Special Interest Automobiles

Great service! I've been going here for over 15 years and our staff go over as well

I found a leak under my truck and left it with Special Interest Automobile to be investigated. It was pretty obvious, not actively leaking but lots of splatter under the truck, I mentioned upon booking the appointment that it was near a rattling heat shield. I mistakenly said near the front differential. I left my truck with them in the morning the day after. A few hours later, the owner, Lindsay, called to say that they found the leak, it was coming from my oil filter and that he changed my oil (without confirming the right oil- he put conventional but I only use Synthetic). Anyway, I knew this was not right. I drove over to the shop to show the mechanic, Scott, the leak I was referring to. He says something indicating, yeah, that is obviously leaking. (Again, maybe my fault for saying Front Differential instead of Transfer Case, but I'm no mechanic. I don't quite understand how they "found" a leak from the oil filter. There was no leak there. The oil they found around the oil filter was because I changed the oil 3 weeks/300 kms ago) Anyway, I left again so they could investigate. A few hours later I am advised that the leak is from the Transfer Case actuator. The replacement part will be $1200 plus 9 hours labour ( estimate from the mechanic labour guide). This would be about a $2500 repair. Luckily, I wasn't charged for the oil change that wasn't necessary. I was only charged about $50 for the time. I did not authorize further work the because I needed time to think about my options and whether it was still worth keeping my 11-year-old truck. I decided that I really needed to see a specialist and get a second opinion. I'm so glad I did... I went to a local transmission shop in Kitchener. After an hour and a half and by evidence of the oil leak pattern, they advised that the leak was coming from a spline between the transfer case and the drive shaft. They cleaned it and fixed it with automotive silicone. Total repair cost was $178 with tax. Now, ask me if I'll ever return to Special Interest Auto. Despite my experience with Special Interest, I don't think they were out to get me with unecessary repairs. I think they didn't spend enough time to properly diagnose the problem. Also, this was the second time I had an issue with Special Interest. Previously, my brakes were shaved when I really needed my brake fluid replaced. (They couldn't reproduce the problem I described over the phone until I took a road test). Again, possibly due to a rushed diagnosis. This garage was highly recommended by my church friend. So they must be good at some issues/cars. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't see it.

Great place for car repairs. They always respond to voicemails and are great with picking up the phone when you call. Staff are great and call you by name!

Great business and super family oriented. They have never made me feel weird for being a woman, which is not true of some other shops I have been to out there. There has been a change in ownership recently and I hope it will stay this way. Prices are also quite fair and service is great!

Great service at a reasonable price. They try to go above and beyond to help you!

Highly recommend Special Interest Auto, 5 star service. An owner of 3 vehicles I’ve taken 2 for service. Repairs and maintenance done and nothing but positivity about the service and cost. Thank you ?

I’m always impressed with the excellent customer service provided. Amed and Bree are on top of issues and they provide professional and reliable service. Alberto from Rapid City Transportation.

Bought my truck off of one of the owner's a few years ago and been bringing it back for service ever since. Staff is friendly and always on schedule. Very good at thorough and constant communication with their customers. Fast, friendly service, and reasonable prices contributes to their great culture and developing long term relationships with their clients. Thanks for all your hard work and attention to detail.