I give Lighthouse (Ryland) five stars mostly because Lighthouse survived me. It was my vehicle's first visit to Lighthouse. During my vehicle's two week visit I scrutinized Lighthouse's practices enough that the CIA would have been proud. I was not an easy customer. Ryland put up with me and I did not find any “shady mechanics” going on. There were a few issues but things were worked out. Ultimately I believe Ryland is willing to make things right. I think he very much likes his business, loves what he is doing and possibly because his work and business are important to him he is willing to protect it and also to work with people. I am a Do it yourself (DIY) type. I was not aware of one commonly accepted practice in the auto-mechanic world: The up-charge on parts. Lighthouse does charge an up-charge on parts they buy. In my case it was 30% to 80% depending on the part. Not bad comparatively. One thing is for sure though; almost all mechanics up-charge. The Good ----------------- Ryland and one of his crew at Lighthouse claim over 60 years experience! He has a few other crew members which would put that at almost 100 years combined. The way he talks and explains what he has done shows expert level skills to say the least. Ryland refunded labor charges on some work that I had not authorized. All of the crew members and office workers I met were friendly and tried to help. The shop was busy. The Bad ----------------- Ryland was not the best at calling me with big decisions. When I called Ryland I felt he was not speaking my language. This resulted in something being done that I did not approve. Even though Ryland agreed to refund labor charges for work I did not approve he was reluctant and tried to negotiate the refund to a lesser amount. While I understand he is preserving his business I also understand he would not have needed to refund anything if he had communicated differently to begin with. Some of the up-charges are pretty steep for example: A rim that would otherwise cost $70 for it’s condition was up-charged to $260 plus a core charge (on a rim?). I don’t know if that includes labor because there is only one line item on the after-work provided estimate. Summary --------------- I spent a total of $3,800 at Lighthouse. The website does list a warranty for labor and parts. For me, the DIY person, $3,800 makes me kick myself. BUT, for those of you who are not DIY this price would be in the average range for the work I had done. The work I had done: - Inspection of drive line parts and assessment of noise in rear differential - Upper and lower ball joints - New cv axle and hub bearing - New rear outer axle bearings and seals - Service front differential - Rebuild on the rear differential - Installation of an after-market auto locking differential (I purchased it and brought it) - Acquire, mount, balance a matching aluminum rim and replace steel spare rim so spare tire could be rotated also. If you go to Lighthouse make Ryland do his paper work BEFORE he touches the vehicle. Get everything spelled out on an estimate for every thing in writing. Negotiate the estimate and look over the parts he’s ordered if you can before he installs them to make sure they are up to your standards. Pay him a bit up front then sit back and relax while Lighthouse works their magic. I would take my vehicle to Lighthouse again.