Need a mechanic recommendation

[BrewMaster]

So I remember there was someone here who was a mechanic or a retired mechanic or something who knew mechanics all over the country. Well, I just moved to Pasadena in June and I have no local mechanic I can trust. Both of our cars are relatively new (2002 Civic, 2004 Matrix) but I feel like not having a mechanic to go to is like not having a doctor to go to. I need to get my tires rotated, balanced, and aligned to keep on proper schedule. So anyway, who can recommend a mechanic in the Pasadena area? I live in the 91106 zip code if that helps. Pasadena, Alhambra, and Monrovia are all acceptable, but I'd prefer someone close to the house if possible. Thanks.

[InfiniteNothing]

So I remember there was someone here who was a mechanic or a retired mechanic or something who knew mechanics all over the country. Well, I just moved to Pasadena in June and I have no local mechanic I can trust. Both of our cars are relatively new (2002 Civic, 2004 Matrix) but I feel like not having a mechanic to go to is like not having a doctor to go to. I need to get my tires rotated, balanced, and aligned to keep on proper schedule. So anyway, who can recommend a mechanic in the Pasadena area? I live in the 91106 zip code if that helps. Pasadena, Alhambra, and Monrovia are all acceptable, but I'd prefer someone close to the house if possible. Thanks.
Tire rotation, balance and alignment... you need a nurse not a doctor. Go to wherever you bought your tires and have them do it. Or consider going to a tire dealership like discount tires.

[BrewMaster]

Tire rotation, balance and alignment... you need a nurse not a doctor. Go to wherever you bought your tires and have them do it. Or consider going to a tire dealership like discount tires.
it's a new car, the tires were put on at the factory. the dealership i bought it from is 400 miles away in the Bay Area.

I like having a mechanic I can trust to do things right and charge a fair price. Also, when the day comes that I have an automotive emergency I don't want to have to go look for a mechanic then. I've found that having a good mechanic you can trust and have a good relationship is essential. Sure I can go to some discount place to have tires rotated, balanced, and steering aligned, but I think it's better to build a relationship with a shop on these small things so they'll take care of you on the bigger things. Not to mention a lot of tire shops don't do alignments. And if they do, I still don't trust them. I'll take a family owned shop any day versus Pep Boys where the mechanics are different every week. But that's just my preference, you may disagree.

[rasetsu]

So I remember there was someone here who was a mechanic or a retired mechanic or something who knew mechanics all over the country. Well, I just moved to Pasadena in June and I have no local mechanic I can trust. Both of our cars are relatively new (2002 Civic, 2004 Matrix) but I feel like not having a mechanic to go to is like not having a doctor to go to. I need to get my tires rotated, balanced, and aligned to keep on proper schedule. So anyway, who can recommend a mechanic in the Pasadena area? I live in the 91106 zip code if that helps. Pasadena, Alhambra, and Monrovia are all acceptable, but I'd prefer someone close to the house if possible. Thanks.


Alhambra is FULL of independent mechanics. I'd start by asking co-workers and neighbors.

[DarkFury]

So I remember there was someone here who was a mechanic or a retired mechanic or something who knew mechanics all over the country. Well, I just moved to Pasadena in June and I have no local mechanic I can trust. Both of our cars are relatively new (2002 Civic, 2004 Matrix) but I feel like not having a mechanic to go to is like not having a doctor to go to. I need to get my tires rotated, balanced, and aligned to keep on proper schedule. So anyway, who can recommend a mechanic in the Pasadena area? I live in the 91106 zip code if that helps. Pasadena, Alhambra, and Monrovia are all acceptable, but I'd prefer someone close to the house if possible. Thanks.

Paging mechmike0034.... We need ya in here STAT!!!

Here is the referencing thread: http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80175

[mechmike0034]

I am working on it as we speak...

I made a post to an Auto Tech's board that I frequent referencing Brew's request and am waiting for a response. I unfortunately don't know a shop personally in that area. I do know an excellent tech in Glendale which is probably too far. Maybe he can offer a recommendation.

Stay tuned...

[BrewMaster]

well, I am always up for Glendale if they're worth it. like I said, I'd like to keep it close, but if it is the right shop that I can trust, I'll gladly drive to Glendale. there are just so many shops around here in Pasadena I figure there's gotta be one gem that you know of mechmike0034.

I guess we'll see what you find out.

And DF is right, that is indeed the thread I was referencing.

[ray]

I would say go to Toyota of North Hollywood for your Matrix...but I think many may suggest picking an independent mechanic.

[mechmike0034]

See Kelly at Direct Auto Service Center in Glendale, and I'll also see if I can find another name or two for you. Choices are good.

[tupacboy]

i know one in la puente... let me know...

[attgig]

Hey Mech...Can I ask for a favor too? I have yet to find a good, reliable, honest mechanic up here in baltimore. Do you know of any?

thanks,

[mechmike0034]

There are none in Baltimore - all Maryland mechanics are crooks! <KIDDING>

Where are you in Metro Baltimore? Can you do Glen Burnie? If so, see Lou Calka at Alpine Auto Service.

[guiseppewv]

Hey Mech...Can I ask for a favor too? I have yet to find a good, reliable, honest mechanic up here in baltimore. Do you know of any?

thanks,


I could use that too. I have been taking my car back to WV for things b/c I had a great indep mechanic there. TIA.

If you are around Morgantown, WV take your car to Shorty Anderson's on Stewartstown road. They won't do everything (e.g. head gasket replacement) but they do 90% of jobs. Call ahead to make sure. They charge like $45/hr which is dirt cheap and they do a great job. Never had to take anything back a second time b/c they didn't fix it and I have had them tell me that I didn't need to fix what I was asking them to fix and they didn't charge me at all. Great shop.

[attgig]

There are none in Baltimore - all Maryland mechanics are crooks! <KIDDING>

Where are you in Metro Baltimore? Can you do Glen Burnie? If so, see Lou Calka at Alpine Auto Service.
not the most convenient of places...but definitely do-able. if there's anything in towson/timonium, that works better for me...but if not, I'm sure Glen Burnie would be worth the drive!


thanks!

[guiseppewv]

Glen Burnie would work for me. Not super close but closer than a 3 hr drive which is where my mechanic is now. :) Thank you. :)

[AlpineJay]

If I can jump on the bandwagon a bit...

I would love a good mechanic in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area, and in Morris County, NJ. I have an excellent Volvo mechanic back home, but a 98 Ford Explorer that we just bought has some issues and I'd like a good mechanic to look at it.

[mechmike0034]

Jay, not blowing you off; I've just been really busy. I'll turn you up something today or over the weekend...

[brainsmile]

attgig... move to Iran. P3rsian can hook you up with some reputable mechanics there.

[mechmike0034]

If I can jump on the bandwagon a bit...

I would love a good mechanic in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area, and in Morris County, NJ. I have an excellent Volvo mechanic back home, but a 98 Ford Explorer that we just bought has some issues and I'd like a good mechanic to look at it.

P & M Service Center in Belmont, MA - No clue on NJ...


There are none in Baltimore - all Maryland mechanics are crooks! <KIDDING>

Where are you in Metro Baltimore? Can you do Glen Burnie? If so, see Lou Calka at Alpine Auto Service.

http://www.alpineautoservice.com/

[AlpineJay]

Thanks, Mike. Belmont's 10 minutes away from me and it will be very useful as I will likely end up being in this area for at least the next couple years.

[BrewMaster]

anything on the Pasadena area yet mechmike0034? thanks man.

[mechmike0034]

anything on the Pasadena area yet mechmike0034? thanks man.

Just the guy in Glendale (http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showpost.php?p=770482&postcount=9) I mentioned above - I haven't turned anyone else up in that area that I could recommend.

[BrewMaster]

thanks. i'll check them out.

[Ladogaboy]

I could recommend some people that you wouldn't want to go to in Eagle Rock.... Don't know any mechanics in Pasadena, though. :shrug:

[SmokeyDP]

If your cars are that new shouldn't they be covered under warrenty for any work? I go to the dealership for my Pathfinder.

[BrewMaster]

If your cars are that new shouldn't they be covered under warrenty for any work? I go to the dealership for my Pathfinder.
this ain't a mercedes, it's a toyota matrix. they don't rotate and balance the tires for free on a toyota. nothing is broken, per se, but work needs to be done. during the warranty period you can bet I'll take it to the dealer if something breaks, but for everything else, screw the dealers and their over-priced work.

[SmokeyDP]

Neither is a Nissan... I pay $23.95 for an oil change and they inspect everything on the car and give a free car wash. This is usually how warranty jobs are spotted. They just replaced my fan clutch. Apparently it was stuck in the on position. Now that its fixed my car warms up faster. There are lots of things that could go wrong on a car that you would not know about by just driving it from point A to point B. As far as tires I order from tirerack.com and pay to have them mounted anywhere.

[BrewMaster]

my local Toyota dealer doesn't do oil changes that cheap with a car wash, otherwise I would be there. my Ford dealer did, but they only do it on Fords. generally i try to avoid the dealer if I can.