Everyone I spoke to was polite and professional. They were interested in my problems and were helpful in repairing my van. I am an old man and am on a limited income. I was shocked at the cost of the work. I realize it is expensive to maintain the building and shop. I also understand that qualified employees must be paid. Prices on everything are getting more expensive, but I am being priced out of this economy. I have to keep my van running. One day, I might need to live in it under a bridge down by the river.
Hi Gerald, thank you so much for bringing the 2004 Ford van in for the starting issue. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us a detailed review as well. We are also shocked at the price of everything these days. In addition to the large increase on parts and fluids (tarrifs and other people's overhead) we have experienced insurance increases averaging 30% per product (employee health insurance, dental, worker's compensation, commercial auto, general liability, and liability bonds for our auto repair license and 401(k) plan). In order to attract and retain master technicians we pay very competitive salaries and bonuses as well as paying 100% of our employees' health, dental, and vision insurance. We have also had to add a 401(k) plan with a generous match. We have increased paid time off as well as the number of paid holidays. Our employees are our greatest asset; but also our greatest expense. All of my service vendors (uniforms, waste disposal, handyman, customer transportation, machine shop, etc.) raised their rates this year, and finally subscriptions - a new operating expense category - doubled in cost in 2025. Subscriptions are the various software products for accounting, point of sale, website, appointment setting, vehicle information and wiring diagrams, vehicle programming, etc. All of this information only exists online now and we have to pay whatever they ask to access it. Four auto repair shops closed in Carson City in the last year due to operating expense increases and lack of skilled technicians,. We made the decision to keep going; but did have to increase our labor rate to cover some of the expense increases. We are still below the dealer labor rates of approximately $225 per hour and we continue to offer a three-year/36,000 mile warranty on all of our work. We know that you have a lot of choices for auto repair and we are so grateful that you chose us. We hope that the combination of our warranty and exceptional staff members will differentiate us from the others and keep folks like yourself choosing to bring vehicles to us. We apprecaite your feedback and your business!
- Capitol Automotive