Every once in a while, you find a business that defies the stereotypes. A lot of people enjoy a trip to the car shop about as much as major surgery. One trip to Falcon Auto will change your mind about that. I know this from experience.

A few years ago our family car began exhibiting bizarre behavior—i.e., it refused to start at the most inopportune times.. Not only would it refuse to start, it would refuse to even give you the time of day. Then, just as mysteriously, after a few select adjectives and a little prayer, it would start again.

On the last of these occasions, the prayer and adjectives were both fruitless. I called a tow-truck and the driver recommended Falcon Auto. Since they were off my normal driving circuit, I didn't even know they existed. I was surprised to find a nice, tidy car shop tucked in beside the Big R farm and ranch store on Highway 24.

I explained my problem to the manager, Dave Edmunds. He didn't know the cause of the problem, but assured me they'd get it fixed.. At this point, I couldn't even determine if the car was under warranty because the ignition didn't turn on which wouldn't allow me to see the odometer.

In short order, Dave's technicians had determined the ignition switch was defective. They also learned the car was under warranty and, not wanting to cause me unnecessary expense, they offered to tow the car to the dealer for the warranty repair.

When the car left Dave's care, that's when the problems really began. The dealer refused to honor the warranty because someone else had started the repair. (That's more the stereotype we're used to isn't it?)

After discussing the problem with Dave, he said he would appeal the issue to the dealer's regional office. In the meantime, he had the dealer finish the repair and got my car returned to me promptly.

I appreciate the individualized attention and care we received from Dave and his technicians.

That's the kind of place I want to do business with.

—TW, Falcon Shopper