I have been using my car new dealership service department exclusively for over 20 years. I was under the impression that an automotive service shop that offered a reasonable price, installed great products, and employed good mechanics was impossible to find.

I have to admit that I was wrong. Automotive Magic, in Kenvil, NJ, has to be the find of the decade for me.

My dealership informed me that my Honda Pilot needed brakes on all four wheels. The price they quoted me was outrageous. I shopped around the internet and stumbled on Automotive Magic.

I called them the next day. Nick, the service advisor, answered all my questions. He even offered to pick my vehicle up at the park-n-ride, work on the vehicle, and return it back to the park-n-ride. How convenient is that? He assured me that no work would be performed without my approval.

I took him up on the offer. Well let me tell you that they exceeded my expectations for service. Here's how they did it.

• They called me and advised me that the car only needed front brakes. The rear brakes were only half way used.
• The price quoted was for new brake pads and rotors. The dealer was going to resurface the rotors.
• The car was finished on time, returned to the park-n-ride, and they even washed the car.
• I had mentioned that the handicap placard that inadvertently slipped into a void between the dashboard and windshield. They retrieved it for me…no charge.

I received a follow up call the next day from Nick. I have to tell you that that wasn't expected. About a month later, I received a call from Shawn, the owner, asking me if everything was OK with the work. Now, that is "going the extra mile". That wasn't expected. I can't see the service manager of the dealership calling me to make sure everything was OK.

They sure now how to get a customer for life. I can't imagine ever going back to the dealership.

Charlie