MSI Automotive (also known to many customers as Marin Sports & Imports, Inc.) provides a wide range of maintenance and repair services for Japanese, American, and European cars (including hybrids, trucks and SUVs) at its San Rafael facility. The company works on repairs of all sizes, from air conditioning systems to engines and transmissions. It also rotates and aligns tires, provides brake and smog certifications, replaces clutches, fixes front and rear suspensions, and more.
MSI Automotive strives to provide a one-stop auto repair experience for its clients—in addition to its repair capabilities, it features an indoor storage garage, shuttle service and early bird drop-off. Most of the company’s technicians are ASE Certified, and all are trained to use state-of-the-art factory scanners and computer programs to repair almost any vehicle. They use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts whenever possible, but they’ll also use aftermarket parts at a customer’s request.
“We do our best to stay within the confines of every estimate we give, and if we can’t, we’ll always contact our customers to get their approval before starting work. We take great pride in what we do, and that extends to keeping our shop, office, and waiting room clean and inviting. Our goal is to do the job correctly the first time, so if there’s ever a problem, we’re happy to resolve the issue to each customer’s satisfaction.”
Whether it’s independent or part of a dealership, choose an auto repair shop that can meet your specific needs.
Before you bring your car to a repair shop, you should first take into account whether your vehicle is still under warranty. Not only can many warranty-related repairs be done for free at dealership repair centers, but some warranties can also be voided if an independent repair shop performs any work on your vehicle. If you can’t find this information in your car sale agreement, ask the dealer to explain it to you.
If your vehicle isn’t under warranty, you’re free to choose any shop you prefer. According to Curtis Cronin, owner of MSI Automotive in San Rafael, many vehicle owners go to dealerships while their vehicles are under warranty and then seek out independent shops in their area after the warranties are expired. “One of the main advantages you get from an independent shop is a more personal relationship with the people who work there,” he says. “You can ask the technicians questions and even see what’s going on with your repairs. People really appreciate that type of personalized service.”
In some cases, independent shops can be less expensive than dealership shops—they don’t have the same overhead and can install parts based on what the customer wants, not the manufacturer. This can be an asset if you want specialized aftermarket parts that are designed to improve performance.
Regardless of the type of repair shop you choose, Mr. Cronin recommends doing your research so you can make an informed decision, especially when it comes to the longevity of the business. “It’s important to find a reliable shop that’s going to be there for you in the future,” he says. “You should have confidence that if you have another problem with your vehicle in six months, you’ll be able to go back to that same shop.”
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it's even more important for auto repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For MSI Automotive, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: provide every customer with quality service at a reasonable price. "Customer satisfaction is the driving force behind our customer service," confirms owner Curtis Cronin. "Whether a vehicle owner needs a small repair or major mechanical work, we can handle it quickly and efficiently."
MSI Automotive has been providing maintenance and repair services for Japanese, American and European cars (including hybrids, trucks and SUVs) at its San Rafael facility since 1970. In addition to handling everything from air conditioning systems to engine and transmission repairs, the company rotates and aligns tires, provides brake and smog certifications, replaces clutches, fixes front and rear suspensions, and more.
Unlike less experienced auto repair companies that don't have access to state-of-the-art equipment, MSI Automotive uses factory scanners and specialized tools that allow its technicians to diagnose and repair all types of car problems. "We've been around long enough to know the importance of investing in top-of-the-line equipment," says Mr. Cronin. "With our technology, we can reprogram computers, make specialized repairs and more."
Another distinguishing feature of MSI Automotive is its highly trained and experienced technicians, most of whom are ASE-certified and all of whom have in-depth knowledge about a wide variety of vehicle systems. "Our experience allows us to eliminate guesswork and perform repairs correctly the first time," says Mr. Cronin. "Ultimately, we want to provide the best possible services at the fairest prices, and having such an experienced staff of technicians helps us achieve that goal."
