Recent Experiences at Adler Automotive?

Curious to hear from any other Taco/Toyota owners in the Colorado front range who have taken their vehicles to Adler Automotive over the years.

I took my '19 Tacoma there a couple times in the past (including for my 60K). The Adlers were great, honest, and no BS. During my 60K check he said to save some scratch and wait to change fluids for the transfer case and front/rear diff since they were clean. He said I could go another 9-10K and just knock those out during my next oil change.

Another 10K passed. So, I recently called to schedule, and I mentioned wrapping up my 60K maintenance - specified I wanted those fluids changed and would do an oil change right away. They had pretty immediate avails (unusual from my past experiences) and said 'we'll check everything out'. When I went in, I did not recognize the staff at the desk and the space looked different. Found out later that they apparently changed ownership a few months ago.

My recent experience was polar opposite from when the Adler's owned Adler Auto. Knowing the fluids and oil change should maybe take 2 hours, I had to call them at the 4 and 6 hour marks to see what was going on since I heard nothing all day.

6.5 hours later my truck was finally ready. They had only done the oil change and a 'bumper to bumper - top to bottom inspection'. Tried to sell me on a full rack replacement with aftermarket rack for $3,500. Said "don't worry, we'll waive the cost of the alignment you need if you do the rack and pinion replacement." Yeah...no shit. I checked the boots on both sides and they only have super faint marks along ~1/3 of the bottom side. It's never dripped, no mention of PS fluid being low, and I even slid under and can't feel any moisture. Seems like it's seeping so slowly or intermittently that there's nothing to wipe off the boots. In the end, they didn't even do all the work I scheduled and tried to upsell me on $4K worth of other work. No thanks...seems like a good reason to do the TC and diff fluids myself.

Anyway, super disappointing. Had a very smarmy 'dealership upsell' vibe, and I'm definitely not going back. Anyone else a past customer that's had trash service lately?

Speaking of which, I was making the trek because I liked and trusted the 'Gen 1' Adler people. Any recommendations for an honest, reliable Toyota mechanic in the FoCo/Loveland area??

 

Have been thru similar myself. More times than I care to admit.
Pederson. Take it to them. Dealership they may be, but they'll do it right. And the cost is very comparable to all the rest. Parts are on hand, you'll be guaranteed to get genuine stuff.
Just be prepared to make your appointments a month in advance. This is the biggest pain in the ass using them.
The only "upsell" is on the sales floor, but that's normal for any dealership.

 

Pederson still owes me $2k for royally fucking up the valve job they did to my first gen. They'll never get another dime from me, ever.

Now Advantage Automotive, here in Loveland, does SPECTACULAR work! They fixed that first-gen Taco and cared for it like it was theirs, and now they're giving my third-gen the same amount of care. They're owned by a family here in Loveland, Tyler (owner) is also an off-road enthusiast. They're really the best, especially for Toyotas - I've been going there since 2006.

 

Not knowing that Chad and Kate sold the business, I dropped my Highlander off yesterday morning before they opened. My husband previously had a Tundra and currently has a Tacoma that have both been serviced there, and this is my second Highlander that has been serviced there. We had complete trust in the Adlers and their recommendations. I was also able to get an appointment in less than a week which was a surprise since I was expecting them to be booked out for a few weeks. They did the complete inspection for me too, and said the air filter was dirty and the transmission fluid was due to be replaced. Thinking it was Chad and Kate recommending those things, I approved them without hesitation. They also said I need new tires which they quoted $1,300+ for including mounting, balancing, and alignment. Fortunately, I didn't approve that since I usually order them from Tire Rack. When we went to pick up the vehicle, my husband asked what happened to Chad and Kate and was then told that they had sold the business. We felt like we had been punched in the gut, and I have to wonder if I spent $400 for unnecessary services! If anyone can recommend an honest Toyota mechanic in the northeast Lakewood area, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

I have no experience with the shop. But,

I'm glad that you chose not to do the rack. All of our racks leak a little, I am surprised if I come across one that isn't leaking a little when I do suspension installs. I will typically see quotes for $2,500 in the Denver area for a rack replacement.

Mine has been leaking for 4 years and I just top it off a little 1-2 times a year and its still going strong.

I always tell people don't bother with a new rack unless you have a puddle on the ground, or the bushings are shot and there is movement in the rack from where it mounts to the frame, or some other dramatic issue with it.

 

The Death of Adler Automotive!

My Wife called “Adler” Automotive on Friday 8/15/ 24 and was able to get an appointment for Tuesday the 20th, an unusually short wait for the Adler`s. MIke, service writer/ salesman answered the phone Lube and Latte! When she said she thought she called Adler the response was that is how he answered the phone where he used to work. I wasn`t bright enough to put the clues together and went with her to drop off her 2018 Highlander Hybrid LTD. for an oil change. When we were notified that the vehicle was ready, we went in and a gal named Sabrina was sitting next to Mike the salesman/ writer and I only had one question “where is Chad” to which Sabrina replied the business had been bought about five months previously. My wife said she was visibly upset when I spun around on my heels and left. My wife explained people don't usually like these kinds of surprises. I found out it was purchased by Lube and Latte/ Advantage Automotive that have four locations in the Golden and Denver area. Now a fifth and? I turned to my wife and said “I`ll see you at home” and left somewhat disgusted and felt like I had just been gut punched. We received the phone call with recommendations from the “free” $82.00 value inspection. Beyond the oil change a transmission fluid exchange based on mileage not the condition of the fluid should be done as well as an air filter. By the way, the box was checked to not save the old parts, we were never asked. He went on to say there was a dent in the oil pan and it should be replaced and also suggested new tires which we knew were not too far down the road anyway. They wanted to put Goodyear tires on. When pressed on the necessity of the oil pan he said not really. As for the tires we declined and looked at Tire Rack when we came home. Goodyear wasn`t even on the comprehensive list for her vehicle. We ordered the tire with the best reviews, the Pirelli Scorpion Weatheractive for a mere $70.00 more than the Goodyear Assurance tires they were peddling. The bill was $499.50. I own a 2002 Tacoma TRD with 57,000 original miles and am the second owner. Not to worry, it won`t be going anywhere near there. A good friend who is an Acura owner suggested High-Tech Auto at 961 S. Kipling , a Toyota/Lexus and only Japanese brand vehicle shop. I called and spoke to the owner as it was his writers day off. We will be taking our vehicles there and will post reviews as they occur. One last comment. My wife asked why the customer base had not been notified and Sabrina gave the excuse that it should have been the Adler`s duty. Well, I will miss Chad and Kate and wish them all the best.

 

My corolla has the Goodyear Assurance all weather tires. They have been nice so far. The 4 was only like $300 bucks but that was before tire rack bought discount tire direct. I always bought during the promos but it seems those sales are a thing of the past. No idea where I'm going to buy tires now. Also, Lube and Latte sounds like a strip club that serves hot coffee for fast lunches...

 

The new Adler. Went there, won’t go back. Too long a tale to tell here.