old car repair

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Has anyone here gotten car repairs at Teele Square Auto on Broadway (across from Guru)? If so, how was it?

I have an old clunker and am looking for an honest, competent mechanic who won't rip me off. Would like to stay in Davis/Teele/East Arlington area if possible. I checked tags but most recent car posts are about street sweeping. Thanks!

ETA: Thanks for all your great feedback. I took the car to Eli at Teele Square Auto. They quoted me less than $200 for a repair another mechanic in town quoted at nearly $900 (with scare tactics). No screwing around here. The dudes are friendly, honest, and fast. Two thumbs up!

Comments

[aradiachiba.livejournal.com]

I've had good luck with them. I also have a really old car that breaks somewhat regularly, and they were my favorite place to go. The people knew what they were doing, were friendly and competent, and on at least one occasion, when I couldn't afford the full repair, they figured out how to do a bandaid fix for me for about a quarter of the price.

I definitely recommend these people.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

That is exactly what I needed to know -- thank you!

[duffless2323.livejournal.com]

I had an old car and I know what it's like to only want to fix the necessary things and not put too much money into a clunker.

With this in mind DO NOT GO TO JACK'S GAS on Mass Ave. I was very clear with them when I took my car in that I wanted to be called before any repairs were made. (which is a normal practice)

They went ahead and fixed things on my car without calling me and then refused to release my car unless I paid for all the work. I contacted Somerville and the BBB and was basically told I was up shits creek.

Therefore, I now boycott them.

I did have a fine experience with the car shop near in between Dover and Day, I forget their name, near Saccos.

[ron_newman]

That is called Ideal Engine.

[intuition-ist.livejournal.com]

yeah i'll second the Jack's boycott. never took my car in to them, but they make even the slapdash hurried "whaddayawant" that passes for service in this part of the world look great.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Yikes, thanks for the warning!

[ron_newman]

It may be time to subdivide the "cars" tag into other more specific categories: car repair, traffic (including roads, construction, etc.), parking (which we already have a tag for)

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

That would be great. 142 far-ranging entries is a lot.

[narya.livejournal.com]

I've had good luck with Hillside Auto (on Broadway across from Cedar St) so a little farther than you might like. They're not the cheapest but unlike other places I've been they've always fixed it right the first time.

[artguychris.livejournal.com]

I'll second the recommendation for Hillside. They've always done a good job.

[ethanfield.livejournal.com]

I'll also vouch for Hillside in terms of quality. They are a great place to go habitually if you want to make your car last a long, long time and don't mind paying up front for the long-term care. However, they're not the place to go if you prefer shoestring-budget used parts "just keep the thing running" repairs.

They will always get brand new parts, and use best-practice even if they're not immediately necessary (like replacing both front brakes at the same time even if only one is worn, etc.) If you go regularly, they'll keep a computer account on your car and all the work done, and send you postcards when it's time to get your oil changed, timing checked, radiator flushed, etc.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Great, thank you. I'll keep them in mind.

Foreign/Domestic

[rethcir.livejournal.com]

I will loudly vouch for Foreign/Domestic Auto Service near college/winthrop (tufts) in medford. Accessible by the 96 bus.

Re: Foreign/Domestic

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Good to know, thank you.

Teel Sq Auto

[beantownclown.livejournal.com]

Eli @ Teele Sq Auto is good. I want to them multiple times.

Re: Teel Sq Auto

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

I just had a great experience with them. Thanks for the tip.

[ludimagist.livejournal.com]

I've had good experiences with Teele Sq Auto as well.

Do NOT go to Ball Sq Auto. I've had horrible experiences there.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Duly noted, thanks!

[labellabonaroba.livejournal.com]

The Dividian brothers at the Gulf station in Union Square are really stand-up dudes as well.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Oh good. I went to Mike's in Union and they ripped me off. Will keep the Gulf in mind.

[kimchee1.livejournal.com]

Gotta put in a good word for Teele Sq. Auto - those guys are upstanding and hard-working. I have a new-ish Mini and they have spotted problems with it that my dealership didn't. I once took it back to the dealership with a serious diagnosis from Teele Sq. since it is still under warranty, and the dealership was like "oh man, we missed that one." My partner always get his car inspected there. Despite how it sounds, we are not "car people," but we really like that place. Once I am out of warranty, they will be my go-to garage.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

I just had a great experience at Teele Square Auto, so count me in!

mechanic

[tstarboutique.livejournal.com]

It's down across from Meadow Glen Mall, but Tony's Auto repair has served me amazingly well for almost 20 years. (they used to be at Summer St / School St intersection until about 12-15 years ago.

Tony is the nicest guy, and they hate to fix what isn't broken, so if that's the attitude you're seeking call them.

Re: mechanic

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Good to know they're out there, thank you.