auto repair help

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

my car is making weird noises that sound like bad brake noises and thus make me nervous, and the place i used to take it for repairs was ok but not fantastic. (they installed the wrong windshield once.) i'm pretty sure there was a fairly recent (ie, 2006) post about good garages but i've looked in the archive back thru january and can't find it. >.< so my question is thus: can y'all recommend a reliable local place to take my car so someone can look at and ideally fix it without taking advantage of me? or even if anyone knows where the garage post is and can point me to it, that would be fine.

(i have a honda civic if that makes any difference. i don't care if the garage is import-only or takes all kinds of cars as long as it comes recommended and the mechanics there can tell me what the problem is, how they can fix it, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.)

Comments

[dj-daeva.livejournal.com]

i like the guys at Dalton's gulf on 28 in Medford (on 28 a mile or 2 past wellington circle). It's a family owned business for many many years. My boyfriend took his car in thinking that his transmission was blown. They easily could've screwed him over for thousands of dollars of repairs, but as it turned out they just repaired the clutch for $25 :)

if you want honest, definitely give them a try :)

(i've also had my car inspected there and had oil changes)

<3

[dphilli1.livejournal.com]

the car talk guys have a web page with local mechanics and reviews from people who've used them

[imlad.livejournal.com]

I've been very pleased with New Street Auto:

48 New Street
Cambridge, MA 02138-1223
Phone: (617) 441-2135

They do a great jot and don't take advantage of customers' mechanical ignorance.

[watchamacallit.livejournal.com]

I use Hondar House on Prospect, outside of Central Square. They do amazing work but, be warned, you pay a hefty price for it.

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

I bring my car to the Goodyear in Union Square. They do good work and they're honest. They fixed my brakes that Midas completely fucked me over on and I've been bringing my cars to them ever since.

[spandrel.livejournal.com]

Arco Tire and Service gets my vote! Gary only fixes what you ask him to and does it for a very reasonable price. His people skills are good too...no need to be a mechanical whiz to get a clear answer from him.

18 Clarendon Ave.
Somerville, MA
(617) 623-9400

[agharta75.livejournal.com]

Hondar House. They'll find problems other shops will miss or overcharge for, and keep you informed all the way.

previous thread

[kglue.livejournal.com]

Some additional places and recommendations are mentioned here:

http://community.livejournal.com/davis_square/527528.html

Re: previous thread

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

that's the post i was thinking of and couldn't find! thank you. :>

[guxx.livejournal.com]

For foreign cars, go to ABJ Auto. They're off Medford Street, not far from McGrath Hwy.

I'd posted on this board a few months looking for a reliable mechanic for my Subaru, several people suggested ABJ, and I've since been a loyal customer.

Their number is 617-625-6632. Al usually answers the phone; he's the manager, very pleasant to deal with.

[dakotakym.livejournal.com]

I heartily second the Arco Tire recommendation. Gary is an excellent mechanic, and a terrific guy.

[cleanup-davissq.livejournal.com]

Honda Cambridge at Fresh Pond -they are the dealer, they'll do the right work, you'll be safer and have a lifetime warrenty on the repair. you are trying to save a few bucks with back street mechanics. How much is your life worth?