Bison Automotive and Transmission Repair

I believe an inherent problem with Unilocal reviews may be that unscrupulous business owners have their friends and family write glowing reviews to help generate business. 5 out of the 6 current reviews for Bison are quite favorable. However, it’s the one that isn’t that is more inline with my experience there.
The one star review wasn’t there when I first researched Bison, only the 4 and 5 star ones. It sounded too good to be true. And, in fact, it was. Not too good, just not true.
First off let’s start with the website. If you visit the Bison website, it lends a very upscale impression with both it’s writing and graphics. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. This is a Mom and Pop backyard operation, albeit from a large metal building in Matt’s backyard. Disorder, dust, and disarray are the theme inside and outside the shop. His teen-​aged daughter or wife will run your credit card for the amount due. I have never actually met Matt, the owner, only spoke to him on the phone as he was never there. He is pleasant and courteous enough on the phone, until you begin to voice dissatisfaction. Then he simply does not answer your calls. But enough on that.
I was so impressed by the reviews that I brought 2 vehicles to Bison for repair. The first had a coolant leak and a busted motor mount and an issue with the transmission that turned out to be a shift module, a part that sells for around $ 150.00. That was the most expensive part replaced on the vehicle, but somehow I racked up a bill of over $ 900.00. After picking up the vehicle I called Matt and told him I could still smell antifreeze. He assured me that in a short time the smell would go away. It has been several months now and the smell is still prevalent, and the vehicle still requires additional antifreeze to be added periodically. I will say to their credit the motor mount and the transmission were fixed correctly. These are very straightforward repairs, and it seems in those cases they are able enough. The motor and transmission did not have to be removed to perform repairs on them. So how did I rack up $ 900.00? There is no work order to itemize repairs, as Unilocal reviewer Andrew C. mentioned in his review. Curious how none of the other reviews mentioned this.
Vehicle #2 had overheating issues and an air conditioner problem. The air was fixed, the overheating kind of fixed, it overheats less frequently now. This is not an old car, it’s a 2011 model that we bought new. When the vehicle was returned, there was a warning light on that was not on when we dropped the car off. It was a bad battery warning light. I had purchased a new battery from AAA two years prior, and they have an excellent warranty. AAA came to my home, checked the battery and said it was marginal, so they replaced it free of charge. However, this did not make the warning light go out. I called Matt back and asked when I could bring the car back so they could fix the problem they caused, and he informed me they were very busy, and it was very hot inside the shop. After that, he quit answering my calls, as Unilocal reviewer Andrew C. also mentioned. This time the bill was north of $ 750.00.
In closing I would just say that you can do better elsewhere. I don’t see how taking it to the dealership could be anymore expensive. And, at least at the dealership there is accountability for the work performed.

I had a very similar experience to shawn. I took my truck to matt for thr same ongoing issue 4 times. I paid $ 620 and all i got was the incorrect parts installed, windows left down and a interior with dust and dirt all over it. Matt will not answer or return phone calls for his shoddy work. i highly suggest you test drive your vehicle and demand a invoive (he doesnt provide them) before you pay this guy any money. I am currently filing a report with the attorney general to get my money back, I dont see this guy in business for much longer.

I was in a bind and needed to get my diesel fixed in a hurry. I found this place through Unilocal.They offered towing and it had good reviews. Matt knows his business and told me exactly what the issues were. No sugar coat just an honest, accurate assessment. He fixed my truck quickly and charged very fair rate. Thank you Matt.

Took my suv in recently. Very quick to diagnose and relay info. Made sure that all isues were fixed and that it was safe as it is my car to transport the children. Very fair priced and honset. Also super quick had my car back very next day! Will definitely be using again for my vehicle needs! We now have a car person after a move to a different area!

I am not one who takes the time to write a review however Matt & the guys at Bison Automotive ARE HONEST TRUSTWORTHY AND DEPENDABLE and will FOREVER (or at least as long as I live within driving distance to his shop) be my mechanic!!!
My family moved here from Utah just over 6 years ago where I worked with a mechanic in the family to fix all our cars. When we moved to Arizona it was hard to find a mechanic who would listen and wouldn’t try to repair things that I knew didn’t need repair. We all know how hard it is to find a trustworthy and good mechanic let alone a GREAT one. I have lived in Buckeye for over 3 years and the guys on Matts crew are EXACTLY WHAT BUCKEYE NEEDS a good and trusted shop we can count on WHEN (not if) our babies konk out.
My Volvo is my BABY and I treat it that way so when her transmission was having issues I took her to the dealership (JOKE) & to a «friend» both wanted to charge me nearly $ 3000.00 the dealership $ 150.00 just to plug it in NOT!
Thanks to Unilocal I found Bison Automotive. I can not tell you how REFRESHING it is to talk to a mechanic who actually listens and doesn’t discount any diagnosis made by someone other than themselves, one who lives the GOLDEN RULE
Matt and his crew not only beat the previous bids but he had it in and out of the shop in 3 days and it would have been less if he wasn’t forced to wait for parts from Volvo that were a day and a half later that promised. Matt is working on a new shop I hope he finds one close but if not WE WILL DRIVE TO WHERE EVER HE GOES!!! THANK YOU GUYS!!!

Great service. Speedy and efficient at a good price. We took my daughters car there and Matt and his crew had us repaired and on the road in no time. We look forward to him expanding his shop.

Matt fixed the air conditioning in my Honda Pilot. Wilhelm was going to charge me nearly twice what Bison’s charged me. On top of charging me so much less, he walked me through the estimate that Wilhelm gave me and explained to me what they were charging me for and why he didn’t think it was necessary or did think it was necessary to change and replace everything Wilhelm identified. I appreciated the honesty! Matt also completed the job in just a short afternoon! I had a great experience. You will too.