For the last 20 years I have gone to George's Garage in Linden, and he recently went out of business.

I need a new muffler, engine flushed, shocks, and tire rotation--nothing too big, so any local recommendations would be appreciated.

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A M AUTO REPAIR SHOP
373 6th Street
Jersey City
(201) 795-5520

They replaced my entire exhaust and a new radiator. I've been using Al since the late 90's for the type of work you mentioned.

We used to use B&B on Bright St but he moved. Does anyone know where? If not, we'd like to get a new mechanic but they need to be walkable from downtown (easily, e.g., not in the Heights, etc.)

A few mentioned Village on 4th and Brunswick and AM on 6th? These would be ideal, but wasn't sure if they were still recommended.

Thanks!

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Yes, A & M is still recommenced... I just had them replace my radiator, entire exhaust system and clean all the injectors. I have an Altima which doesn't do well with generic replacement parts and wanted only top of the lines parts that were a step down from the original factory parts. I bought most of my parts myself from RockAuto and had them install it.

Brewster what is it doing? Transmissions almost never go bad anymore. Did you have it pumped out and refilled?

There is also Lucas Transmission -- I know, I know -- but their crazy products often really do work.

http://lucasoil.hodgsoncorp.com/slipping_transmission.htm

I had a 1999 Caravan I used as a work truck (without rear seats) for a number of years -- I foolishly got the transmission rebuilt when it was acting up (it would only do the 3rd gear - safety mode thing) -- my mechanic at the time talked me into rebuilding -- but it was really just the linkage being out of adjustment -- I only found this out after I had the transmission rebuilt -- because the problem continued. Have someone check your linkage - if you can't find anyone else I might ask Danny at Wrench Brothers ( Newark Ave & Brunswick) to take a look at the linkage.

I don't think I would ever rebuild a transmission again -- if it is that -- then maybe just move on!

If you want a cheap deal then this Wednesday go to the Brooklyn Navy Yard - and take cash - (click these links below)

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/auc ... toauctions_bestbuys.shtml


http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/misc/caraucti.pdf

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/auctions/autoauctions.shtml

Holy shit this is perfect....my car got the engine light, and so I was looking for a place to have someone look at my ride. This is really helpful, thanks a lot gang!

I need a new muffler (or tail pipe). Or both.

I've gone to A-1 Autoworks for a number of things. I never really felt like they were trying to fish for other things to fix, but I've read lots of reviews where people had terrible experiences. Times are lean and I don't need phantom issues with my car.

Does anyone have a trusted auto repair person in JC? I live in Paulus Hook, so it would be nice if it was downtown (so I could walk home from the drop off and walk to pick up). But I'm willing to go elsewhere if it means I can trust the shop.

Thanks!

I've had good experiences with Joe's Auto Electric (41 Maxwell, off of Columbus). They were quick, efficient and honest!

Went to Summit Auto based on recommendations from another JC thread. Was not disappointed. Seem like honest, reliable guys and now I only go to them.

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Agree, Summit Auto is one of the best around.

Recently, I needed an emergency repair and went to Chariot Auto on 71 Coles Street between 4th and 5th Streets. It's just a block from my home.

Great price to replaced radiator, thermostat, and hoses. It was same day service, and Ricky, the owner, stayed an extra hour to finish the job. The job was a bit more complicated for my car, but the total was just under 400 dollars.

It's not too much of a schlep from Paulus Hook.

I highly recommend My Way Automotive on Tonnelle Ave.. Its the garage attached to the Getty gas station.. My insurance company sent them once when I needed a tow and and I've used them for every repair I've needed since.. The owner Henry is a really nice guy and honest.. Its great to have a place where you know they'll only replace what actually needs to be replaced...

I've been happy with Pica Automotive, on Highway 139. Although only open on weekdays, they are not so far from the Journal Square PATH station, so if you can get to work on public transit, you can take your car there in the morning then head straight to work.

another vote for joe's auto electric. joe is a good guy and very reasonable. walking distance to paulus hook too.

Definite + for Joe's Auto Electric. Great mechanics, seriously-honest and fair rates. Been going there for years and sent a whole bunch of neighbors-

Here's another vote for Joe's - we have a '93 Celica that's needed a lot of help over the years and he's always done a good job and never over-charged for anything - really a great guy.

Up vote for Joe's on Coles/Varick and CC Blvd. Right across from the PR social club. Good guys.

Update:

Thanks folks for weighing in. I'd initially brought my car to Avel Autoworks on Marin. I was given a quote of a bit over $900, saying I needed a new oxygen sensor, the entire front exhaust pipe and gaskets. To be fair, he actually brought me out and showed me the underside of the car. (Although, I wasn't sure what I was looking for.)

I told him I couldn't afford the price and was told that I'd not be able to pass inspection with out all of those things being done.

So, I followed JCList wisdom and drove the car over to Joe's. They were great. I told them I wasn't in a hurry because I don't use my car for work (and I'd brought it late in the day on Monday).

Long story short, my car was ready yesterday. For $550. No replacing the oxygen sensor. And the pipe that I was told at Avel could only be purchased for around $700 was purchased for about $350 at Joe's.

I saved $400. Yay! And I've found a new mechanic! Thanks folks!

I fixed cars for 10 years and I'm a NYS licensed inspector but have been out of the business for a while. I took my car to Sears in JC at the Newport Mall and even told them my background. Despite that they gave me list of bullshit items in need of repair and replacement for over $1600. And the sad part is the one thing I asked them to actually repair they screwed up (by leaving a strut bolt lose). This could've caused a major accident.

Listen, a friend of mine once joked and said she'd pay me $25 just to walk into a shop with her so doesn't get ripped off. That's such a great idea and I hate hearing about ppl getting robbed, so that offer stands to anyone who needs me.
Paul
pmalone24@gmail.com

Summit Auto - Rich, and crew are aces, specially if you own a BMW. They all drive perfectly maintained bimmers.

I second Joe's.

Also AGM Transmission on Communipaw.

I like Duke's 2. They did a great job keeping my ancient Mercedes turbodiesel running. It's at 175 Second Street, behind the ShopRite.

i used ziggy's on 7th street in downtown j.c. through my insurance company. they did a great job, finished on time and were easy to deal with.

Sernio's on the west end of communipaw, will do a Fantastic job, pricing is something you'll have to find out, but it did come in a little under my insurance cost.

I highly recommend American Body Work up on Tonnele. They were excellent when I had to have my bumper completely redone. Their work was perfect and I found their pricing to be very reasonable (I too had also heard good reviews of Serrino's over by 440 but their pricing was astronomical in comparison). ABW was very quick in getting the job done so I could get my car back!

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I read through this thread recently to research a body shop. Since I have to pay it on my own I'm sensitive to pricing. It turned out Ziggy's very expensive, Sip Auto Body is cheaper but still too much for me. Didn't bother to try Sernios since somebody in the thread got a much higher estimate than from Sip Auto Body.

It's funny that somebody stopped me at Metro Plaza (where the ShopRite is) and offered to do it for me at a much cheaper price. When I asked him for his cell phone # he found various excuses not to give me so I didn't accept his offer.

Ended up driving to Secaucus Auto Body, got it done perfectly with 30% lower than Sip Auto Body. You can take bus No 2 from JSQ to 1st & Front St in Secaucus then walk in 10 - 15 minutes. In Post # 12 I recommended a repair store which is right next to this body shop. The repair store saved me hundreds of dollars in the past few years. This is the first time I used the body shop.

Good luck!

I am buying a car and need a mechanic to check it out first - anyone have a trustworthy mechanic they can recommend? Also, if there is anything else I might need to know about buying a car in NJ, I'd appreciate any tips, I haven't owned a car while living here. Thanks :)

Assuming you are living in Jersey City, are you renting a parking space or do you have a deeded space?

If neither, it's going to be a huge hassle to remember the street cleaning schedule and moving your car to fit that schedule.

As for buying a used car, always get the carfax!

Great thread! So it looks like

Joe's Auto Electric
41 Maxwell, off of Columbus

and

Summit Auto

are the top two recommended. Good to know. I will only be in JC for a few more weeks, I'm moving, but thanks for the tips about parking. I will try to find a lot to park in while I'm here.

Someone also told me that parking tickets stay with cars here and there can be liens on the titles? Anyone know anything about that?

I might check out that auction too - has anyone bought a car there?

Just never go to A1 Autoworks. Biggest bunch of thieves you ever want to meet.