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Toledo Talk   (musing about Lake Erie West and beyond)
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Reputable auto engine repair in Monroe Co/nearby?

Just seeing if anyone can give a good recommendation for an auto repair shop -- preferably in Bedford Township, but also open to West Toledo, Sylvania and nearby areas.

My 10yo Ford Escort is in a dealer shop getting an estimate. While the dealer has been good to me in the past, I know there are some good shops around. Just don't know where they are. I have a feeling this ain't gonna be cheap.

So, any positive recommendations, or even places to stay away from will be greatly appreciated.
Take care,
Mike

created by miked918 on Jan 28, 2008 at 01:40:25 pm     Comments: 7

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I have long been a customer of Earl Brothers on Secor, located between Sylvania and Laskey. They were Secor Automotive until a few years ago, but the same mechanics are working there.

Jeff is the manager, and he will do his best to keep the prices down. I get excellent service at reasonable prices every time I go there, and they go above and beyond to keep customers happy.

Recently my daughter's car needed a new water pump, and two days after being repaired, a hose blew and the car overheated. Rather than try to argue that this was coincidental, Jeff took it upon himself to just charge us for the hose, and not the labor and coolant.

This, by the way, was without me even griping. I was fully prepared to shell out the extra $50 or so, but this type of fair treatment builds loyal customers, and I will likely spend many more times as much money since I know them to be honest businessmen.

posted by historymike on Jan 28, 2008 at 01:57:43 pm     #



I know its not near you, but i go to grangers on Miami street. They've always told me upfront what something will cost and never charged me over for it. And they're usually pretty fast too, depending on what needs done.

posted by tm2 on Jan 28, 2008 at 03:55:01 pm     #



A couple threads at MonroeTalks.com :

posted by jr on Jan 28, 2008 at 06:10:31 pm     #



Ray's Auto in Erie is very good. We have all our work done there and Ray always gives an estimate, is very good communicating what is wrong and what it will take to fix.

posted by daddyg on Jan 29, 2008 at 07:59:45 am     #



What is the dealer saying is wrong or needs repaired on your escort?

posted by tommy1 on Jan 29, 2008 at 03:32:05 pm     #



All: Thanks for the feedback. Earl Bros. (I mentioned your name, Mike, to Jeff) is still looking at my Escort and not sure what really is wrong. Will give a fair review when all is done.
--Mike

posted by miked918 on Jan 30, 2008 at 03:06:14 pm     #



FWIW: My '98 Escort runs fine (at least after driving it home last night and to work this morning). So, thanks to Jeff and his crew at Earl Bros on Secor Road. I now have a rebuilt transmission and a new flywheel, with a year's warranty.

My main comment about Jeff/Earl Bros. was the communication and how up front he was. I don't mind paying money for repairs, but want to know ahead of time and feel like it's justified. I think I found a new home for when my vehicles need fixin'.

The dealer -- Brondes Maumee -- has been great to work with. No problem in the past. However, with dealers, I always assume I'm paying more than a shop for at least the same quality of work.

The remanufacutured transmission estimate from Brondes was 2x the rebuilt from Earl Bros (same warranty), and the used estimate was a few hundred $$ more than what I paid (and I don't like used transmissions).

There were some relatively minor issues when Brondes looked at my car, like removing the starter -- they thought it was the problem at first -- and not putting it back on. After Earl Bros. picked up my car, I had to drive to Brondes and get it. A simple oversight or spite, not sure.

Overall, Brondes Maumee still does good work, but, for the most part, this experience with Earl Bros. has convinced me to switch.
-- Mike

posted by miked918 on Feb 05, 2008 at 12:21:21 pm     #