The Auto House Inc.

Elite '08

436

506

Irene S.

San Francisco, CA

Owner Rey Domingo specializes in Benz, BMW and Volvo.  I was referred here by a friend's mom after an infuriating visit to the Smythe dealership several months ago, so I called to make an appointment in advance and was surprised to learn he provides loaner cars.  Exhausted from doling out all kinds of cash and being shuttled back and forth in the past, I thought that was a really nice incentive for a small, independently owned shop.  

Located over by Hedding and 101, you can't help but drive into the sketchy ghetto with a raised eyebrow and regrets for not tossing pepper spray in your bag, but Rey is the most jolly, likeably loquacious, non-greasy / guidoy technician and immediately he puts you at ease.  He has Dish Network set up, so you can watch all kinds of movies if you elect to wait, but it's actually more fun to talk to Rey as he's diagnosing your car;  articulate and knowledgeable, it's like Auto Training 101 and he'll sit there and walk you through a mini problem solving session...  

So I was telling him how Smythe pissed me off when they charged me for like 6 hours of labor but couldn't even determine what the freaking problem was, to which Rey responded incredulously that he'd be too embarrassed to charge anything if he found himself in that situation.  He's totally honest and friendly, with strict M-F working hours as his M.O. to open up each weekend for golf!

Anyway, if you have a dicey problem you'll need to leave your car. Rest assured, your baby will be in good hands. As Rey personally walked me out to the loaner, I was a little puzzled...where was the shiny C series I'd be taking joy rides in like they have at the dealership?  Instead, I was introduced to:

Year: circa 1970s
Color: Butter
Make: Benz
Type: DIESEL, CD300

Hahaha, there must be some mistake. What???  
   "So you know how to drive a diesel, yah?"  
I shook my head in silence as I just stared...He was really sympathetic and gave me quick lesson.  Finally, when the engine was turned on and raring to go, we saw that the tank was empty, so he bust out his wallet and handed me a 20 from his fatty stack, with driving instructions to the gas station a couple blocks away.

Let me tell you: how GHETTO I felt rolling up into "THE GAS STOP" is just the beginning!  The odometer read 2,500 miles on its 2nd engine, so you know this car has been to hell and back.  I couldn't wipe the smirk off my face from the moment I got into the car.  Anyway, the bill got me to 3/4 of a tank and I proceeded towards the freeway in my crack-dealing mafia mobile.  

Ooooohohoho...the speed guage reads it's capable of maxing out at 100mph, but judging from how it took 4 minutes to go  0-60, I was highly skeptical.  Haha.  I kept that puppy @ an even 50mph so as not to risk a catastrophic explosion.

I thought I'd be out running errands, taking joy rides in my loaner, but, ah, I think I'll stay put!  
I will, however, have to remember to bring my fur coat and fedora next time. :)

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