ProAuto Does it Again

[pgrahmm]

A couple of months ago I had a rotation/balance/alignment done at ProAuto.....

This week a quick left pull started....Checked air pressures → ok....Checked when braking → ok.....But when driving constant pull to the left - fighting the steering...

Took it in to Ton to check + check over for upcoming trip.....

Alignment done & small part I asked for (valve stem).....Roadtest ok and went to settle up.....No other needs noted.....

Alignment - N/C (3 month warranty)

Valve Stem - 20B

Total = 20B & a smile/thank you for returning.....

Thank you Ton .....

====================================

Compared to a year ago at BQuick - CV joints repacked & new boots on the wife's Honda 7-8,000B + other upsells they talked to the wife about that upped the ante - axles started popping on turns at under 1700K

→ but over 60 days.....

Had to take to another shop in Doi Lo and have redone correctly @ 4,000B......

====================================

[ProAuto]

Once again, thank you so much for the feedback and coming back

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I've used ProAuto recently and very happy with the service. Had some work done on the engine.

Edited December 15, 2015 by WinnieTheKhwai

[LannaGuy]

sounds great service... do they specialize in particular cars? location? sun tuning?

[ProAuto]

sounds great service... do they specialize in particular cars? location? sun tuning?

We specialize in Japanese cars including Mazda and Ford.

The location is here https://goo.gl/H3Xrst

We can also provide sun tuning service.

Looking forward to be of your assistance

[connda]

Who is Ton? I've got a 1990 Toyota Corolla. It use to pull to the left until I put new tires on it about 2000 km ago. After the new tires, the steering smoothed. However, our rural road in Lamphun has a lot of potholes. The suspension sounds loud and rattles a lot when hitting potholes. And now it pulls a little while driving. I'm wondering if it needs new shocks and an alignment check. Do you recommend ProAuto???

Edited December 15, 2015 by connda

[MESmith]

Who is Ton? I've got a 1990 Toyota Corolla. It use to pull to the left until I put new tires on it about 2000 km ago. After the new tires, the steering smoothed. However, our rural road in Lamphun has a lot of potholes. The suspension sounds loud and rattles a lot when hitting potholes. And now it pulls a little while driving. I'm wondering if it needs new shocks and an alignment check. Do you recommend ProAuto???

Apparently so....

[pgrahmm]

Who is Ton? I've got a 1990 Toyota Corolla. It use to pull to the left until I put new tires on it about 2000 km ago. After the new tires, the steering smoothed. However, our rural road in Lamphun has a lot of potholes. The suspension sounds loud and rattles a lot when hitting potholes. And now it pulls a little while driving. I'm wondering if it needs new shocks and an alignment check. Do you recommend ProAuto???

Completely & I'm guessing upper strut mounts/bearings on your Corolla.....MacStruts are what you have and usually don't have a bang sound... .They'll be able to tell you and give you an estimate first....

Kuhn Ton is who you will be speaking to and working with......

Edited December 15, 2015 by pgrahmm

[kaptainrob]

Rattles might indicate new shocks required. Best part about Ton (owner/operator) is he speaks excellent English and a preliminary safety check will reveal what is required.

A 25 year old Toyota may be expected to drive a little less than 'as new' ...

[connda]

Rattles might indicate new shocks required. Best part about Ton (owner/operator) is he speaks excellent English and a preliminary safety check will reveal what is required.

A 25 year old Toyota may be expected to drive a little less than 'as new' ...

Thanks Rob. I might drive it by for a look. I don't necessarily trust my 'Thai' mechanic, especially after he referred me to a fellow mechanic. My air-con was not working, so my mechanic told my wife, "Mai Dai", go to this guy. That guy said I needed an 18000 THB new compressor. I had him fill the Freon. That was well over a year ago, and my A/C works just fine. Now I don't trust my wife's mechanic. Why should I???

[connda]

Where is ProAuto?

[Tywais]

Where is ProAuto?

Link supplied in ProAuto's post above. Here it is again: ProAuto's location

//edit - Street View

[Thailand]

Where is ProAuto?

d

Coming along the Chiangmai Hod road,past Big C on the left, past Makro, first uturn after Makro about 100 yards on the left back towards Chiangmai,big red building.

[nivram4491]

I needed an oil and filter change on my Nissan NV today so I decided to check out ProAuto. I asked for a quote which came to more than 1600 Baht. The quote included 950 Baht for oil, 150 Baht charge for labor and an oil filter and air filter which I can't remember the exact price of. I didn't ask for an air filter and they didn't bother to look if I needed one.

I decided to take it to a more local Thai place about one kilometer away but about 200 meters off Hang Dong Road. They changed the oil and oil filter, Removed the air filter, which was in perfect condition, and air blow cleaned it. The air filter holder needed a longer plastic pipe so they went off into their junk pile and found a longer plastic tubing. They topped up the brake fluid, power steering and battery. They even inflated the tires using a proper tire gauge to check the pressure.

The valve cover had leaked a little oil but instead of trying to sell me a new replacement gasket they tightened the bolts holding down the valve cover. Every one of the bolts was very loose.

The total cost of labour and parts was 570 Baht.

For all you cheap charlies like myself out there, it pays to look around and check places out. The neatest looking place catering to farang are not necessarily the best and definitely not the best value.

[pgrahmm]

Went in last week....AC not blowing chilled air.....

System topped off & checked = OK

In and out in 40 minutes 500B....

Worst thing you can do is to air gun the air filter - it increases the size of the micronal openings and dirt and dust are no longer trapped but goes through into the engine... If you can't tap it out on the ground or if impacted replace it.....

The air filter another shop BQk wanted to charge 1500 for was 350 at ProAuto....And they did check it during a normal servicing....

I'm always out numbered about 3-4 to 1 by Thai customers so they have to be doing something right....

Edited March 16, 2016 by pgrahmm

[Sparkles]

Ton at ProAuto is not just targeting foreigners he just saw an opportunity to build his business through TV, hence being a sponsor.

[Sparkles]

I needed an oil and filter change on my Nissan NV today so I decided to check out ProAuto. I asked for a quote which came to more than 1600 Baht. The quote included 950 Baht for oil, 150 Baht charge for labor and an oil filter and air filter which I can't remember the exact price of. I didn't ask for an air filter and they didn't bother to look if I needed one.

I decided to take it to a more local Thai place about one kilometer away but about 200 meters off Hang Dong Road. They changed the oil and oil filter, Removed the air filter, which was in perfect condition, and air blow cleaned it. The air filter holder needed a longer plastic pipe so they went off into their junk pile and found a longer plastic tubing. They topped up the brake fluid, power steering and battery. They even inflated the tires using a proper tire gauge to check the pressure.

The valve cover had leaked a little oil but instead of trying to sell me a new replacement gasket they tightened the bolts holding down the valve cover. Every one of the bolts was very loose.

The total cost of labour and parts was 570 Baht.

For all you cheap charlies like myself out there, it pays to look around and check places out. The neatest looking place catering to farang are not necessarily the best and definitely not the best value.

570 baht included the new oil ????

[sappersrest]

I needed an oil and filter change on my Nissan NV today so I decided to check out ProAuto. I asked for a quote which came to more than 1600 Baht. The quote included 950 Baht for oil, 150 Baht charge for labor and an oil filter and air filter which I can't remember the exact price of. I didn't ask for an air filter and they didn't bother to look if I needed one.

I decided to take it to a more local Thai place about one kilometer away but about 200 meters off Hang Dong Road. They changed the oil and oil filter, Removed the air filter, which was in perfect condition, and air blow cleaned it. The air filter holder needed a longer plastic pipe so they went off into their junk pile and found a longer plastic tubing. They topped up the brake fluid, power steering and battery. They even inflated the tires using a proper tire gauge to check the pressure.

The valve cover had leaked a little oil but instead of trying to sell me a new replacement gasket they tightened the bolts holding down the valve cover. Every one of the bolts was very loose.

The total cost of labour and parts was 570 Baht.

For all you cheap charlies like myself out there, it pays to look around and check places out. The neatest looking place catering to farang are not necessarily the best and definitely not the best value.

It looks like you took your car to the scrapyard,"they went to their junk pile and got a a longer plastic tube" says a lot about the place,I would rather take my car to be serviced at a place that I can eat my dinner off the floor. Pro auto for me every time.

[pgrahmm]

I needed an oil and filter change on my Nissan NV today so I decided to check out ProAuto. I asked for a quote which came to more than 1600 Baht. The quote included 950 Baht for oil, 150 Baht charge for labor and an oil filter and air filter which I can't remember the exact price of. I didn't ask for an air filter and they didn't bother to look if I needed one.

I decided to take it to a more local Thai place about one kilometer away but about 200 meters off Hang Dong Road. They changed the oil and oil filter, Removed the air filter, which was in perfect condition, and air blow cleaned it. The air filter holder needed a longer plastic pipe so they went off into their junk pile and found a longer plastic tubing. They topped up the brake fluid, power steering and battery. They even inflated the tires using a proper tire gauge to check the pressure.

The valve cover had leaked a little oil but instead of trying to sell me a new replacement gasket they tightened the bolts holding down the valve cover. Every one of the bolts was very loose.

The total cost of labour and parts was 570 Baht.

For all you cheap charlies like myself out there, it pays to look around and check places out. The neatest looking place catering to farang are not necessarily the best and definitely not the best value.

570 baht included the new oil ????

Yep - something wrong with this picture.....You can't buy ANY quality oil in the 6-7 liter range for under 700-800B......

Off the shelf or supplied.....

[Dante99]

I needed an oil and filter change on my Nissan NV today so I decided to check out ProAuto. I asked for a quote which came to more than 1600 Baht. The quote included 950 Baht for oil, 150 Baht charge for labor and an oil filter and air filter which I can't remember the exact price of. I didn't ask for an air filter and they didn't bother to look if I needed one.

I decided to take it to a more local Thai place about one kilometer away but about 200 meters off Hang Dong Road. They changed the oil and oil filter, Removed the air filter, which was in perfect condition, and air blow cleaned it. The air filter holder needed a longer plastic pipe so they went off into their junk pile and found a longer plastic tubing. They topped up the brake fluid, power steering and battery. They even inflated the tires using a proper tire gauge to check the pressure.

The valve cover had leaked a little oil but instead of trying to sell me a new replacement gasket they tightened the bolts holding down the valve cover. Every one of the bolts was very loose.

The total cost of labour and parts was 570 Baht.

For all you cheap charlies like myself out there, it pays to look around and check places out. The neatest looking place catering to farang are not necessarily the best and definitely not the best value.

570 baht included the new oil ????

Yep - something wrong with this picture.....You can't buy ANY quality oil in the 6-7 liter range for under 700-800B......

Off the shelf or supplied.....

They only put a liter of new oil in.

[nivram4491]

Yep - something wrong with this picture.....You can't buy ANY quality oil in the 6-7 liter range for under 700-800B......

Off the shelf or supplied.....

There is nothing wrong with the picture. Only your version of it.

I'm sorry I forgot to take a photo of the oil container. But it was a sealed 4 L container of PTT oil just like you would buy from a PTT service station but for double the price. The filter was new out of the box.

I did a scan of the bill just to prove that there is nothing wrong with the picture. Any possible identification information has been removed.

Why would any one want to eat off the floor of a shop that does mechanical work? Messy or neat doesn't really matter for an oil change. In my opinion the mechanics who worked on the car were very professional. But yeah, I definitely wouldn't recommend eating off the floor.

My point is that the service provided was great (flexible) and not expensive.

My 1600 cc NV does not take the full 4 L container of oil and from the bill below you can see I was only charged for 3.5 L which came to 420 Baht. The filter was 150 Baht. All the other things they did was part of the service they provided..

[MadMac]

Bring it down to the labor cost it's the same. They just gave you some cheaper oil, which is ok for that stoneage car.

[nivram4491]

Bring it down to the labor cost it's the same. They just gave you some cheaper oil, which is ok for that stoneage car.

[dvg]

sounds great service... do they specialize in particular cars? location? sun tuning?

We specialize in Japanese cars including Mazda and Ford.

The location is here https://goo.gl/H3Xrst

We can also provide sun tuning service.

Looking forward to be of your assistance

I have used ProAuto last week for some valveproblems with my Mazda 3 and I am very happy with

the work and service they did.First he (Ton) did check the problem and gave me an estimate off the cost.

When I did bring the car for the repair,they did bring me back home(20 km).During the repare Ton (he speaks

good English)did keep me informed about the progress.When finissed they did bring the car back to my home,

all shiny and clean.The bill was almost exactly as the estimate.

I can recommend ProAuto to everyone,Ton and his crew are very nice and skilled people.

Dirk (sounds like Erik ?!?)

[sendbaht]

I look so forward to the new ProAuto opening up in Mae Rim.....hay, I can at least get the dream rolling....)

[ToonBroon]

My car is due its 100k + km service (2nd engine - long story!) and I have been reading some good reports on TV about Save Way and ProAuto. Appreciate input regarding experiences with both to help me choose. My car is a 2005 Toyota Vios Turbo. The turbo unit is an original fitted by Toyota, one of only 600 made. I am having no problems with the car, all seems well, just want to keep it that way.

Thanks

TB

[MadMac]

Small thumbs up for the guys. Been there with the car from madame, changed tires, oil, the usual, and I got free wipers for my pickup (they did not have the Sonic size LOL). Friendly, professional. Recommended!

[silverhawk_usa]

Add me to the list of satisfied customers. Oil change, frt brake pads, a couple new suspension bushings that I requested replaced. I always believe in using QUALITY parts on my vehicles and the best service, even if it costs a little more. Which it didn't. Ton is a champ at answering questions and discussions in English. I live in Mae Rim, but it is just a quick trip around the outer ring rd, Hwy121, to get there. I will be back when necessary.

[NancyL]

Just got word that Pro Auto has extended their free wiper blade offer thru the end of July. Spend more than 1500 baht for any service or have an auto oil change and receive a free pair of wiper blades. I've heard nothing but good reports about ProAuto. Be sure to mention that this is the special offer only for members of ThaiVisa and CM Expats Club!

[FTB]

On the advice of this forum I posted a couple questions to Ton at Pro Auto. His responses were both helpful and honest. Some of the work was outside his area of expertise at Pro Auto as they were specialist motorsports modifications. He was helpful and informative with his areas of expertise. On top of that he sourced out answers to my questions above his areas of expertise, this is well above the service I have received at most places.

He sourced all the information I needed without any repayment to him other than servicing a customer. He knows and understands that service like that will solidify customers like me for a long time.

Ton the owner is not only a gent for great service for your vehicle he's also an interesting lad to talk regarding business strategy and his goals.

I have purchased a set of tires for him along with a full service on my truck. I was pleasantly surprised to see the wheels being bolted to the car with a torque wrench. A tool I sadly do not see utilized all to often over here.

8 have referred two friends to his shop and will continue to recommend him as he went above and beyond in his service to me.