Need good honest car repair shop

[Jukesgrrl]

Hardin Brothers Automotive on North Oracle.
Automotive Service for the Tucson, Ariz. Community

When I was new in Tucson, living in the Northwest suburb, I asked around my workplace for car repair recommendations. Several people I worked with recommended Hardin Brothers, so I went there. I now join those others in highly recommending them. My car was about 10 years old when I first took it there. #1 I needed air conditioner repair, which couldn't wait as far as I was concerned, but I also gave them a list of "I hear this noise" and "this seems weird" problems.

First and foremost, they fixed the air conditioner very inexpensively. They could have ripped me off, but they didn't. I could tell the fan wasn't broken but had they told me something else drastic I wouldn't have been in a position to argue. Instead, they made a minor repair and five years later it's still working like a charm. They addressed everything else on my checklist with specific recommendations. A couple of things they recommended being done that I immediately approved; they also were reasonable in terms of price. Two other things they explained but said would be expensive to fix. But both were more minor annoyances than real problems. They said they COULD fix them, but did I really want to spend that kind of money on a ten year old car? My choice. Needless to say, my choice was, "I'll live with that noise" and to this day, everything's been fine. Since then, I've gone up there for two other repairs, both reasonably priced and to my satisfaction.

For every-day maintenance, oil changes and such, I go to Brake Masters (not Max, where I had a bad experience at the one in Oro Valley) because it's close to my house and I have developed a good relationship with Daniel, the manager there (store #159). It's the one on the north side of Ina Road at the intersection of N. Meredith Boulevard (just east of Thornydale). But if I have anything I suspect is major and/or mechanical, I go back to Hardin Brothers. And just for the record, I get tires at Discount Tire, also on Ina, the one just east of Shannon. They've been great.

Hardin Brothers is pretty far north on Oracle. Since it's past Golder Ranch Road I think that puts it in Catalina. It's on the opposite side of the street from Bub's Grub Barbecue just a shade farther up the road. But personally, I think the trip is worth it for mechanics who seem knowledgeable and honest.

[Jimrob1]

Thanks everyone for all the reviews and recommendations. They will come in handy.

[AZFLHigh]

Try Krone's on 22nd. They can work on anything and shoot you straight. You deal directly with the owner most of the time.

[Professor B]

Okay, another request for an update/different part of Tucson. We're moving by the end of August to join my husband who begins his new job at the beginning of the month. We'll be closer to East Tucson--central east, if there is such a thing, and we are nursing along two quite old cars. I hate car payments, so we intend to drive them until they just won't move any longer. ;-> As a result, we are always fixing something (still way less expensive than a car payment).

AZFLHigh, I will check out Krone's--thanks! Any other recommendations out there?

Any recommendations for honest, reliable mechanics out in that general area? I know they are like gold, so I thought I'd better start asking now.

Oh--and we have AAA car insurance. Is anyone thrilled with their car insurance or are they all about the same?


Thanks in advance!

[JGMotorsport64]

Try Vince's Automotive Repair, might not be the most convenient but they were always the cheapest and did good work. I had them do some of my fleets and my personal vehicles and would always recommend a small local shop over a chain.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Professor B

Oh--and we have AAA car insurance. Is anyone thrilled with their car insurance or are they all about the same?


Thanks in advance!

Not much help with an Eastside Car Repair Shop, Professor B . . .

However, I've had AAA Insurance for years . . . every once in awhile I shop around for better and/or less expensive and always stick with AAA. Their quality of service is excellent and it is nice to be able to sit down and discuss both Vehicle and Home Insurance Coverage and Prices with a knowledgeable agent.

Good Luck

[Professor B]

Thanks, JGMotorsport64 and Bummer!

I'll check out Vince's--it's great to hear from someone who has used them extensively.

[DebBho]

Whenever I see someone asking for mechanic recommendations, I just have to pop in and talk up Jay Bee's at 5070 E 22nd. When I first moved here I needed a mechanic to figure out and solve my lit-up "check engine" light so that I could license my car. Jay Bee's not only fixed the problem, but they drove me to and from home while they did it and finished the job in time for me to make a doctor's appointment that they knew was important. And the bill was VERY reasonable to boot. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Check out their Yelp reviews. Very highly thought of.

[dersu]

Montgomery Automotive, 4718 N Flowing Wells Rd, Tucson