Is Duke’s Auto ok?
A reader writes in asking if anyone knows what’s up at Duke’s Auto at Broad & 21st Street:
Monday of last week (2/1), my wife’s car will not start. We get it towed to Duke’s, and that afternoon Doug calls to tell me he thinks he knows the issue & will get back to me in the morning. We did not hear back on Tuesday, but figured give him the benefit of the doubt. Called & left a message Wednesday, then again on Friday, none of which gets a response. I called again yesterday, Monday 2/8 only to find it rings off the hook & the answering machine no longer picks up. Called again this afternoon – same thing.
I just tried to call & see if they were open and the phone rang and rang. Anybody have a more direct contact or info?
I called his home and cell but received no response. I will attempt to get in touch again this evening to see if he’s okay.
I know he did have some very serious health issues not long ago. I’ve always been happy with them.
Go see Sherman at Lotsey and Hardy in Fulton! He’ll take care of it.
duke’s might be ok if you have a ford but not so much if you have a jeep. he didn’t want to check out a problem on a jeep 2 yrs ago that is still running today with 223k miles today. the recommendation was, send that jeep to the junk yard and get yourself a ford! maybe the ford produces more repeat customers. jeep still makes a funny noise when it starts. as fiat makes a move into the us maybe dukes will expand to cover ford (fix or repair daily) and fiat (fix it again tony)
I don’t know who any of these people are – but sounds like someone should check on them ASAP. Could be weather related but the timing sounds odd…
Doug IS a good mechanic, fair, and an all-around nice guy, but he’s always made it clear to me that he’s just holding on to the place till he gets the right price for the land/lot.
I haven’t seen anyone at Duke’s for months and months, did not know they were even open! Figured it was closed (again). Just looks closed when I go by, which I do daily, has been that way for a long time…
Totally agree with #3, go see Sherman at Lotsey and Hardy. Seems a shame to pay a second tow fee, but he’s got a great operation there….just go down Gov’t Rd., he’s on the left just before the intersection wtih Wmbg. Rd. Last time I needed him, he sent a tow truck and put it on the bill. 222-4404 is the phone for Lotsey & Hardy.
I would second “Me” -
We LOVE Lotsey and Hardy and take both of our vehicles to them.
I second the second for Lotsey & Hardy.
Yes, yes, yes, on Lotsey and Hardy. BEST mechanics in town and Sherm couldn’t be nicer. THey will fix you and fast and very reasonbly priced.
I’d like to add- Peter at SaabTech (one block from Dukes) is an awesome mechanic as well. I have gone to him for years and is always honest, courteous, and efficient. Despite the name he works on most cars.
When I first moved here I went into Duke’s and asked how much for an oil change. He looked me dead in the eye and said, “$60.00″. I said thanks as I was walking out the door.
(I have a Chevy)
Needless to say I would not go back for any reason.
I’m the person from the original posting. Thanks everyone for the recommendations on Lotsey & Hardy. Will be sure to use them going forward. Regarding the current situation – any ideas on how we get our car back from Duke’s? We’re approaching 2 weeks without our car or communication from Doug. Wondering if we need to get the police or someone else involved? Thx in advance.
Bill #13, is it inside or outside? If outside, and you have a spare set of keys, I’d just either call a tow yourself, or call Sherman and ask him to get it. If inside, no clue – guess you ask the police or maybe call a magistrate. I think the police are a little tied up today with traffic accidents. Good luck either way.
I have had nothing but professional and friendly service from Duke’s. He was reasonably priced and quick to complete the job.
Let’s all hope nothing bad has happened to him.
Has anyone heard from Doug? I just tried to call Duke’s and the answering machine is still acting funny. I hope he is okay. He reads CHPN on occasion.
I don’t know where Duke’s is or who Doug is, but it sounds like someone who does might oughta go by there and check it out.
I have repeatedly called Doug (the owner of Dukes) and left messages. I also sent a couple of emails. None of my attempts to reach him have been returned so I contacted the Richmond Police Department last night about his welfare. I will post again if I find anything out.
I passed by it on my way home from work about 10:45 tonight; neon sign was on saying ‘open’ and there’s a blue or gray car parked outside the garage door on the left. No sign of activity.
Is there an update? I hope everything is OK. I just recently took my car to Duke’s for a simple inspection and he fixed my windshield wipers at no additional cost. I was very pleased and intending to return for future work.
Doug is back, I spoke to him yesterday. He said that he contacted the individual who started this thread about their car.
Doug finally called us back on Monday, 2/15. No real explanation other than being “out sick”. He said the only problem was it was out of gas – which we knew was bogus, but at that point just wanted our car back. Sure enough – this morning we go to start it & no dice. I think we’ll be taking our vehicles elsewhere from now on.