October 23, 2009

Dear Tracy & David…

I realize this is my second Discovery Automotive testimonial, but after the recent repair work performed on my Range Rover 4.6HSE, I felt it was time to file yet another.

As you know, the new driver in my family totaled my Disco II this summer…in the driveway. It is unlikely I would have replaced the Disco with another Land Rover if I hadn’t found your company, but knowing I could count on Discovery made me confident to search for another Rover to complete the family fleet. Readers of this letter wouldn’t know this, but to provide a little perspective, Discovery now cares for my Land Rovers, my son’s late-80’s Mercedes and soon, my wife’s late model XJ8.

I use the term ‘cares for’ because of the attention to detail and the quality of the work. After David helped me sort through potential replacement vehicles…allowing me to buy with confidence…I drove the new-to-me truck for several months before scheduling it in for a routine but major service. The day before dropping off the vehicle, I had evidently picked up a pretty vicious electronic gremlin that was playing havoc with everything in the truck other than the engine!

Discovery diagnosed the problem accurately, and came up with a creative solution that I am convinced saved me hundreds if not over a thousand dollars to affect the repairs. But, I did made the mistake of stopping by mid-way through the repair. The extensive repair made it necessary to partially disassemble the truck. David sensed my angst and assured me it would be like new; even though it resembled what would happen to a truck if it was left in a bad part of town and stripped for parts.

When I turned in Ole’ Yeller (the Discovery loaner), there was my truck just as David had promised. And as usual, even though every drop of fluid and every filter in the truck had been replaced, there wasn’t a smudge, drip, leak, smell, or evidence that the Range Rover had experienced anything more severe than a wash and wax. Everything worked. And David had even made me a deal on a proper set of tires which were perfectly installed, balanced and the truck had been correctly aligned. I smile every time I get to drive it…which is, every day.
What’s all the more amazing is that my 126,000 mile Mercedes is treated by Discovery in the same manner as my late model cars. Discovery first saw the Mercedes when it rolled off the wrecker with a blown up engine and virtually nothing working. I wanted a safe, dependable, solid car for my son to drive the first year after receiving his license, and the Benz seemed to fit the bill. Discovery helped me restore the car economically and he now drives it daily to school, endless lacrosse events, etc.

Every time I meet a Land Rover, Jag, Mercedes or Porsche owner, I make sure to let them know about discovering Discovery Automotive as my family has done. Thank you again for the recent work on my 4.6HSE. Our prerequisite for purchasing any vehicle in the future is to ask ourselves a simple question, ‘…can Tracy & David work on this thing if I buy it?’

Vic Venettozzi

......................................................................................................................................................................................................

September 17, 2009

Hi Tracy & David,

Just a note to thank you both for your excellent service. I've had my 2003 Discovery serviced twice since I bought it recently and each time you were able to get me right in the shop and take care of the problem, and correctly the first time. I am very comfortable knowing that I have a reliable place to service my new Land Rover if it needs service. A vehicle is only as good as the people who service it. Thanks again.

Thanks,

David G. Debonzo

......................................................................................................................................................................................................

March 1, 2009

Dear Tracy and David,

In my work, I travel quite frequently and for extended periods of time. Having a Discovery in the garage for my wife and another for my teenage daughter provides me with a sense of security; I know they can get home no matter what the weather may be. This is especially comforting when I am halfway around the world watching weather.com!

A few months ago I was seriously considering selling my Land Rovers, despite really enjoying the brand. I frankly could no longer keep them on the road due to frequent service issues that resulted in call-back after call-back for botched or ineffective repairs. Unfortunately, the belief that the local Land Rover dealership would provide expert service proved not to be the solution to maintain my trucks.

At the time, my 2003 Discovery II had developed several oil leaks and had been to the dealership multiple times. Each visit to the dealership yielded a different diagnosis and the repair bills were mounting. Finally, when I was told I needed yet another expensive gasket replacement, I researched other service alternatives in the Raleigh area and Discovery Automotive was recommended as a possible solution. My only alternative would have been to sell the truck, which is in like-new condition despite high mileage.

Discovery Automotive correctly diagnosed the issue. There was a blown head gasket on the passenger side, and it had been that way for quite some time. It was undoubtedly the reason for all the problems and previous mis-diagnosed repairs. As you tore down the engine, you recommended other necessary repairs that were commensurate with a truck with well over 90,000 miles. A long story short, I received my vehicle running perfectly; literally better than new. The repair bill was more than reasonable and the significant work was done in only a few days. I had expected the truck to be ‘down’ for weeks.

I am a long-time sports car buff, amateur racer and have restored all manner of Alfa Romeo’s, Triumph’s and Austin-Healey’s. Although no master mechanic, I know my way around a car and how complex major repairs can be. That is why I was so pleasantly surprised when, after having Discovery tear my engine down to the short block and rebuilding it, there was not a nut or bolt missing, disconnected wire, smudge on my interior, scratches to my hood and fenders, missing parts…absolutely nothing. Everything worked, and again, the truck is better than new. It is a delight to drive.

Knowing how robust Land Rover construction is, I was looking forward to maintaining my trucks and keeping them for hundreds of thousands of miles each; letting them become family heirlooms, so to speak. That strategy was becoming doubtful before I found Discovery Automotive. Now I am confident I can maintain my trucks economically and enjoy them for years to come. Discovery Automotive was a genuine ‘find’ and I will never meet another Land Rover owner without telling them about my experiences.

No one will ever touch my trucks again other than Discovery!

Sincerely,

Vic Venettozzi

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

Date: December 5, 2008

Dave and Tracy,

I'd like to take this opportunity to Thank You both for the quality and reliable service your shop has given me over the years. Your honesty,
professionalism, and trust worthiness is very refreshing in today's times. Not only have I been extremely satisfied with the work that you have performed on my 2003 Discovery, but I also appreciate the quality effort that your team put forth getting my BMW Convertible back on the road. I couldn't ask for a more dependable shop, or people.

Thanks again for all of the help and support.

Sincerely,

Rich Ingersoll

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

From: Paul Miller
Date: November 11, 2008 4:47:48 PM EST
To: info@discoveryautomotive.com
Subject: Testimonial

Dave and Tracy-

I just wanted to thank you guys for going above and beyond just servicing my Land Rover. Recently I had problems over the weekend and had to put a vice grip on my battery terminal to hold it on. I called first thing Monday morning and of course you could work on it that morning. Not only could you get me in right away but when I could not figure out how to get my car there and back to work Tracy offered to drive me since I work nearby. The loaner car has also helped out in the past. I can not only trust you guys to do quality work but to help out with the hassle in any way possible. I really appreciate it and that is why we have been coming there for years for our 2002 Discovery.

Thanks,

Melissa Miller

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

From: Swenie Kevin MR.
Date: April 8, 2008 2:52:09 PM EDT
To: info@discoveryautomotive.com
Subject: Testimonial

For Dave and Tracy:

The purpose of this letter is to thank both of you very much for your outstanding work on our 2001 Discovery and 1999 Volvo Sedan.

I discovered your company when I received a postcard in the mail from you because I was a Land Rover owner. Your offer sounded interesting because it offered an immediate 10 percent discount on any service and genuine parts. Since I had a major 60,000 mile service coming due on both vehicles, I called both of the dealers we bought the cars from and inquired as to whether they could offer any kind of discounts on the services since we purchased the cars from them. Neither service manager seemed particularly interested in negotiating the cost of the services, so I gave Dave a call and chatted with him on the phone.

Dave stated that he had worked for five (5) years at Land Rover Cary and decided to open his own business since he knew he could offer the same services to car owners at a reduced price and still make a living. He stated that he was a certified Land Rover mechanic (chances are he had performed some of the services on my vehicle when I took it to Land Rover Cary), and could basically get genuine Land Rover parts same day if anything needed to be replaced. He offered a loaner vehicle at no charge.

Since my interest was peaked I gave him a try and he performed great work on the 60,000 mile Land Rover service. I was so pleased I took my wife's Volvo to him for some repairs and the 60,000 mile service. Everything was seamless and I saved several hundred dollars on the two vehicles.

Dave has never steered me wrong, has never tried to get me to do something I didn't want to do, and has never mis-represented the truth. Here's something else I like about Dave : when he finds a fault, he invites you back to the garage to show you the actual problem on the vehicle so you can see for yourself what he is talking about. That has never happened where we purchased our two vehicles. In fact, at those dealerships, the Service Managers act insulted if you ask them too many questions about the status of the work. Dave 's place is also no frills -- something I can appreciate. While his shop is very comfortable, I know I'm not helping to finance the latest Land Rover clothing line display in the showroom. Another thing. If you decide to take Dave up on a loaner vehicle and go shop in the mall while he is servicing your vehicle, he calls you and gives you periodic updates and never performs any work without your approval of the work in advance. I know I have saved money utilizing Discovery Automotive over the expensive, rip-off dealers and I am proud to say that I will be utilizing Discovery Automotive in the future. Dave and Tracy perform great work and I highly recommend their services to anyone.

Sincerely,

Kevin Swenie, Fayetteville

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

From: A. Liems
Subject: Audi A6 Quattro 4.2
Date: February 18, 2008 07:55.09 AM EDT
To: info@discoveryautomotive.com

Dear Dave,

I would like to thank you for taking the time, looking and repairing my 2001 Audi A6 4.2. A simple "check engine" light turned up all sorts of interesting codes and after changing several oxygen sensors and the mass flow air sensor the problem was fixed. The second best part of the service you offer, Dave, was the loaner car. That in itself made things very convenient and easy. I REALLY appreciate your professionalism and respect your experience and expertise. I thank my friend Andres for recommending you and even though I would rather not have to go to your shop for service on the Audi, I know I can count on you for the best and most professional service around town. Thank you Dave!

Sincerely,

Alexander Liems

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................