I live in Valdosta, Georgia, and previously lived in Dunnellon, Florida. Several years ago, a family member referred me to Kelly's Auto Repair for a minor repair, and at that time I found the owner to be helpful and straightforward. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was very different. After accidentally driving over a curb at low speed, my vehicle developed a front-end vibration. Because I had previously trusted the shop and still have family in Dunnellon, I drove the vehicle from Valdosta to Kelly's Auto Repair for a diagnosis. Before the inspection, an employee named Jose informed me there would be a diagnostic fee of approximately $172 because a technician would need to physically inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem. I was completely upfront about what had happened and explained that there had been no collision, only a low-speed curb impact. Based on that explanation, I agreed to the diagnostic charge. However, when I received the authorization paperwork, it stated that the vehicle would be connected to a diagnostic machine. When I called to ask about the discrepancy, I was told that the wording had been entered by mistake and did not apply to my situation. Given what I had originally been told, I found that explanation confusing. After the inspection, I received several pages of recommended repairs and maintenance items. The primary recommendations were replacing a control arm, replacing a steering knuckle, and performing a front-end alignment. The total estimate exceeded $3,000. What left the strongest negative impression on me was my interaction with Jose. When I asked why I was being charged the full $172 diagnostic fee and whether that fee would be credited toward the repair cost if I chose to have the work performed there, I was told that the diagnostic fee would remain separate and that no portion of it would be applied toward the final repair bill. During that conversation, Jose repeatedly stated that he was "helping me out." As a customer, I found that statement difficult to understand. From my perspective, I was paying the full diagnostic fee with no credit toward the final bill. When I asked how that constituted helping me, the response I received was, "I'm sorry you feel that way." Others may view the interaction differently, but I personally found Jose's attitude to be condescending, dismissive, and unnecessarily rude. Rather than addressing my concerns and explaining the charges professionally, I felt that my questions were being brushed aside. As a paying customer asking reasonable questions about a diagnostic fee and a significant repair estimate, I expected a more respectful and customer-focused conversation rather than receiving a cliché: "I'm sorry you feel this way." Looking back, I am very glad I sought a second opinion. Had I approved the recommended repairs, I would have spent more than $3,000. Instead, another repair facility inspected the vehicle, determined that the issue was related to the tires and alignment following the curb impact, and resolved the problem for approximately $400. Based on my experience, that difference alone makes obtaining a second opinion well worth the effort. I understand that different mechanics may reach different conclusions, and I am only sharing my personal experience. However, the difference between an estimate exceeding $3,000 and a repair costing approximately $400 was significant enough that I believe other customers should be aware of it. This review reflects my experience only, and others may have different experiences. My recommendation is simple: if you receive a major repair estimate, especially one involving thousands of dollars, take the time to get a second opinion before authorizing the work. In my case, doing so made a substantial difference. Ray Jazayeri