Jackson Heights Life

I was in the same exact position a few months ago.  I had been going to Toyota and was being charged an arm  and a leg, and in addition, I strongly suspect they were cutting corners with the work they were supposed to be doing.

I searched our sister board, Astorians.com and decided to go with one recommendation, Paul's Getty at 43-10 31st Ave, 718-274-2688. 

I've only been there once and don't know cars well, so it's hard for me to give a strong recommendation, but I will say that I felt good about the experience and comfortable that I was being well taken care of and not tricked into having things done that don't need to be done.  Paul explained everything and broke it down into 3 portions: 1 was work that absolutely needed to be done right away, and the other 2 categories were a bit more optional or could wait.  He didn't pressure me in any way.  He knew that my bf knows cars well (but lives in another state) so he suggested I call him and talk it over before making a decision about what work to go forward with.

He seemed pretty shocked when I told him that only 7,000 miles earlier I had had the complete 60,000 mile workup done at the Toyota dealership but he also didn't want to badmouth other mechanics and since it was a done deal with toyota, we didn't really go into what they had done incorrectly or badly.

I ended up doing all three categories of suggested work and the car runs very smoothly now and when I need to, I will go back to him again.

also, when the car was ready, he had one of his guys drive my car over to JH to pick me up and then I drove it back to the shop to pay.  (It's also close to the subway if you don't want to do this.)

I wanted to add that Paul's been in business for years and is from that neighborhood and probably can't afford to cheat his customers as they would stop coming and stop referring people.  Toyota can get away with this (if that is what is going on there) because people will continue going to the dealership without being referred.

thanks for the helpful suggestions.
anyone know anything about the sunoco on northern and 76th?
he seems very nice and like he's probably honest, but i'm not sure how good he is.

The Mobile at 87th and Northern has been good to me. I recently got a bad flat tire and they had to order the replacement so they gave me a "loaner" tire to drive on for 4 days while we waited on the new one.

where are the cheapest car repair shops queens? i have an older car that needs minor electrical work.
thanks,
Mike

Ok, I've lived here 20 years and have been going to the same mechanic over on 78th Street. and 31st Ave. at the Texaco station.  His name is Louie.  He's Greek.  He's incredibly honest and helpful and not interested in ripping anyone off.  I love Louie.  The number there is 718-429-3852.  And again I like to have this disclaimer: I'm not related, get no kickback or price cut blah blah blah.   He's amazing.

Thanks for the suggestion, Buddy!  I went there today, and got a new battery, alternator, and oxygen sensor installed.  The person I worked with (name escapes me, but it wasn't Louie) was very helpful and straightforward.  It still cost a lot (as car repair always does), but I came away feeling much better about the transaction than I ever did with my old mechanic on Northern.  Plus, I was able to soothe any residual pain by making my first trip to Cannelle Pastiserie around the corner.  That certainly helped!

Yeah, Mac, a pastry shop or bakery while waiting for my car is a nice perk. Those poor people who just drop off their car and go home don't know what they're missing.

Todd, next time call ahead and speak to Louie.  The other guys who work there are okay.  I don't dislike them but there's something about Louie.  You'll know what I mean when you meet him.  There's something so honest and kind about him.  I think he's rare as far as people go never mind mechanics.

I go to the garage at the Shell on 71st St and Northern Blvd. They are honest, usually quick, and not far from me.
'92 Toyota Celica GT.