Oil Change/State Inspection/Auto Maintenance?

[catguy]

I was going to post this on PB, but I think I need to appreciate my brief time there and move on.

Can anyone recommend a good auto service place in East Falls? I'm mainly just looking for an oil change and state inspection, keeping in mind that I may need additional repairs later on. Thanks.

[stonefly]

Not exactly in East Falls but I have used Dougherty Auto Repair on Rock Hill Road off of Belmont for inspections and repairs a number of times. John D. is very honest and goes great work. 610-664-7072

[catguy]

Thanks, I'll definitely keep him in mind.

As far as a quick oil change goes, does anyone have any feedback on that place on Midvale near the new produce store? I just want somewhere I can quickly drop my car off and walk or bike home.

[konsole]

I took my car to that place on midvale for an inspection and he gave me an estimate of 1600$.

I took it to Meineke in Andorra and got a sticker the same day.

However, I later tried out the place just below the tracks on Indian Queen ln, Joe Long's... and I was really satisfied and went back repeatedly for work there.

[wilreynolds]

Melnick Motors in wissahickon was always VERY good to me, and right next to the train station (like 30 paces) so if you have to move on for the day, its easy to drop off and pick up.

[Mr Plow]

When it comes to getting your car inspected, i would personally avoid dealers and chain stores.

Dealers inspect thouroughly and by the book. They most likely won't let even the smallest issue pass. Such as, say you have a crack in one of your lights, they will insist must be fixed to pass. You may end up paying 100 for a part you can buy and replace easily by yourself for $15. Plus there rates are the highest.

Many Chain places work on commissions, you may end up paying for fixes that are not needed. Just my experience and advice i recieved from a friend who is a mechanic.

Your best bet is finding a trusted local mechanic. these are the guys that will tell you 'you are going to need brakes in 6 months, but they are fine for inspection now' . (a dealer or chain may say you need them at inspection).

just my 2 cents. sorry, i don't have much experience in our to recommend someone.

[Malloy]

Closest is not always best, when it comes to choosing a mechanic. Its much more important to find someone you trust...who wont rip you off. (its really easy for a mechanic to rip you off)

I recommend a guy I grew up with Upper Darby, Bud's Auto. Ask for Andy, tell him I sent you. Hes right next to 69th St Terminal, which comes in handy. I'm a real picky car enthusiast, and hes the only guy I trust. He treats all his customers like they are friends.

7027 W Chester Pike, Upper Darby - (610) 352-0262

[catguy]

I took my car to that place on midvale for an inspection and he gave me an estimate of 1600$.

Holy .....

Closest is not always best, when it comes to choosing a mechanic. Its much more important to find someone you trust...who wont rip you off.

You're absolutely correct. Sometimes my laziness can get in the way of my common sense.

Thanks for all the tips, everyone.

[Hozeramma]

We have been taking our car to Brian for the past 8 years and never ever had a problem whatsoever. I can only say good things about the garage's workmanship and the staff's customer service.

Fountain Street Auto
6501 Ridge Ave (Ridge & Fountain)
(215) 487-6422

You can catch the 9 or 27 SEPTA bus or use their drop-off pick up service which is great since we are a one car family.

[redpinstripes]

I've been to Chuck's on Midvale with good results. Once was for an inspection. I asked him to replace a squealing fan belt and he tightened it and told me to save my money b/c it didnt need to be replaced.

The other time was when a weld broke on my exhaust system. He fixed it while I waited for cheap. No complaints. A big plus for me is that he is open until about 7:30 in the evening and it seems as though he is open on Saturday as well.

[kimlet]

I've been to Chuck's on Midvale with good results.

I second Chuck's. We've used him a few times (oil change, inspection, replace tires) and each time thought he was very reasonably priced.

[Lucho]

I second Chuck's. We've used him a few times (oil change, inspection, replace tires) and each time thought he was very reasonably priced.

Third for Chuck. He is completely honest about whether or not work needs to be done and allows you to provide the part's.

[edit215]

Another vote for Chuck's....have had several positive experiences using him.

[Rox19128]

We have been taking our car to Brian for the past 8 years and never ever had a problem whatsoever. I can only say good things about the garage's workmanship and the staff's customer service.

Fountain Street Auto
6501 Ridge Ave (Ridge & Fountain)
(215) 487-6422

You can catch the 9 or 27 SEPTA bus or use their drop-off pick up service which is great since we are a one car family.

Another vote for Brian at Fountain St Auto. Brian does quality work for a very reasonable price. Most of the time I get my car back that same day for minor fixes!

[David's Mommy]

I have taken our Honda Accord to the other guy on Midvale, the one closer to the library (MAT I think?). The inspection was cheaper than the other mechanic on Midvale, but he said we needed $250 of brake work that seemed suspicious (although we didn't have time to take it somewhere else before the end of the month so I just had him do it). We also got an oil change there and it was pretty inexpensive, like $25. I didn't get the best feeling from the place and wouldn't recommend it -- based on what I've seen on here, I'm definitely going to take it to Chuck next time.

[Reberson]

We have been taking our car to Brian for the past 8 years and never ever had a problem whatsoever. I can only say good things about the garage's workmanship and the staff's customer service.

Fountain Street Auto
6501 Ridge Ave (Ridge & Fountain)
(215) 487-6422

You can catch the 9 or 27 SEPTA bus or use their drop-off pick up service which is great since we are a one car family.

No doubt you should go to Fountain Street Auto. Extremely reasonable prices and quality workmanship. I have been to many many autobody shops and Brian at Fountain Street has been BY FAR the best to work with.

[burnembrndn]

One more vote for Fountain Street. I brought my entire fleet of vans there for inspection and repairs, as well as my personal vehicle. Straight up about prices, what was actually needed to pass, etc etc