The first time we actually worked with Colchin Automotive was in July 2005 while shopping for a used Chevy Tahoe. I had learned of the Colchin Team through a networking group. At that time while we were looking at different Tahoes, I called Colchin to ask Josh about their general experience with these vehicles. Josh had an understanding of some of the issues related to certain model years and advised us accordingly in terms that even I could understand. When we were pretty sure about a particular Tahoe, we asked the dealer if we could take it to our mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. The dealer was agreeable and allowed me to take the Tahoe for the time needed.
Colchin’s pre-purchase inspection was thorough and gave us a good idea of what we were getting in a 5 year old vehicle with just over 86,000 miles on it. We felt confident in the deal and made the purchase. Over the last 6 years, Colchin Automotive has helped us maintain the Tahoe for another 158,000 miles. (And they have kept our ’97 F350 running well too) Then Todd gave us the heads up last year about thinking in terms of getting another vehicle as the Tahoe neared 250,000 miles. That time came this past month when the estimated maintenance and repair costs were more than the Tahoe was worth. This was hard news to hear about a vehicle that had been so good for so long. But after strategizing with Todd, we began our search.
It was really nice knowing this time that as we looked at used SUV’s that we had the Colchin Team there to help us again. After we narrowed our preferences down to GM vehicles, Todd told me how to locate the code list in the vehicle so we could determine its engine and transmission. I used the camera in my phone to take a picture of the list and email it directly to Todd. Todd had already been researching some of the newer GM power trains for us, so when I emailed a particular vehicle’s code list, he could tell us if it had the better engine and transmission. Also I determined quickly if a dealer was one we could work with when I asked them if they would allow me to take the vehicle to our mechanic for inspection. And my husband was glad that I could go by myself to the dealers to look at a vehicle, get its code information to Todd, and then decide if my husband should see it.
Looking online, I found a 2007 Yukon XL with over 86,000 miles that I really wanted to see at a dealership in Greeley. I went up there and told the salesman upfront that before we would buy our mechanic in Arvada must inspect it. He said “Not a problem.” I photographed the code list and emailed it from my phone to Todd. Then while I’m test driving the vehicle, Todd had a chance to look up the codes. I liked the Yukon XL and I told the salesman that I needed to call my husband and our mechanic. I called Todd and he let me know that it did have the better power train, so I set an inspection appointment for the next morning. Then I called my husband to tell him that this one might be the right vehicle. I arranged to have my husband come in that evening to test drive it, and the dealer allowed us to have the vehicle overnight for the inspection the next morning. Todd and the guys checked it out for us, even allowing me in the bay area to discuss it with them as they inspected it. After the inspection, I had print outs of Colchin’s findings and recommendations on the vehicle that I took back to the dealer, and that my husband could discuss with Todd. We asked the dealer to take care of a few issues for us, and we took delivery of the Yukon XL two days later.
We are so grateful for all the help from our friends (just like family) at Colchin Automotive!!
Cindy and Andrew Heydinger
