I have a 2005 Honda CR-V which is in excellent condition. I don't put heavy mileage on the vehicle and haven't had any problems, so have just been using the dealer for scheduled maintenance. Still, I seem to spend a lot of money at the dealership, mostly on 40 point checks, most of which are fluff.

Increasingly, I have become concerned that the dealership is either not doing what they say are doing or that the technicians rush through the job so fast that they don't take the time to do it correctly. For instance, I have written reports that prove that my tires have had more tread on them than they did the previous visit. If this is not a miracle, it is either fraud or carelessness.

So I have been on the lookout for a good mechanic, good meaning someone who is honest and who does good work at reasonable prices.

Last week, I was having new tires installed, so needed an allignment. I noticed Superior because the place had the physical appearance of a well-run business, clean and neat, but not trying to impress with glitz and glitter.

I stopped in and spoke with Dominick. He seemed to confirm my initial impression. So I made the appointment and brought the car in.

I had been told by the dealer that I needed new brakes and that I was due to have a host of fluids changed. (I was not looking forward to that dealer visit because I was going to drop $800.) Frank instead told me he'd check out the whole car, drive it, and tell me what he thought should be done.

When I got his call, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the only thing I needed was the allignment. They did the allignment for a very reasonable price and did not charge me a diagnostic fee for going over the car. They'll let me know when its time to do the brakes.

I am pleased and will start to use Superior for my maintenance and service needs.