Dans Automotive/ Wards Auto Service Inc

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Semper Paratus
2 months ago
I have gone to Dan s multiple times now & they're always welcoming, work quickly & haven't gouged me like some others.The last time I was there I heard a mechanic talking in the back & mentioned that a wobble they heard coming from a blower motor wasn t the motor but a mouse & to advise the owner that she wouldn t need a new blower motor after all. They could have easily lied but took the high road which is cool as hell in my book.It s been very cold lately so as a result, my tire pressure went down all around. I didn t say anything to them but they took care of it. Saved me a trip to the gas station standing out in -20 weather which I really appreciate.

  Jacob Pelham
2 months ago
This is the only mechanic I will trust on the Kenai Peninsula, and honestly in Alaska. The mechanics here are knowledgeable and professional and the customer service goes well above and beyond. I cannot recommend Dan s enough, seriously if you need your vehicle worked on, take it here.

  Derek Beyer
7 months ago
Blew a brake line on a trip down from Fairbanks to do some hiking. Was recommended by the Ram dealer. Despite how busy they clearly are, he was able to get me in. Got a brake line ordered that day. Called me at 10am next day to tell me my truck was ready. Fast, friendly and honest about the expectations and ended up exceeding them. Brakes do brake stuff now!Service: Brakes

  Steven Selby
7 months ago
Always great service, they ve taken great care of my 2019 Honda and soon to be working on my older Expedition and Camaro.They ve got fair pricing and are always friendly when calling them on the phone.

  Donavan Stanford
a year ago
Dans automotive is the best mechanic on the Kenai peninsula. You can bring them a 33 year old rusty piece of junk that leaks everywhere possible and can t keep a serpentine belt on to save it s life and you will leave with a 33 year old dream ride. Runs like a 2022 and they ll have it done that week or sooner, no hiccups, they re quick to find parts and even faster at installing them. Aaaaannndd then when they re done they ll explain what was going on with your engine. So I now I know more about cars than I ever have. I won t take my van anywhere else.Services: Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Vehicle safety inspection, Oil change

  Kristin Ransom
2 years ago
We have been lied to the entire time our vehicle has been in the shop. Every time we've called they told us it was either in the bay or getting ready to be worked on. In 2 weeks they have put a total of 3 hours on our vehicle. We were told it would be done this afternoon and come to find out it hasn't even been worked on. We have been told time and time again it was next and it has not been worked on hardly at all. There is a staffing issue and instead of being truthful about the extended amount of time it would take to repair, they've strung us along the entire way. We went to this shop because of the good reviews and recommendations. We have received anything but good, honest service.Services: Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes

  Chris Arnold
a year ago
I had a check engine light on that when cheked, gave codes for a cylinder misfiring and a bad coil. I called the auto shop in Seward, and they said they couldn't see me until after Thanksgiving. No matter what the code was. This is my only vehicle so I called Dan's in Soldotna next. I told them what was going on and this is my only vehicle. And they said they can work their schedule and to bring in my truck that day. They knew that what was going on with my truck was pretty serious, so they didn't want the problem to cause thousands of dollars of damage. They worked me in their schedule and fixed the problem. Saving me tons of money and getting my truck back on the road. They are awesome at what they do and we're very understanding of the problem. Thank you guys at Dan's for all your help. I highly recommend them for your auto mechanic needs.

  Matthew Michaelson
a year ago
I brought my vehicle in for a diagnosis of front end howling at highway speeds. 2 weeks and $4600 later I said no to the 3rd "fix" they proposed to remedy the front end noise. Seems to me they misdiagnosed in a very big way. I picked my truck up only to have it drive worse than when I brought it in. After extensive front end work, the truck pulls hard to the right (no alignment done?) and howls loud as ever. 0 stars for diagnosis and mechanical work. 1 star for customer service because they were cordial on the phone.Services: Steering & suspension replacement, Auto maintenance

  ed vaughn
a year ago
Mechanically they were outstanding. Everything you would want in a shop: amazing knowledge, prompt service once the part arrived.The part took twice as long to arrive as the three to five days I was told. I was charged an additional 100 bucks in parts, which I had to pay in addition to the hundred I gave them to order the part. If there was to be additional charges, wouldn't paying in advance take care of that. Alaska does have a law on shops overcharging for repairs, parts and labor.My original bill was for $320 with a hundred received for parts. When I picked up my truck the bill was for $420 including the hundred paid earlier. So my bill shot up over 30%.I did not and still don't appreciate being forced (you had my truck in your possession) to pay an extra hundred bucks for a part which you would not produce a bill of lading for.BE CAREFUL WITH THESE FOLKS

  CHRISTOPHER BROWN
a year ago
This review is about my 2016 F350 with only 13,000 miles brought to Dan's in September 2021. I held back submitting a negative review since I was new to the area and didn't want to be seen as a complainer. Since that time I have listened to others who expressed similar disatisfation with Dan's. I had a check engine light that the computer diagnosed as a DEF heater failure. In Fords there is more than one heater. They replaced the more expensive tank heater and the engine light came on again within 24 hours. I brought the truck back and Justin said they put in a NAPA part not an OEM part. It took over 2 weeks to get the OEM part and schedule another appointment. The OEM tank heater was swapped in and again within about 6 hours the check engine came on. Again I returned now to be told that the DEF outlflow heater had now failed and would need to be replaced as well. Checking other resources I found that the likelyhood of both heaters failing at the same time on a vehicle with only 13,000 miles, one that had not been even driven in an Alaskan winter was almost impossible. I refused to let Dan's work on the truck and took it to another repair shop. The part for this repair was only about $140.00 plus labor. However because the vehicle was driven after the first repair and the second repair it is suspected that the "burnout" glowplug controller module (444.00) was as a result of the vehicle being operated with a failed DEF outflow heater sending power to a failer DEF heater. I brought the vehicle back to Justin at Dan's and requested a refund of the $1,100.00 they charged me without fixing the problem. I believed that becaused Dan's had another much older Ford diesil truck recently they felt this was the same problem and did not sufficiently test the tank heater before replacing it. They did not tell me they tested it until I returned for a refund and believe the tank heater was not the one causing the failure message. Justin refused to accept any responsibility for not fixing the problem during the 3 repair visits made at Dan's. My total cost for repairs at both Dan's and the other repair shop was over $2,200.00 when it would have been about $600.00 if it had been correctly diagnosed and repaired when first brought inNever to return, beware.Service: Auto exhaust system repair

  Jon Bryan
a year ago
Incompetent isn't a strong enough word. Car sat there 3 weeks waiting on a 5 minute test drive. Didn't fix the problem. Vehicle is back there now. Taken apart and they are not even sure if parts have been ordered. IncompetentServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repairServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair

  Lisa Speckels
2 years ago
We took our Dodge truck in because we were not getting any heat. After Dans checked it they told us it possibly had a head gasket problem or an oil cooler leak because they saw oil in the coolant. My husband knows his engines and explained why neither of these could be the issue and why there couldn't be oil in the coolant. My husband convinced them to do a coolant flush. They did a flush and told him we had problems, they couldn't get fluids to flow. What they thought was oil had hardened on a screwdriver overnight and they couldn't get a good flush. They said they couldn't fix it and that will be $500.00. We took our truck to an independant mechanic. He had us put in radiator flush, run the truck for a week and bring it in. He did a complete engine flush and we now have heat! He charged half of what Dan's did and he fixed our problem. Beware of Dan's unless you know your engines!Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair

  Hailey
3 years ago
Dan's automotive is the only place I would take my car on the peninsula. They do a wonderful job. They aren't too pricey which is always nice. They do a great job at explaining what is wrong with your car and they show it to you. Plus they fix it pretty quickly! 11/10 recommend

  Frank V
a year ago
Dan's did a brake job on my Ram dually and one of the axle seals they replaced started leaking. They replaced the defective part and drained and serviced the rear end at no charge.

  Stephanie Pintur
a year ago
Took my truck here when I moved here in April. Was hearing noises coming from the front of my truck. So they got me in quick. After them inspecting my truck. I was told I needed new brakes all the way around. Wheel bearing hub on the right front passenger side and my drivers side caliper was sticking. Tried to tell me it would cost around 2000.00. So I took it to dodge dealership and was told the only issue was the right front wheel bearing needed replaced. And front and rear brakes are all brand new and nothing wrong with them. This place tried to get 2000 out of me. I won t be going back. Don t know if dude thought cause I was a woman I was dumb or if I would be gullible enough to pay that.. Beware peopleService: Vehicle Inspection

  root jeffery
2 years ago
Went in for a tire changeover. Got there at the start of their business day. It is our only vehicle so we were on foot for the time being. They couldn't put the tires on since they were in bad shape. Which I understand. However, we waited all day before we had to go in and check on our vehicles status a half hour before closing. I just feel that they should have called me when service couldnt be provided. I tried to call but only got a voicemail which was full. I wasted an entire day waiting for service that was never going to be provided. Im sure they are top notch mechanics, but their customer service is in need of some serious improvement.

  William Ward
6 years ago
My family an I have full confident and trust in Dan's auto. I had my dodge pickups, cars and even Jaguar repaired there. They were always honest an trust worthy. They also were honest and there work was of great products an quality. There warranty was always honored.All my family uses them. Because I fill confident in them to take care of my children's vehicle's so I know there vehicle's are safe to drive. That important to my wife and I.

  Cecilia King
a year ago
I live in Cooper Landing but while in town, I needed a valve stem replacement and these guys took us in right away and got is fixed up!! Very friendly and welcoming vibe!! Much appreciated and thankful! I'll be going back for sure Service: TiresService: Tires

  Darryl Beshears
9 months ago
We were traveling through and needed an oil change, they got us in and did a great job, highly recommend for auto services.

  Jamie Eastlick
a year ago
Friendly staff and fast service. My new go-to for all car services they provide. Had their help 4 times this year and left with a smile every time!

  Alicia Forbes
a year ago
I ve had Dan s work on my vehicle a few times now. They re very reasonably priced, super fast, and awesome customer service!!Service: Auto maintenanceService: Auto maintenance

  Patrick Y
3 years ago
I traveled the morning from anchorage to soldotna. One of my stops was Dan's auto service for a spark plug change as this had been recommended. I was told by the shop manager that this would take about two hours. After my vehicle was in the shop, i was told that i would also need valve cover gaskets. However after most of the day had passed i was told that my truck needed an ejector, i was baffled as my truck had run flawlessly. But the shop manager said thats what i needed. At closing the mechanic returned my truck saying g the truck repairs were complete. I paid a $653.00 bill and I gave a fifty dollar tip (poor choice by me as i didn't even try the truck out at that that point). When i started my truck it hardly ran, missing, chugging, etc. I asked what in creation did they do to my truck, the manager said that i how i brought the truck in. Why in the world would i drive a truck from anchorage that ran like that? The shop manager said i could return the truck for the injector repair. I repeated to him that his mechanic messed something up, but he didn't listen. I knew a mechanic that worked there, he told me that he and his brother would look at my truck the following day. After the whole day, the new mechanic told me that the other mechanic had crushed my injector wires, i assume when he installed the valve covers. The mechanic spliced my wires; i was very appreciative and gave another one hundred and fifty dollar tip. I was upset with Dan's Auto and especially the manager. I was told later that the first mechanic had been known for lying and had be subject to discipline for this behavior. So why did the manager infactically believe this person. I am still baffled that the manager would think i would drive this vehicle from anchorage in this condition. Anyway, ilI return to Ancborage however, my truck again started misfiring and chugging. I texted an employee that my truck was behaving poorly and that i would take my vehicle to Kendal Toyota. He said to bring it back, so why would i risk driving my truck from Anchorage to Soldotna in this condition. How much would towing be if i broke down. The mechanic thought this was chickens##t? Kendal repaired my truck (finding loose wiring) and repaired another item. Dan's Auto offered nothing, so at this point i had a $650 bill, $200 in tips (regrettably), $30 in cab fair, over $100 in motel stay, and two full days of my time. Kendal repaired my truck, but this was ridiculous for a simple spark plug change. I really dislike the managers behavior and the dishonestly.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  samuel hamilton
2 years ago
Dropped car off to get my tires put on. Paid in advance asked them leave keys with car because I wont be back until 10pm. Didnt do it and now im stuck in town 30 miles from home. But they did a good job on tiresService: TiresService: Tires

  Eileen Something
4 years ago
Dan's Automotive has always been good to me and takes care of my car without extra charges. They have always explained what they are doing and have had good customer service! This is a great family owned business!

  John Byrd
2 years ago
Very professional and fast and most important it was done right have had alignments done from other places and well just say Dan's is the best so far I recommend to anyone that needs any work to there vehicle done go see Justin at Dan'sService: Wheel alignmentService: Wheel alignment

  Ella Birchard
5 years ago
I had my car serviced here for the first time. The service was quick and customer service was great. Thank you Justin for being attentive to my concern. Although that was my first time there, I feel they can be trusted. I now know where to go for all my needs.

  Philip Brown
4 years ago
My vehicle broke down and was towed from Cooper Landing to Dan's Auto. I told Cody I thought it was an electrical issue with a wire under the dash. Service Manager Cody called me late the following day and told me they had replaced both the alternator and the voltage regulator, but for $265 I was "good to go". I headed back towards Anchorage, but broke down again in Turnagain Pass. After being towed into Sand Lake Auto in Anchorage, I explained that I thought the electrical issue was a bad wire. Next day Sand Lake called and said they found the bad wire and I owed $62.00.I called Cody back and told him what was found. Cody said he would talk to his technician about it. I asked Cody if Dan's would share in HALF of the $285 tow bill back to Anchorage since they failed to fix the problem and he agreed. Eight weeks and three phone calls later Cody finally made good on half the towing bill. Think twice before you take any electrical issues to Dan's Auto.

  Meredith Moore
5 years ago
Staff are friendly and helpful. I love that the inspection reports and other paperwork was emailed to me and they took the time to go over the paperwork with us. Dan's will be our first stop for all our vehicle maintenance needs!

  Chris I. R. P.
5 years ago
FANTASTIC!!! These guys helped me with a busted wire for my wipers when they crapped out on me on the trip from Anchorage to Kenai- on New Year's Eve, no less! The service was great, thr customer service was amazing! Nicest fellas running this shop, and the service was speedy, too. Thank again, guys!

  Slava toin
4 years ago
I broke down and was towed to Dan s Automotive in Soldotna a day before I needed to get on a ferry in Homer. I presented my emergency to Dan s staff; they were very overbooked but they got my vehicle repaired just before the close of business. They said they would ve stayed late, if it became necessary, to resolve the issue. I made it to the ferry on time. I couldn t be more grateful! Thank you Dan s!