Hi Everyone-
Can anybody recommend a fair mechanic? I need brake pads installed and every place I call wants an arm and a leg for it.

Thanks!

We go to the Sonoco at 45th and Walnut because we are cheap. Alternately one could go to Jack's on Springfield btween 45th and 46th, next to the Specialty Bakery, who has an excellent reputation but is not necessarily cheap.

my mom's been going to Sammy's Auto Repair on 45th and baltimore for years. i don't know how they handle first time customers though. if you have an import, my uncle has a garage at 6200 Woodbine Ave. called Import Service Unlimited. once again, i don't know he handles first time customers. but it's worth it to get an estimate from both.

I gave up on Sammy's after a while. Probably it's good work, but it was both expensive and extremely slow. I know it violates all kinds of pledges about supporting mom-and-pops, but we go to Strauss Bros on 48th and Chestnut now. While you won't get the same person two times in a row, they are cheap and very fast, and they have very little incentive to overcharge you.

My problem with Straus is that there are certain major things they won't do, which is a drag because you have brought the vehicle over to them and they have charged you to take a look and then they say, "Oh its this - we don't do that"

But generally, yes, its cheap and quick turnaround.

I had the same question about a year ago. Some people posted some replies here:

http://phillyblog.com/forum/ftopic2182.html

I tried the last one... Bud's Auto... and I was really impressed with them. While I got my car inspected, one of their customers came in and asked for a good auto body shop and they seemed to know alot of their customers by name. Additionally, they are at the end of the MFL so it's easy to get into town from there.

The downside is I had to get my headgasket replaced and they wanted $800 while I got it done in Lancaster for $500. I imagine the difference is mostly the cost of doing business in Philly. In fact, the guy even remembered me and my car from 9 months before. I plan on getting my car inspected there again soon, so I trust them, but I drive to my dad's mechanic in Lancaster for major repairs.

Did ya mention my name? I'm glad ya had a good experience. Mechanics can be total theifs, so having a personal reference is huge. Buds isnt the cheapest, but they usually fix it right the 1st time around. (much different that the scam artist hacks at Strauss or Peps) I grew up with Joe, and my dad (auto body shop) has been working with Andy since he was a kid. The location is great as well.

Yeah, that's one of the ways that he (Andy I think) remembered me. It was kind of fun. I was sad that they weren't cheap enough for the head gasket. They were really helpful and fast on the inspection, they did it while I sat there and watched.

Cool. Im glad it worked out. We like to make fun of each other. :razz: