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Bob Thomas Automotive
Would you believe an article that describes
an automotive service and repairs company as
having professionalism, integrity, affordability, fair-
ness, and reliability? Since these characteristics are
rarely ascribed to companies in an industry with
deservedly poor levels of respect, I am pleased to
emphasize that these are the very attributes that I
can personally suggest as my own experience over
the last several years, as well as the experience of a
relative that referred me to Thomas Automotive and
had been pleased with their performance since soon
after the company’s founding.
Bob Thomas, who now resides in the Jack-
sonville area, moved as a youngster to Medford,
with his family, from Eureka, and graduated from
North Medford High. After some time spent with a
dealer’s service facility, he founded the company in
1997, and has seen it grow to a total of 21 service
bays since that date.
The most recent addition of a larger build-
ing in the back of his location, geared to the strong
well-deserved fleet service business the company has
developed, will not only allow work of vehicles up
to the size of Class A motor homes and larger RV’s
and work trucks, but also free up the usage of the
front building bays to more efficiently handle the
businesses’ passenger car volume. Thomas can now
handle Ford 6.3 and 7.0 Diesels with the addition
of a factory trained technician. While I do not
exactly know what the 6.3 and 7.0 series defines, I
am sure that patrons that have that need will rec-
ognize the capacity as rare and take advantage of
this ability. Pictures on the waiting room wall, and
certificates, highlight the extra training and service
designations of the various repair personnel, with
many specialties.
Thomas advised that the business, family-
owned and managed, will be adding at least two
additional staff members. His philosophy filters
down through service writers Tom and Roger, em-
phasizing the prioritization of needed repairs with
no pressures to “do them right now if you value the
life of your loved ones,”.No scare tactics here; just
honest explanation of diagnostic results and their
implication. In these tough economic times, with
the option of keeping older cars longer, routine
maintenance is a good policy, keeping required
warranty provisions where necessary, and generally
costing less in the long run. Thomas Automotive
also can provide an assessment service if you are
considering the purchase of a used vehicle. I feel
this is good “insurance”, since the modest costs will
often save a bad experience when the seller does not
disclose all the defects.
The business is Better Business Bureau ac-
credited, since the BBB has granted to eligible
firms this designation of meeting their standards,
and noting that this company has demonstrated a
good track record, maintaining proper licensing
and committed to exemplify the BBB’s Code of
Business Practices. Of significant note is the vote
of its customers, who have consistently named Bob
Thomas Automotive winner in polls of their favorite
business in its category.
Conveniently located at 535 Rossanley, just
west of Sage, in Medford, Bob Thomas Automotive
can be reached at 541-734-3743. Of added value to
existing and new customers alike, the firm’s website
at www.bobthomasautomotive.com offers monthly
special pricing on specific services, and you can also
print out a $10 coupon called the Bob Thomas
Bailout Bucks, usable on whatever service or repair
you may need.
Ron Sherman
541-535-6293
Above photos: Bob and Lori Thomas celebrate the grand opening of their new fleet service facility.
Winter 2011 7