3 Kings Automotive

Introduction◇

3 Kings Automotive, LLC first opened on February 1st, 2012, and has been providing professional, courteous, and competitively priced services for 14 years, while striving to achieve the highest degree of professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Mistakes we’ve made in the past have allowed us to refine our ways and become one of Sierra Vista’s premier auto repair facilities, proudly having been recently awarded an SV’s ‘Top Ten Auto Repair Shops’ recognition from BusinessRate.com.

For those questioning the legitimacy or relevancy just as we did, the website verifies that the decision was based on factual Google review analytics for 2025…legit compared to other ‘Voted Best Of’ type of awards that can be bought for a price or influenced by popularity or nomination, which is solely dependant on how many votes happen to be cast for any particular shop within a certain time period.

It is in fact, the most statistically accurate, non biased and irrefutable manner in which ratings and rankings can and should be considered and acknowledged.

We’re quite honored to have won this distinguished commendation out of 32 local contenders, and are grateful to all of our wonderful customers who made it possible.

Receiving the letter was a pleasant surprise, because we weren’t aware that such an award existed, and certainly weren’t competing for it.

We also noticed that their decision was based on reviews only up until July of 2025, thereby excluding 40 of our most recent 5 star reviews…which would certainly have improved our position in the rankings.

Now that we are aware of the award and the Google analytics, 4th position in the rankings as of November,  simply isn’t good enough, and we’ll definitely be vying for the top spot.  Pro Dent Relief is obviously miscategorized and should be included with the other 5 body shops.

We’re confident that once the data is collected for December and our additional reviews are recognized, we’ll be catapulted to the top.  An achievement that no one can deny or deprive us of.

We’d also like to congratulate the other recipients of this award and their exceptional owners, all in constant pursuit of service excellence just as we are.

There are many good mobile mechanics and shops who receive accolades on Facebook, and we commend them all.
Everyone has their favorite and opinions abound, but the undeniable facts and testament of our customers speak for themselves.

To all of our past customers whom we’ve failed in whatever way over the years that have found another shop, we express our sincerest apologies and appreciation for having allowed us the opportunity to serve you.  We wish all of our past and present customers happiness, good health, prosperity and the very best of everything, always.

Life is a journey and an ongoing process of making mistakes and learning from them.  Some learn slower than others, but I’ve always done my best with what I’ve had to work with at any given time, and for that, I personally would fault no one.  I can only ask for forgiveness and continue to grow.

Who we are◇

Owner and Diagnostician Christopher King, is the Army brat son of the late retired CSM Gerald Ross King, a GS-15 G-3 Plans Division Chief for NETCOM retiree, and the late Erika Anne King, a German war survivor who worked at the NCO Club on post and Thrifty Drug Store in SV way back in the day, cashiering and serving ice cream.

Known as Jerry by his friends, moved his wife and two daughters from Germany to Ft. Benning, GA in 1966 where Chris was born, then choosing Ft. Huachuca to serve as the CSM of the 11th Signal Brigade, and finally settling down in Sierra Vista in 1969.

Jerry also served as the late General Westmoreland’s personal escort, eyes and ears during the Vietnam War.  From good seed typically comes good fruit,  and Chris has his parent’s to thank for everything that’s allowed him to be successful, aside from his own hard work, entrepreneural nature and determination.

Chris is a class of 1984 Buena High school alumni, has nearly 50 years of automotive experience and is one of only a handful of ‘quad certified’ Master Technicians in the industry, with the equivalent of a Doctorate degree in automotive technology.

His professional career began at 18, with 10 years at Precision Toyota in Tucson, where he obtained his ASE and TOYOTA Certified Master Technician certifications.
He’s also proud to have first employed and trained the current service manager of that dealership,  Quentin Almgren.  Great job buddy.

Decades of dealership and collegiate technical training courses have culminated into his professional certifications including:

◇ASE Certified Master Technician with
L1 Advanced Engine Diagnostician
◇TOYOTA Certified Master Technician
◇ISUZU Certified Master Technician
◇HYUNDAI Certified Platinum Technician
◇HYUNDAI Certified STAR Service Manager
◇MACS Certified Auto Air Condioning

Chris has managed several independent auto repair shops throughout the state, and served as shop foreman, mentoring auto tech students, then onto becoming certified to serve as the service department manager at the Ehret Hyundai/Isuzu dealership in Prescott, AZ.

He’s also started, owned and operated 3 other successful repair facilities around AZ , opening his first at age 28, in Tucson.

Years of experience in repairing exotic European imports such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, BMW and Porsche were acquired, thanks to Black Motors in Sedona, AZ.

Studies in the fields of mechanical and aeronautical engineering, computer technology, electronics, physics, astrophysics, quantum physics and quantum field theory expanded his knowledge base, wisdom and understanding of how things work in the universe.

There are many duties associated with the daily operations of an auto repair facility in addition to actually fixing everything, and after 8 months of doing it all alone,  Chris was finally relieved with a perfect solution.

His partner and assistant Maryanne, completes the 2 person crew that is 3 Kings Automotive.  A former homecoming/prom queen and TV newscaster from San Diego, CA, she’s an irreplaceable asset and has been instrumental in our transitory advancement…and in helping Chris get his poop together.

She’s a sweet and beautiful lady with entrancing eyes and radiant smile, high spirited with an effervescent personality.

A bright and kindred spirit who loves conversing with customers and learning about their lives, sharing her life experiences in exchange while laughing along the way.  I must have done many things right in my life to have received her as a blessing.  Best office manager ever.

Her tenacity in researching information and proficiency in data acquisition means she can find anything, anywhere in no time, or even if it takes all day and night…including my tools when I can’t find them.  I tell her I need a wiring schematic for a fuel injection system and I have it in hand in 2 minutes.

An interior designer who knew nothing about cars 2 years ago, now has a fundamental understanding of terminology, parts, systems and can even scan for codes and monitor data stream parameters.  She’s simply amazing.

When I’m frustrated she brings peace.
If struggling to find a solution or break a seized bolt loose, she offers insight or pulls on the breaker bar with me.  The coolest part is that she doesn’t mind getting greasy with me.

She’s also strong enough to help me lift an engine or transmission.  We’re the prefect team and have great fun working together, and she makes the best lasagna in the universe.

Just the two of us◇

Why?  We haven’t had the best of luck finding quality techs.  Mostly only ‘shop hoppers’ who’ve either done shoddy work, offended our customers, abused our trust, betrayed or stolen from us.

Those whom we’ve given chances to straight out of prison, or even after providing work clothes and a place to stay in being homeless, have screwed us over or tainted our reputation.  “It’s hard to find good help nowadays” is a true cliche’.

We simply prefer not to deal with potential issues, worry about or depend on anyone else, take full responsibilty for everything we do, and to just be a true ‘mom and pop shop’…which owning the property allows.

It also allows us to establish ‘family-like’ business relationships with our customers on a more personal level, earning their trust through transparency and mutual respect.

We bring them in to the shop to see exactly what we’re seeing, thoroughly explain the problem and then advise accordingly.  Nothing to hide and they leave with a better understanding of their vehicle.

What we do◇

We take great pride in our vast array of services including not only all makes of foreign and domestic vehicles, and exotics, but also boats and personal watercraft, outboard engines, electronic devices, go karts, mobility scooters, motorcycles, tractors and heavy equipment, motorhomes, restorations, paint and body, small engine items and just about anything and everything that no one else can, or won’t fix.

From Lamborghini engine rebuilds to old school carburetor overhauls, to even the design, engineering and fabrication of custom flying machines, we do it all…
Except tires.  We recommend Dave at D&M Tires.  He’s a great guy with a great team.

Buying a used car?  We strongly advise having us perform a low cost, pre-purchase inspection first, to assess the overall condition, see what you’re getting into and give you the bargaining power to negotiate.

What we sell◇

Thanks to our ideal corner location and high traffic count, we’re an excellent choice to sell your vehicle on consignment for only a small percentage, which includes preparation, comp research, valuation, advertising and negotiating on your behalf to get you top dollar.

We also sell refurbished items such as outboard engines, generators, pressure washers, chain saws, mowers, weed whackers and more, with warranties available.   Please call for availability or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll refurbish one for you.

We also sell our personal items such as motorcycles and myriad of other things,  and plan to have a true ‘garage sale’ on site in the near future.

Depending on input and interest from others, we’re also considering hosting an inner city Sunday swap meet, in where sellers would rent a space on the property.

Our mission◇

We want to be the last, (but preferably first of course) ones to turn to when there’s no where else to turn, and no one else can help or seems to care.

So if you feel that all other resources have been exhausted, before you head to Tucson, sell it for scrap or give up, give us a call.  We’ll do all we can to assist with your dilemma.

We’re intelligent, creative, innovative, resourceful problem solvers who think outside the box, welcoming of, and eagerly determined to overcome challenges shunned by others, dedicated and committed to providing exceptional customer service and solutions.

We feel it’s better to know a great deal about many things than it is to know everything about one thing.

It’s this philosophy that’s broadened our technical expertise, knowledge, wisdom and experience throughout such a diverse realm of the concepts, vehicles, toys, devices and equipment we use in our day to day lives.

When we do it◇

We decided to make the switch from set business hours to ‘by appointment’ for several reasons.  Distractions and interruptions during a critical repair process can cause some people to lose their train of thought, which can lead to mistakes.

Consider a surgeon having to abruptly leave an operation, and upon returning,  forgetting a scalpel inside the patient…not good.

But we do enjoy helping people and would never turn you away, going above and beyond in dedicating our time and attention.

Intrusions were occurring too frequently by those who just wanted to ‘pick our brains’ for info or advice, looking for some odd little part, or many other reasons that took a lot of our time, but ended with no monetary compensation…and time is money.

For years these ‘alligators’ were always treated courteously, and out of kindness, given the advice or doodad they sought free of charge, in hopes they might offer something in return.

Unfortunately, most people offer nothing, which, after having to climb down from a boat out back and walk all the way up front to assist them for free, then all the way back to the boat, became quite frustrating.

Although we’re always happy to see you, people seem to consider their 15 minute intrusion as an isolated incident, rather than the collective whole of all interruptions the one giving them free advice or doodad has in a single day.

Multiply that 15 minutes by 4 such incidents per day, then by say, 200 days per year conservatively, then by 14 years and you might get the point.

I don’t expect to go see a doctor for advice or an examination at no charge, but for whatever reason, an auto repair shop owner’s time is seen as less valuable.

We also felt that life was passing us by and that we were caught up in the 9:00 to 5:00 daily grind, and decided to make our time our own.  To sleep in and enjoy our coffee while watching the birds without having to rush to work.

Call it semi-retired if you will, but we’re still at work every weekday and work more hours than most (typically 10 to 14)…it’s just later into the night.  After working so hard for so many years, we feel it’s an entitled privilege we’ve earned.

We take irregular lunch periods when it’s convenient, so we ask one simple thing from our customers…to call us first before stopping by to make sure we’re here, and schedule an appointment just as you would to see a doctor.

If you pull on the front door and it’s locked, but the ‘OPEN’ sign is lit, please call to let us know you’re here because we’re most likely working out back.

We promise to always be punctual and dedicate our time and attention to you and your vehicle exclusively whenever possible.

During the busy season, there’s only so much we two can do having multiple customers needing attention, but if you have patience, we can provide you with the excellent customer service you deserve, and have your vehicle or item back to you as quickly as possible.

We won’t have you come in at a certain time only to tell you it’ll take 3 hours to change your oil, nor do we have a monthly quota to meet in order to pay the bills, not that we’d ever sell anything unnecessary to meet one anyways.  Some shops do.

Recommendations◇

If we’re just too busy and you absolutely can’t wait, we recommend one of the other fine shops who employ multiple technicians, such as Castillos, Arizona Radiator, or Auto Logic.

All great establishments with owners who possess the same positive business ethics and admirable morals and virtues as we do.

For superior welding and fabrication see Micah at Works of Arc, if looking for a used car, Robbie at Richardson’s is a great guy,  and if you need professional tools, look for David’s Matco Tools van.

Best wishes to all.

Authored by Christopher King, owner, 2025

We are conveniently located at the intersection of Fry and Lenzner in Sierra Vista. Come in ask about our specials!

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