any good, honest auto mechanics in twin cities? (Minneapolis, Edina: home, to buy)

[Angorlee]

I guess word of mouth is the best way to find a mechanic that is honest with you after a breakdown. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Slim's Auto Clinic in Anoka, MN and the Shell Station in Champlin right by the Mississippi bridge on 169 are the only ones I've come across so far.

[MnMomma]

What area are you in? I know of a couple--the Precision Tune on Lake Street in Minneapolis, and Edina Tire & Auto have both done work for me several times and both were terrific, honest and not over-priced.

[Haver]

The Service Station on 54th & 34th in Minneapolis, a father and son outfit. I've even had stuff done "no charge" because it was a 2 minute fix.

[golfgal]

Save More Auto in Rosemount, A-1 auto in Elko. We have done business with both and they have been very honest. We have had times when we brought in a car and they fixed it in about 2 minutes, no charge. Other times we had a problem with one of our cars, one auto place gave us an estimate of $1000, Save More did the fix for about $50 and it is still working great 2 years later. They will tell you if you need something done or if it can wait.

[BillyB]

I recommend the following

1) Buy the repair manual for your car and read it
2) Ask for the broken parts when getting a replacement
3) Use capitalism to your advantage. Always get 3 separate quotes and don't tell each shop what the other quoted you.


If you do this, you'll be in control.

[talktobrent]

buy a new car. it's more expensive but the headaches it saves is worth it. Haven't had to deal with that BS in nearly 2 years.

[Globe199]

I've gone to Baber Auto Repair in Roseville many, many times. Spent many thousands of dollars there. Their work is thorough, and the price is competitive ($85/hour I think, which is actually cheap). My only complaint is that the owner is not always the most outwardly friendly person in the world; I don't expect a back massage or anything, but a sincere "thank you" after spending in excess of $2000 should be compulsory. That aside, their technicians do an excellent job and the communication is generally very good.

[Haver]

Click and Clack of public radio car talk fame have a web page at their site called something like the MechanX files (not sure on the spelling). Its a place where people can leave referrals for good mechanics in their home towns.

There's also angieslist.com (spelling?) but I've never had the need to buy a subscription to it.

[bloomingtonsteve]

Anyone looking for an honest mechanic ought to get ahold of Brad Ronhovde. He runs the garage on 60th and Portland (NE corner) in Minneapolis. He also runs the gas/service station on 54th and Chicago. These were his dad Jim's businesses (who still helps out) but Brad is the guy now.