Colchin Automotive and Diesel » Testimonials

Used Car Inspection Pays Off for the Heydinger Family

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:40:01 +0000

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

Osmun Family Testimonial

admin — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:55:39 +0000

The Osmun’s are a four-car family. Daughter logs some 2,000 miles a month in a 2009 Malibu, commuting between her Lakewood and Windsor clinics, running errands, and having some fun. Husband leaves the house mornings, lunch box in tow, for a four-mile commute in his prized 2004 F150. As for me? I’m wife, mother, caregiver of elderly mom and hyper Sheltie, and designated family “go-fer.” This happens when you retire and start staying home! I rarely log over 15 miles on any one given day in my 2002 Buick Century, though some days l’d like to head for the New Mexico border. The oil in my crankcase would solidify before I even approached the recommended 3,000 miles between oil changes. But my GMC driver’s manual and the experts at Colchin Automotive and Diesel say “Oil change at 3,000 miles or every 6 months to enhance performance and prolong the life of a vehicle.” For the past 27 years Colchin has handled maintenance and repair for a garden variety of Osmun “rides” including a Jeep Cherokee with vapor lock, a Toyota Corona with an elusive electrical short, and a Mercury Mystic with five recalls.
By now you’re probably wondering about the Osmun’s fourth vehicle. It’s our back-up, an inherited 1995 Oldsmobile Delta 88 which we garage religiously. It was Grand Dad Osmun’s last car. His tire pressure gauge, tattered gas mileage notebook, and TUMS are still in the glove box. The blue-green cruiser has traction control and plush upholstery. Oh, Grand Dad loved the car. He found excuses to drive to the hardware store every day. He’d drive 10 miles to fill-up at a station selling gas for 2 cents a gallon less. Folks who survived the Great Depression and WWII were inclined to think that way. But you do the math. . . .
With over 100,000 miles, the Oldsmobile sports multiple dents, scrapes, and loose molding which we willl never repair. There was that guard rail, the barrier post at the car wash, and that sapling maple on top of the median— all fond reminders of Dad’s final months behind the wheel.
Anyway, Colchin Automotive and Diesel keeps the Osmun fleet road ready. The Malibu needs an oil change every seven to eight weeks based on sheer mileage. The F150 maybe goes 50 miles a week and it could be 18 months before logging 3,000 miles. Still, the pickup goes in for service in six months. And the Buick and Olds are regular visitors at Colchin. Our family relies on all four cars. We want peak performance and reliability, and it all starts with the regular oil change which prevents many costly repairs.
Until 1995 it was a 10-minute trip to Colchin Automotive and Diesel from our Arvada home. Then a job change took us to Southeast Denver near the Tech Center. We tried several repair shops in our area, and quickly discovered that Colchin’s honesty, integrity and expertise are not easily matched. Soooo, we wait until “after-traffic” on I-25 and I-70 to drop off or pick up a vehicle. For oil service and easy fixes, I drive to Arvada mid-morning and wait for service in Colchin’s nice new location at Grandview and LaMar.
The Osmun’s go way back with Todd, Carrie, Clay, Josh, Cody and Jason. They’re fine folks capable of the most complicated repair on any make or model. And, they stand behind their work. Colchin Automotive and Diesel—well worth the drive.

I have never found a car shop I am more satisfied with than Colchin

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:31:40 +0000

Claire and Josh, Just a note to tell you how much my family and I appreciate the great work you guys do at Colchin. We can always depend on you –depend on your professionalism, your honesty, your competence, and your concern. You explain problems very well and teach us new things every time we are in your shop.

I’ve dealt with many auto repair shops over the years and I can honestly say that I have never found one that I am more satisfied with than Colchin. I’ve been a customer for about 6 years and have never had one complaint about your service or work. That’s a pretty good record as far as I am concerned.

Thank you for taking such good care of my vehicles and, by extension, my family. We all feel safer knowing you guys worked on our cars.

Best regards,
Jory Laine, Lakwood, CO

P.S. You think this is good — well, you should see what I would have said if Todd had offered me more than 3 bucks to do this. This thing would have rocked!!!!

Two words describe Colchin best: honesty and integrity.

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:28:11 +0000

To all potential customers of Colchin Automotive:

My name is Mark D’Aloia and I would like to tell you about the friends I have met at Colchin Automotive. Two words describe them best and the same two words that are the cornerstone of any business. Honesty and integrity. I have been having my vehicles serviced by these guys for years and have been completely satisfied with their service, their positive attitude, and their willingness to discuss and explain the problem and the solution in detail.

Should there be a problem; the entire staff works diligently to solve the issue in a timely manner. Their professionalism and expertise in the industry is unmatched. Thank you to the entire staff for a job well done.

One area of improvement they could make is in the selection of candy they have in their waiting room!

Sincerely,

Mark D’Aloia, Broomfield, CO

Thanks again—Great Job!!