Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:07:04 -0500
From: Phyllis Thomas
Subject: Auto mechanic

In response to the request for an auto mechanic:

When anyone needs an auto mechanic, I can’t wait to recommend the technicians at Siler City Automotive.  The work is reliable, at a reasonable price, and is done in a very timely manner.

Jimmy Brower, the owner, takes the time to explain the problem and tells you the solution that they came up with.  The facility is very clean, and there are informational videos showing in the waiting area.

The phone number is 919-742-5991.  Give them a try.  I think you will be completely satisfied.

Phyllis

Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:28:17 -0500
From: Shannon Crane
Subject: Toyota dealership

Has anyone had experiences with the Toyota dealerships in Sanford and/or Asheboro?

I recently had my catalytic converter replaced by Auto Pro (big shout out to Barry & Jennifer) but when the master warning light came on for hybrid battery I had to take it to the dealership. I went to Fred Anderson in Durham. When I called the day before and was given a quote on what to expect to replace it (gulp, approx $3K). However, when I took it in they tried to charge me ~$500 more. The estimate work up showed 7 hours of labor. I called Leith in Raleigh to double check cost and time and sure enough, the original price quote I had received was correct and labor should have only been 4 hours. When I called it to the attention of the service advisor he looked it up on the computer and agreed it should only be 4.3 hours so went to check with the mechanic. Came back and said it was an error. Hmmm …

I went ahead and had it done since I was there but I have lost my confidence in this dealership. Granted, it could have been an honest mistake – but I somehow doubt that they would have only charged me the 4 hours had I not called it to their attention. Furthermore, when I got the car back they had a check list of other things they had looked at and failed to mention my washer fluid was empty — I know this because I need a new tank and have ignored it for years now. So, it makes me wonder if they even checked and filled any of the things they claim they did on that checklist.

I will continue to use AutoPro for my regular service needs but when I need something hybrid specific I will choose another dealer. So … just wanting to get feedback on the other two dealerships in this area.

Am also interested in hearing if anyone has had a good or bad experience with Toyota in Durham.

Thanks!.

Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:58:54 -0500 (EST)
From: Bea O’Quinn
Subject: Re: Chatham Chatlist #4196 – Lee Pollard’s request

In response to Lee Pollard’s request for ” Subject: Which body shop does the BEST body work?” — Do not, under any circumstances, take your classic car to C.A.R.S. on 15-501 between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill.

If you would like to discuss this offline, please email me and my husband will tell you about his experiences there over the past year.  He’s having nightmares over his beloved ’62 chevy they did a horrible job of painting and restoring!

Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 05:51:32 -0500
From: Tarus Balog
Subject: Rides to the Airport

Just a heads up that I just got a ride to the airport with “Around Town Taxi”. Justin picked me up at o’dark thirty and got me to the airport for a very fair price and in plenty of time.

If you need a ride from Chatham to RDU, you won’t regret giving him a call: 919-444-9552.

-T.

Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:20:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tina Meeks
Subject: Temporary Sign Ordinance exception – UPDATE #3

Here’s an update:

As of today, after a personal visit, the Town of Pittsboro Planning Office is going to work with us on our DIRECTIONAL signs. We’re only allowed to put out one at a time so we’ll be swapping between 15/501 and 64. Sorry if you get confused because you’ll see them on 64 one day and 15/501 the next. Mr. Bass (Planning Director) said he’ll see how that goes with the complaints and follow-up with us if there are anymore. Yes, people are complaining, which is why our signs are being enforced. I still plan to make a statement at the next Board meeting on October 24th at 7 pm.. There are a few off-premise (including directional) signs that aren’t being enforced and I plan to question why?

The off-premise signs are exempt for churches, yard sales, non-profits, festivals, one-time things, etc. etc. but when you get down to it, it only leaves businesses that fall under the enforcement and they are only enforced when a complaint is made.

We can’t thank ya’ll enough for your continued support!!
 
Help us spread the word…we are at 136 Fayetteville Street. The street next to the Pittsboro United Methodist Church (before you get to the courthouse circle).
We are easily accessible from Business 64 and 15/501 South (off of Womack St) behind the PBO Fire Department near the ABC store.  
 
Cheers,
Shot of ‘Spro Mobile Espresso
www.shotofspro.com
info@shotofspro.com
(919) 663-5796
(919) 799-0181 call or text ahead your order

Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:24:26 -0400 (EDT)
From: vinitslrn
Subject: Diesel Mechanic

Hi Chatlister

Wanted to share some info.

I had asked for recommendations for a good diesel mechanic and I received several recommendations.
I went with Chris Hoover of Hoover Built Performance. He fixed my F-350 and it is running like it never has before. He is fair and reasonable and has an unbelievable knowledge of diesel trucks.

He showed me the parts he took off so I could see what went wrong.
He took his time and explained things to me whenever I called and never was anything but pleasant. I can say enough good things about Chris.
I am so pleased I wanted to share this info with the list.
His number is 336-302-3331.
Vini

Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:31:17 -0400
From: Kira Dirlik
Subject: Re: Car tags

I received so many responses to my post and want to thank all of you.  

But here is something VERY weird.  First, I have to ‘fess up to a  certain degree of “flakeitude”.  My perpetual Paper Monster yielded up  after I posted here, yes, the DMV notice about my tags needing 
renewal.  BUT now I am wondering about the guy who answered the phone  at the DMV who very explicitly said the notices were not sent out this  year because that “costs millions of dollars” and it is now up to 
people to keep track of when their tags need renewal.  

So are they  now sending it to some people but not others?   Anyway, I passed  inspection and now expect my tags any day (or maybe a new plate, since  old Grsshpper is getting pretty shabby after 15 years).

So, with that all said, it probably is a good idea to keep tabs on your tags.  Maybe you have a Paper Monster in your house, too.

Kira

Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:20:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: Steve Erickson
Subject: mechanics

New Mechanic Shop Opening.

    If you are living around Gum Springs Chicken Bridge area, you might treat your car to a repair at a new  auto shop, Rays Garage, located about 7 miles north of Pittsboro just off of Highway 87.

      These are country boys with a heart and they will work on your car and treat you fairly. They also do chainsaws and bicycles. Check them out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rays-Garage/115685258534516

 or call Andy Erickson at  919 619 9117.

Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2011 18:00:00 -0400
From: Doug’s Auto & Tire Inc
Subject: Doug’s Auto

Thank you to all of the Chatlisters that wrote concerning the lack of cars in the parking lot last week, no ghost town here, just closed for the week to head down to the beach for a family trip. (Yes, the beach in spite of Irene) We are back in town and the doors are open. Give us a call when you need your auto serviced; we will be glad to assist you.
Thanks,

Doug’s Auto & Tire, Inc
863 Sanford Road
Pittsboro, NC  27312

Psalm 40.3 He has put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

(919) 542-5996

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:28:15 -0400
From: Jeff Lane
Subject: Re: Chatham Chatlist #4138

On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 09:52, Chatham Chatlist <chatlist@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> I can easily visualize an awful lot of people, without that mail-in reminder, forgetting to notice when their tags are due, and then the hassle of trying to even find a tag office after they get their  car inspected.   Anyone even know where the closest tag office is to  PBO?
> Do you need an appointment?
> Kira

Kira,

This is the first I’ve heard of this, and so either it’s rubbish you’ve heard or I need to thank you for the heads up…  I have 4 tagged vehicles to keep up with.  In my own experience, the DMV doesn’t send out the notices if you are behind on the vehicle taxes, but that’s all I’ve ever known about.

As for your question, the two closest license plate offices I know of are:

1: Chapel Hill Mall, on 15-501.  There’s one inside the mall. It’s in the hallway on the back side of the mall (where Roses is) and on the opposite end from Southern Season.

2: Sanford, near the Wal-Mart.  This one is a bit harder to find. Head out Horner Blvd towards Wal-Mart.  Take a right onto the road that is between Ruby Tuesday and Sanford Honda (there’s a stoplight there and it’s just before the first intrance the shopping center where Wal-Mart sits).  Go down that road and it will be on the left about … 1/4 to 1/2 mile

Also, you can search here: http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/contact/ for the locations to all the various offices.

Good luck,

Jeff