cylinder head and keep the same arrangement (I pay for parts, they provide labor), but that was not an option. I was then given a repair estimate of over $5,000, which I declined, and I picked the car up.
In total, I paid about $2,000 for the initial timing job and ultimately ended up facing a potential $5,000 repair afterward. I did perform some work on the car prior to bringing it in, so it’s possible some responsibility falls on me. I’m not claiming the shop is entirely at fault.
As a full-time mechanic myself (in a different field), I understand that misdiagnoses happen, and I respect that Tim stands behind his technicians. However, it did feel like support was more forthcoming when the repairs were less expensive, and once the scope grew significantly, that support stopped.
Overall, the staff is friendly, the shop is professional, and they seem to do good basic work. My experience made me question their ability to handle deeper diagnostics on more complex jobs. Even though my situation didn’t turn out well, they do run a professional operation — just be aware that if you’ve already started work on your vehicle, outcomes like this may be more complicated
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December 2025 by Bobbis Treasure
Have taken 5+ cars and trucks to them over the past 15 years. I have found them to be honest, more than willing to work with me, and only do repairs that were absolutely necessary. I brought a car to them that I was considering. After their inspection their response was “please tell me you didn’t buy this car”. Cannot recommend enough. Have had brakes, oil changes, radiator, exhaust system, serpentine belt.
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November 2025 by Alicia Pitman
Called for a quote and was told I couldn’t get a quote unless I brought the car in. I said I know what’s wrong and the person on the phone then unwillingly gave me a price on half of what I needed done (brakes and rotors) but still refused to tell me how much a caliper replacement would be, insisting they need to see the car to see if it’s seized. I am telling you it is seized and still no quote. That’s fine I won’t be coming there.
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November 2025 by Masha Tokareva
Great service! Lovely staff. They work efficiently and help you quickly.
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October 2025 by Mark
Talked to them several times, at length, about an engine diagnostic and overhaul. They were honest and provided sound advice. I decided not to have the repair done, but I would gladly take any of our vehicles there.
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October 2025 by Phillip
We've been bringing our cars here for years, and the experience has always been exceptional. Tim and his team are honest, attentive, and take the time to explain everything in a way that's easy to understand. Their customer service truly goes above and beyond—when a family member visiting from out of town needed an emergency tire repair, they handled it quickly and didn’t even charge us.
If you're considering buying a new or used vehicle, I highly recommend their pre-purchase inspection service. It’s thorough and gives you the confidence to make an informed decision. This shop is a rare find—trustworthy, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping their customers.
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September 2025 by Barry Threlkeld
Friendly, prompt, honest service for our automobiles that we can rely on.
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September 2025 by Scott Sizemore
Went by this location to ask for an estimate..Before going there ,the girl on the phone didn't even know if they could give an estimate on an exhaust..The guy that helped me when I came by said they'd email me an estimate, and 3 days later still haven't heard from them..I definitely would not let this place work on my car .
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September 2025 by Erin Rodriguez
Tim was Great. Ivy The lady who answers the phone. Very rude, She could use some customer service when talking to customer who are looking to Spend their money there.
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September 2025 by John Paul
Scope of work is always clear. Work is excellent. Discount for veterans is appreciated.
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August 2025 by Eric White
This place does quality work for fair prices. Tim is great.
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August 2025 by Alicia Shaw
Excellent service, on time. Sam is a fabulous human. So kind.
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August 2025 by April Carson
He was very polite, and got me and my car where I needed to be. Definitely recommend!
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August 2025 by Chip James
They know what needs to be done, and they’re honest every step of the way. Highly recommend!
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July 2025 by Z L
Anything car-related is automatically stressful for me. I know nothing about anything, and I get super nervous and intimidated about the most basic things. The folks at Centerville Service are friendly, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. When presented with a fix that was more expensive than I anticipated, I felt no pressure to make a decision right away. It’s clear that they care about their customers here. Many thanks to Tims 1 and 2, who were a huge help!
