Auto mechanic Cambridge / Somerville MA

August 24, 2020 11:48 AM

Do you know a decent auto mechanic in the Cambridge / Somerville area? Or failing that, maybe some red flags to look for before contracting with a mechanic? I've got an 11 year old Hyundai that's got some weird electrical problem and a steering problem, and the NTB just isn't cutting it. Thank you.
posted by turkeybrain to Society & Culture (10 answers total)

Best answer: If you can make it to Medford I have been using Volsar Automotive and they have been excellent.

volsarauto.com
posted by sol at 12:03 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: aaa can put you in touch with people who won't scam you if you're a member
posted by brujita at 12:18 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I never went to them with an electrical or steering problem but Arco Tire in Teele Square Somerville does more than just tires and always treated my old cheap cars right.
posted by mskyle at 12:39 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Go see Murph at Carzone! He’s great.
posted by naturalnumbers at 12:53 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Click and Clack's garage is in Cambridge.
posted by TDIpod at 1:12 PM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]

Best answer: If you can dip into North Allston, Hondaa King which is now Oriental Car King (?!) was always my go-to, very reliable and honest. Pretty sure they do non-Honda products too, but worth a call to check, or it looks like you can message them on Facebook.
posted by ashy_sock at 1:34 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: aaa can put you in touch with people who won't scam you if you're a member

Anecdotally I can report the exact opposite happening multiple times to friends and family members. In my own opinion AAA is the biggest scam going. Roadside assistance (of a higher standard) is available from most auto insurers for substantially less than AAA membership.
posted by spitbull at 2:54 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Seconding the recommendation for Click and Clack's place in Cambridge, Good News Garage. I no longer live in Cambridge (or have a car) but my Subaru and I were very satisfied with their service over a span of several years.

One minor caveat: if the service requires that your car stay overnight, it will probably be parked outdoors, curbside. On one visit I had a fender dinged as a result of that; the culprit might have worked there, but just as likely it was another patron backing out of their garage. When I mentioned it, they took a look, quickly determined that the dent was indeed fresh, and were happy to pay for a fix at the body shop next door.
posted by SaurianNotSaurian at 3:43 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Cambridge local & car enthusiast, here. Good News is the place.
posted by cocoagirl at 5:57 AM on August 25, 2020 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thank you! I will start making phone calls and see who has time for me!
posted by turkeybrain at 12:22 PM on August 25, 2020