Northside Auto Repair Recommendations (Alamo, Howe: inspection, dangerous, floor)

[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.

Always a busy place and has good reviews, though none recent.

I've been working on my own cars for 50+ years and have always done my own work but now I'm getting too old to be under the truck any longer. Brakes, shocks, tune up, bushings, belts, hoses, wheel bearings, sensors, etc are easy for me and my 4 tool boxes.

I needed some common worn out parts replaced and was willing to pay the going rates for the work. Long story short - horrible experience. Intentional damage caused to my car as well when I refused some crazy suggestions but not likely I can prove it.

I would like to get your recent opinion of your favorite independent shop and also hear of a good experience with a local Toyota dealer's shop as well (if that is possible, a long shot I know).

In the meantime, I'll be back under the hood and engine this weekend to fix their work.

[Labamigo]

If you want to help the readers of your post you should tell us the shop you visited.

[resonator]

I'm thinking positive and will let you know when I find a good repair shop.

[elnina]

I am with the same people for over 20 years now. Like their work ethics and honesty. Never felt ripped off, cheated, or lied to.
They moved last week to a new, bigger place, and I already had some minor work done there.
However, give them a week or so, if you can, till they get comfortably situated. They do all jobs except body, but I am sure what they can't do, they will recommend a good place.
They are fast, and they will call if consultation is needed.
This not a chain.
1614 Pat Booker Rd.

[resonator]

Thanks, the map shows three named businesses there (probably not current:Master European Auto, Just Brakes, and Awesum Lube).

If you have a name or number that would help. Otherwise I'll drop by.

[elnina]

He owns it all. Not sure if the names will stay.
I don't have number to the place, yet - just to the owner, but can find out.

[Azure110]

Originally Posted by resonator

I would like to get your recent opinion of your favorite independent shop and also hear of a good experience with a local Toyota dealer's shop as well (if that is possible, a long shot I know).

If your vehicle is an older Toyota then try Alamo Auto Doctors. It is just a mom and pop place with no other employee but the owner himself. He was a former Toyota dealer mechanic for many years.

[resonator]

Thanks Azure

[resonator]

Originally Posted by resonator

Thanks Azure

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.

[resonator]

duplicate post