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Find or Refer a Contractor in Tyler

Firestation Auto Center

January 1st, 2010

Firestation Auto Center is quickly becoming one of the best used car dealers in Tyler Texas. Located off the corner of Vine and Glenwood, it is a drive from the other quality used car dealers found mostly on the loop. Located on the spot of the old Tyler fire house, Firestation has a distinct Tyler feel to it, allowing a pleasant experience. I went by during my search for a car not long ago and left feeling that although they didn’t have the car I was looking for, they treated me unlike any other dealer I visited and when my car finally bites the dust Firestation will be the first place I visit.

One thing that always bothers me with the search for a new car is the ferocity with which the salesmen approach me. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you drive into a parking lot and are pressured to make a huge purchase on a moments notice. Like a zebra being preyed on by drueling hyenas. At Firestation this can not be further from the case. At Firestation I wasn’t approached until I looked around for someone to ask about the car.

The salesmen were experts on every car on the lot and were never too pushy. Allowing me to enjoy looking at the cars without being asked if I’m going to buy it before I even see the inside.
Firestation only selects 40 to 50 cars due to the size of the lot so there is a chance you won’t find what you are looking for. The prices are as decent as the other used car lots in Tyler and unlike most of the other dealers, Firestation offers some sort of warranty on the majority of their vehicles. Although most of the warranties last around six months, it is a step up from the “as-is” status at most used car dealers.

Firestation is under new ownership, but little has changed in how the dealership has operated. The service is still top of the line and since they have stayed with the idea of only selecting a few vehicles, the quality of the vehicles is great for used vehicles, having few to no vehicles with high mileage on them.

Twenty five years of service says that Firestation is one of the highest caliber dealers in the east texas area. Every time I drive by the dealer I can’t help slowing down and checking out their newest cars on the lot and since some of the cars have posted prices it keeps the bartering mainly out, allowing everyone the same purchasing opportunities.

The down side to this dealer is that the financing of their vehicles is somewhat limited. If you have financing lined up I’d recommend checking out Firestation auto center the next time you are in the market for a new car. Since Firestation does have a website allowing you to view a large selection of the cars in their inventory, you can car shop without leaving the house if you so choose to.

The Tire Barn

November 27th, 2009

In all my years living in Tyler, I have never once been disappointed with the service and professionalism at The Tire Barn.

Today, many automotive businesses rely on gimmicks to draw in customers. The Tire Barn never bothered with gimmicks. They just offer excellent work and terrific customer service.

A few years back, I pulled over by the Canton Police and given two tickets for not having my registration or inspection stickers. This was a problem, because it was my friend’s car, and she wasn’t going to be in Texas for another two months. As the deadline for her registration (and my subsequent ticket dismissal) drew near, I could not pass the state inspection because her car’s tires were too bald, and I was not financially able to buy her a new set of tires.[ad#large-blog-block]

So I did what I always did when I had tire issues: I went to the Tire Barn on Spur 364 behind the Kelly Tires plant, and a short hop west of Lindsey Park. I would have taken the car there in the first place if I had known they do state inspections. I explained my dilemma and they went out back and began rummaging through some older tires. Five minutes later, they came back with tires in hand. In ten minutes, I was pulling out of Tire Barn with two new old tires, and a wallet that was breathing a sigh of relief. I passed inspection, and my tickets were dismissed.

But the thing I love most about The Tire Barn is how they treated my wife whenever she was there. As a husband, I am aware of how mechanics can try to bilk unsuspecting women into making unnecessary repairs, or finding inexplicable reasons to add to the final bill. But the good folks at Tire Barn were always respectful, professional and kind. They always helped her make the most cost-effective decisions.

The Tire Barn offers a variety of services: Wheel Alignment, Disc Brake Service, Shocks and Struts, Tire Rotation, and Wheel Balance. They are open Weekdays from 7:30 to 5:00, and Saturday from 8 to Noon. They specialize in Goodyear and Dunlap Tires, and they accept all major credit cards. If you have any tire needs at all, come see them at the corner of 13687 FM 206 and SPUR 364. You will not be disappointed by their expertise and customer support.

Quick Lane Tire & Auto

November 27th, 2009

Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center (Formerly called Super Pit Crew Oil Change) is a business that is based solely on the premise that men wish they were race car drivers. Why? Because race car drivers get to hang out where the action is, have their hands on really, really expensive toys, and get to wait on other people to do all the work on their cars. Fifty years ago, Quick Lane probably wouldn’t have succeeded. Men were men then, and knew how to change their own oil, align their tires, and pop in a new transmission all before breakfast! At least, that’s what they tell us. But for the would be Dale Earnhardt, Jr’s of the world, Quick Lane is the perfect place to bring your car.

Why? Because Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center lets customers hang out in their huge lobby, watch ESPN on their huge Hight Definition TV, enjoy a helping of popcorn, and salivate over their real race car. All while their own car is receiving a clean dose of oil, a wax, and maybe a brake job.[ad#large-blog-block]

Quick Lane specializes in on oil changes and tire issues. They have a broad selection of tires, especially Goodyear. They also are very good with alignments, brakes, shocks, struts, and inspections. I usually brought my car to Quick Lane for oil changes and general inspections, and they always did a good. Their customer service is excellent. They kept me, the customer, well informed, and were always thorough in giving me my options. Plus, watching sports in the middle of the day was always terrific!

Quick Lane is not so good for bigger jobs. Maybe it’s because they have a high overhead, but their prices are going to be higher than you will want to pay. Don’t go there for an A/C replacement or engine work. Let them stick to the basics: Tire, oil, and car wash. They’ll do a good job, and you will enjoy the pit stop.

Quick Lane is located on the West Loop next to the Jack-O-Diamonds Car Dealership. They accept all major credit cards.