Muffler repair around Davis?

[pch1.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately it's that time of my life when I need a muffler repair. Was wondering what people thought about Ideal, Meineke, or NTB? Or if any of you had recommendations for a place nearby that does quality honest work. Me and most of my neighbors would greatly appreciate it!

Comments

[noire.livejournal.com]

It wasn't a muffler at all, but I've been very happy with Chris' Auto Service on Highland Ave. Fast, honest, good prices.

[witchdogtor.livejournal.com]

I used Chris's once and he told me my car was irreparable. Like an idiot, I believed him and months later, I saw it cruising down the street (they didn't bother to remove the dog breed sticker in the rear window). I loved that little car.

[serious-noir.livejournal.com]

Mixed experience with Chris' Auto Service – had my brakes done there but they didn't bleed them properly. Got down the street and was frantically pumping the brake pedal to try to stop at the lights by College Ave. Had to go back twice before they got it right. On the other hand ... not sure if there is another hand. He seems a decent guy so I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and still going there. Nothing else so glaring has occurred.

[hikermtnbiker.livejournal.com]

I've also had mixed results at Chris's Auto. He seems like a very decent and honest guy but I'm not sure about their competence. I had two small jobs done just fine. But two other times I brought the car in for noises (wheel bearing and stabilizer link) that I clearly heard but they said that nothing was wrong. In both cases I took the car elsewhere and they found and fixed the problems that I had described. So perhaps diagnosing problems are not their strength.

[frugaljoe.livejournal.com]

I've used Banner muffler over in Maldern a few times. He's honest and inexpensive. But you have to drive to Malden with a noisy muffler, which is neer much fun.

[blunderblunder.livejournal.com]

Had good luck with Lou's Custom Exhaust in Medford. Kinda hidden behind (if I remember correctly) a police station. Repair was much cheaper than anticipated.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

I've had good experiences with Lou's Custom Exhaust at their Waltham location.

Since they do custom work, they're able to repair just the broken section of an exhaust pipe, while many other shops would have to install an entire new pipe. This means it's usually cheaper. And they sometimes can do the work right then while you wait.

[koloratur.livejournal.com]

Arco Tire. Always, and forever.

[pywaket.livejournal.com]

ABJ on Marshall St is awesome. Al's completely honest and does excellent work for very reasonable prices.

[serious-noir.livejournal.com]

ABJ... went there for years. People rave about it but I just had one too many bad experiences with them where the work wasn't done correctly or wasn't complete, requiring multiple trips to get it right.

[hikermtnbiker.livejournal.com]

I went to ABJ for about 5 years and they did quite a bit of work on my car, mostly good, sometimes questionable. But I got tired of how disorganized they are. No calls when the the problem is diagnosed or fix is complete. Taking 2 days to fix a problem when they told me it would be done in one (3 or so times). They are pleasant and old timey but I prefer someone more professional.

[blacktigr.livejournal.com]

Just got my complete exhaust done by Monro Muffler. I have taken multiple cars of mine there for years, and they always treat me right. I'm sure you would have a similar experience, even if you have to drive a little farther to the one in Union Square. (You get a warranty when you are done, too.)

They jacked the car up (it was running loud) and showed me every single piece they needed to work on. Knowing a little about cars, I knew it was going to be an expensive repair, but they got it done same day.

[dahdahdahdancer.livejournal.com]

I've used Ideal to keep my '91 Honda going... I haven't needed a muffler but they've repaired other things. Very professional.

[pch1.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the input kids! Ended up at Arco and they seem nice. Quoted me $400 for job, not cheap but fair. They seem like great guys and are going to do the work tomorrow. Fingers crossed and thanks again for the help!

[lldald.livejournal.com]

Surprised no one has mentioned Ideal Auto. Tim Hubbard, who used to own Hubbard's Gulf (where Chris' Auto now is located) took his repair business to Ideal. Dennis, the owner, is a good guy as well. Tim has taken care of my '95 Honda for ten years. He's honest, competent, and will tell you what you need to do now and what can wait a bit until your budget adjusts. Highly recommended.