Need a Somerville MA mechanic

August 28, 2008 8:45 PM

Does anyone know a good, reliable auto mechanic in the Somerville, MA area?

We drive a 1997 Toyota Corolla and need some help finding someone who'll keep it happy -- competently, honestly, and, preferably, cheaply. Referrals?

posted by Lisa S to Travel & Transportation around Somerville, MA (8 answers total)

Here's a place to start
posted by meta_eli at 9:00 PM on August 28, 2008

ABJ's Foreign Motors. When I lived there, they were excellent. Evidently they're still around, and still good.
posted by cerebus19 at 9:01 PM on August 28, 2008

I second ABJ from personal experience. They did a fair amount of work on an old Saab I owned and were unfailingly helpful, reasonable, and honest.
posted by lazywhinerkid at 12:52 AM on August 29, 2008

Thirding ABJ. Wendell is great, though the silent type. Abe is his grouchy, front office counterpart.
posted by cocoagirl at 3:44 AM on August 29, 2008

I think I've recommended them before here, but Ultima Ltd. in Waltham is fantastic. Here they are in the Car Talk database, and here's their website.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 4:37 AM on August 29, 2008

I am a big fan of Fantasia's Auto Body and Service in Medford, MA. Their head mechanic, Jack Cutliffe, is able to eerily diagnose my car's problems before he even looks at it. He is fair and reasonable in his estimates, and always suggests alternatives and their pros/cons. I'd give them a call.

And here is their CarTalk database entry. Their number is [phone], call and ask for Jack. He'll take good care of you.
posted by genefinder at 5:52 AM on August 29, 2008

I like Arco Tire and Service, near Teele Square. Friendly, good prices, good work, wouldn't do work people had told me I needed but I didn't.
posted by phoenixy at 6:37 AM on August 29, 2008

When Mrs. Advicepig lived out there, she asked me how to find a mechanic and I sent her to the Car Talk website. And well, she ended up bringing it to the Car Talk guys themselves.
posted by advicepig at 7:30 AM on August 29, 2008