Northside Auto Repair Recommendations

[Rapscallion]

Originally Posted by resonator

I like to support local independent businesses and took my car in to one nearby that is one of the same chain of five in three other cities with the same owner.

A shop is only as good as the shop manager. I used to be in the business and could share some pretty outlandish stories.....

I'm much in the same boat as yourself. I've got a garage full of SnapOn tools, but both my patience and eyesight aren't quite what they used to be. While it's not on the northside, I find a decent shop is worth a drive because they are almost non-existent. Even if not dishonest, missing parts due to an inattentive mechanic who realized his mistakes beyond the point where he was willing to go back, are more than just a nuisance.

I would recommend Paul Taylor's shop, Taylor Automotive. The address is 3500 W Loop 1604 S, San Antonio, TX 78245.

taylorautomotive

I knew Paul's dad, who operated a small shop on Fredericksburg Road back in the day. He was a man of outstanding integrity, and Paul is cut from the same cloth.

[Azure110]

Originally Posted by resonator

Checked carefully myself and had another repair shop, (recommended above on Pat Booker) verify that there are no problems found with the steering rack or front shocks. I did have them change some crusty looking front suspension bushings which is what I went to Cornerstone for in the first place.

Cornerstone Automotive 14630 Blanco Rd, just south of Bitters was the repair place that said the steering rack (dangerously leaking profusely !) and a front shock was also leaking and the Toyota would not pass state inspection being in such bad shape.

Totally bogus diagnosis especially given the power steering never has required any fluid.

Even more bogus given I've never had a state inspection pop the hood or look under the car.

Best part was their quote of $750 to change both front shocks. You tube shows how to do it on my Toyota 4Runner in the garage with a floor jack and 30 minutes and $60 parts each. The wanted $1,400 to replace the steering rack.

I remember back in the good old days, 1985, when I replaced the steering rack in a Toyota Supra in my driveway. Was a hard job until I got the grinder out and modified one of my wrenches. That one was leaking profusely. What a mess.

It is not easy finding a shop that will work on an 80's Toyota. I know from personal experience with my 80's Toyota.

Toyotas from the 80's (or any car from that era really for that matter) should only be owned by people willing to learn how to do it themselves. I am no mechanic but I have learned to do repairs that could end up costing me hundreds, if not thousands by doing a little research online on forums and youtube.

[resonator]

I no longer have an 80's Toyota. But I had 4 from that decade, two were my kids', and they were great, well one was a 79.

I've owned a dozen Toyotas, only the 86 Landcruiser was bought used, one-owner.

The one I'm referring to with the bogus diagnosis is a 2005 4th generation model truck with NO leaks.

The Supra I was working on back in 1985 was a 1980 model.

[Azure110]

Originally Posted by resonator

I no longer have an 80's Toyota. But I had 4 from that decade, two were my kids', and they were great, well one was a 79.

I've owned a dozen Toyotas, only the 86 Landcruiser was bought used, one-owner.

The one I'm referring to with the bogus diagnosis is a 2005 4th generation model truck with NO leaks.

The Supra I was working on back in 1985 was a 1980 model.

Dealer Alternative off Bitters road was a great shop for more modern Toyotas but they closed and re-opened as "Your Mechanic". I have no experience with them under the new name.

From what I understand it was originally co-owned under the first name then the owners split and one of the two re-opened under the second name.