Took my car to capital tech for a leaking water pump. James did this work on his own time which involved changing the water pump as well as the timing chains and tensioners. About 2 weeks later the car developed an oil leak from the area of the crankshaft seal and or the timing cover as well as the front valve cover gasket, all of which he had to change. I paid James 900 dollars cash and I supplied the parts needed to do the job. Now after 2 weeks of text messages and 2 or 3 phone calls to my place of employment, James said he has not forgot about me. I have now taken the vehicle to another mechanic for the repairs. This review is not about Capital Tech itself but the mechanic. I am expecting these repairs to cost another 300 to 500 dollars on top of the almost 1600 parts and labor already spent. This post from a dissatisfied customer who is retired but work a part time job Sincerely Larry Ellis read more

I will not take my car anywhere besides Capital! Finally a car repair place with integrity! I took there from a high recommendation and so glad I did. I do recommend going there and making an appointment. I made the appointment last week to bring my car in with a laundry list of repairs. This morning I parked my car in their parking lot and dropped my keys through the door as instructed. Derrick just called me before 10am and cancelled some unnecessary repairs that were recommended by another shop... All in all I'm so happy! read more

I needed some Car Repairs so I reached out to my Brother in Law to see if He could recommend anyone. He told Me about how well the people at Capital Auto tech have treated Him over the Years. I asked Him if they work on Foreign cars as well and He said yes. After going there a few Years now myself I couldn't agree more. Everytime I have had a issue with one of my Cars they have got it done in a timely manner, the cost has been very fair and the customer service has been Great. I am very Grateful to have a Mechanic in the City that my whole extended Family can now depend on. The older I get the more I appreciate good service That is why I felt compelled to leave a Review. I recommend Capital auto tech to everyone and just want to say Thank You to everyone who works there For all your help over the Years. read more

Derrick is awesome. Fair and trustworthy, but that can make it difficult to get in with him. He's a solid go to for your vehicle. read more

Very capable and honest auto repair business. Recommend! The owner, Derek, and his very talented staff have helped to keep my car on the road ever since I rolled into town about 2 years ago! My car has 226, miles on it! Derek will give a spot on diagnosis of what's wrong with the car. He doesn't overcharge. Great service. read more

I love this repair shop! Highly recommend. Wish I could leave 6 stars. Derek = the best. Always so accommodating. Is willing to do something quick for you even if it means he gets stuck past closing hours. Work is always of a high quality. Friendly. And he's honest and is good at managing customer expectations. The mechanics that work under Derek are courteous and do great work. I've never had a bad experience with them. Great reputation across the capital district and its duly deserved. Note: dropping by in person seems to be the best way to set up an appointment. Not by phone. read more

Took my 6 year old car to Monroe for NYS inspection. They failed it and wanted to charge me $2000 in repairs. Figuring that couldn't be right I took it to Capitol Tech who determined my car didn't need ANY repairs and explained why for each item. Honest and trustworthy. Will definitely be taking my car here exclusively from now on. read more

They were fast and accommodating. I needed to get my car inspected quickly and, even though I wasn't from the area (due to displacement due to COVID-19), they were understanding and accommodating. Excellent overall experience. read more

I have had various issues with my vehicle, from a bad computer to issues with the inspection. These guys go above and beyond what anyone would require from an Auto Mechanic. Derek who is the owner is super friendly and honest. He will never overcharge you and will sometimes do things for free. My 02 Pathfinder had a bad ECM (computer). A different local mechanic wanted to charge me $1200. Derek was able to fix the computer for around $400. Just today, I had a different issue with my car and dropped it off. I was unable to find a way home and Derek drove me home. Bottom line: The work they do here is top notch and they always make sure their customers are happy. I would recommend, even if you dont live in Albany. read more

Honest, friendly, affordable, recommended. That's my short review. Read below for more details about why. Before I moved to Albany, I was used to having an uncle do all the work on my old POS (minimizing the horror of owning a crapper). I went to Cap Tech based on some reviews and its proximity to my place, and it's really the best thing next to my uncle. I never worry that they are going to rip me off. They explain things well and they really seem to care about meeting the customer's needs, not getting them to buy lots of services. Whenever I check with my uncle regarding the price of a repair, I find it to be close to what he estimates -- actually, it's usually less. My boyfriend and I have been taking our cars there for over two years and we highly recommend them to anyone who needs work done in the area. Derek and Jean have been the two people I have always dealt with at this shop and they've always been friendly and helpful and the repairs have always been well-done and fairly priced. read more

Reliable: Yes Honest: Yes I found out about this place via a community blog where someone had asked for opinions. The two people who responded both said nice things so I decided to check the place out. The owner, Derek, seems like a very straightforward guy and was upfront about what my van needed - a new axle, new tires and a bolt. And, they fixed it in about 4 hours. This place is not for the run of the mill work like an oil change or wheel alignment. For that, you are probably better off at one of the big chains. But, if you don't know what is wrong with your car and need it diagnosed then this place is good. The prices are not the cheapest, but for the little extra you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are getting reliable honest work. The place is also busy, so call ahead and make an appointment. read more

Never dealt with a more honest mechanic in my driving years. I've brought my car here for oil changes to bearing replacement and I've always found it to be the most valuable option for my money. Getting someone on the phone may be a little tricky but for a small business and the honest quality work they do I have no problem dropping my car off the night before for, what always seems, next day service. read more

I love these guys. While they may not be the cheapest in the Capital Region they are honest, never try to up sell, and get the job done fast. Last week I took the car in for an oil change and asked for them to attach an engine splash shield, which I had purchased from a third party and proved to be too big of a job for myself. Got the car back and they refused to accept any money for attaching the shield. Now, it wasn't a big job and I doubt it took someone who knows what they are doing 15 minutes to through it on there, but how many mechanics do you know that wouldn't charge you? While Capital Tach doesn't offer a $9.99 oil change, you can rest assured that they won't screw you over. And, for me at least, that's 90% of the battle. read more

Became a car owner for the first time last year (at age 29) and I was terrified to find an auto repair place I could trust and that wouldn't make me feel like a moron for knowing next to nothing about cars. So very lucky to find this place last year via Yelp, then find out that a friend already used and loved them! Like others have said, Derek and all staff are friendly, patient, accommodating, and, above all, fair and honest. Helps that it's walkable/bikeable from downtown Albany, where I live and work. Glad to make Capitol Tech my first Yelp review! Love 'em! read more

Amazing!! We searched across the city to find somewhere that would fix our car within a few days since we were planning to travel for the holidays--no one was able to start work on a car for weeks. Luckily, we landed on Capitol Tech Auto Repair, because not only were they able to take our car, but they gave us great service, a great price, and replaced the water pump and thermostat housing in about 24 hours. Totally incredible! When I remarked on the impressive speed with which they finished the work, the guy I was talking to said that since they work on such a large volume of cars, they waste no time when the car is dropped off. Just they way I like it! In my book, they totally earned their perfect five-star rating history here on Yelp. They totally demonstrated it with our car! Runs great now, no problems since!! read more

This shop was recommended to me when I first moved to Albany and I can't say enough good things about it. Derek and his crew are honest, reasonably priced and offer exceptional customer service. I used to live nearby and when I needed by car serviced I would just drop off the key, tell them where it was parked and they would go get it for me. There have also been times where I thought something might be wrong with my car but wasn't sure. I dropped it off with them, they drove it around and checked out the engine for me. They didn't find anything wrong with it and they didn't charge me at all to look at it. AND they didn't make me feel dumb for asking them to check it out. I've used this shop for everything from oil changes to big engine jobs. I've often felt taken advantage of at other shops but never at Capital Tech. I literally love this mechanic. read more

Derek is amazing, he fixed up my tires after they blew out on the highway and did a great job! He was able to fix it in a really short time frame, and get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Very nice and accommodating of me and my situation, couldn't be happier! read more

Fast, friendly, and fair. Capitol Tech is a reliable garage with quick turnaround and great customer service. They've done brake service and several oil changes for me at a fraction of the dealer's price, and with very quick turnaround. For those of us in the neighborhood, convenience can't be beat. Roll up with your car in the morning, drop in and leave your key, complaint, and phone number, and more often than not the service is done the same day. They've got five stars for a reason and a sterling reputation in the area. Strongly recommended. read more

I had my frame rust out and break last month on a holiday when most businesses were closed so AAA towed the car to the closest mechanic. I left Derek a message telling him what happened. He went out of his way to go look at my car while it was at this location and then offered to tow the car to his garage. He ordered me a new Subframe and had my car fixed within 2 days. The price was reasonable and he kept me updated continuously. My check engine light came on and I brought my car back to Derek today. He had it fixed by the end of the day and charged me half of the quote I got from a chain business. My car is running great. Derek is a real trustworthy mechanic who won't up charge you or try to scam you into getting unnecessary repairs. I highly recommend Capitol tech to anyone in the Albany area. read more

Derek is always professional, thorough, and friendly. I am always confident that I'm getting a good deal & proper service when I take my car in. read more

Awesome and affordable. I had given up on finding a mechanic that doesn't rake you over the coals with a big smile on their face. Derec is a stand-up guy who knows what customer service and honesty are all about. read more

Disregard the complainer that gave the poor review. This is the only place I will take my car to anymore. These people are honest (*gasp*) and quite good when it comes to not ravaging your wallet. I live on the same street as the place, so this is an added convienience. My car is somewhat of a beater/commuter car, and I have never felt pressured into getting any unneeded repair done. They are always straight up about, what repairs will keep a car running, and what repair may be superflous and not needed. I have had big jobs and small jobs done here... mufflers, radiator, etc. They even patched a flat for me, when I was running late to work. Got my car in and out in 20 min, and i was only 5 minutes late. That exudes awesomeness!! I and almost everyone I know who has lived in center square highly recommend it! read more

I've brought my car here a few times and never been impressed with the service, but it's close by which was convenient. This last time, Derek had my car for days, never called to give me updates, and it was on me to call and ask about the status once a day. They forgot to do simple work that I requested (oil change while it's in, etc). Terrible customer service, poor quality work. On the phone, after checking on the status of my car, the mechanic said to me, annoyed, "you women always ask a million questions about your cars!" Seriously. Go somewhere else! read more

Good service, good price, fast, friendly and convenient! I live around the corner from this shop and after being fleeced once on a brake job by Monroe Brake & Muffler, I decided to check this place out after reading some of the reviews here. While I am skeptical on mechanical stuff and ignorant on motors I decided to give Derek and his crew a shot on two repairs. Very impressed with their work, and there is no nonsense, no pitch or pressure to fix something you don't need. This is small shop, not a Firestone, so be patient. But for routine stuff like brakes or an engine light, or something even complex like a weld, Capitol Tech would be the first place I'd go...even if just for an estimate. read more

Derek is an awesome, honest mechanic. This place is very good and very reasonable. I was worried about finding a good mechanic when I moved to Albany because I had used the same mechanic in Poughkeepsie for about twenty years, (Stofas Auto and Tire, Hooker Avenue), but a friend recommended Capital Tech and I could not be happier. Thanks Derek and the crew for the great service and relieving my anxiety! Use these guys! read more

NOT happy..... I left my car with them all day- they were supposed to put a new oil pump in for me. They never called me, so i called at 5:30....this was friday night- they told me Derek had looked at it but didn't think it was the pump. They could do it if I left it for a few more days. I had to drive back to NYC on Saturday. So......called in 2 favors to get rides to the place, at 8am and 6pm. was told it was checked......when I picked it up Derek said he hadn't had a chance to look at it. read more

Pretty much amazing. My car is a 98. It's old.. I ordered my own parts and called around a few garages. Some refused to use outside parts and charged double, even triple, for the part I had purchased myself. Capitol Tech had a great attitude and good pricing. I also had a slight starter issue and had them check it out. They couldn't find anything wrong with it so they didn't charge me for any labor fees. Honestly, my only complaint is that they are ALWAYS booked. So call in advance and make an appointment. read more

These guys are great. I trust them with doing a good job and giving their honest opinion. They have taken care of my family's vehicles a few times. They are always fair and take care of the problem quickly. read more

Derek did a great job on my mini cooper window! The window motor burned out and after a crappy estimate from keeler I searched for foreign auto repair and found him. Reasonable labor costs compared to parts price, Ill definetly be back. read more

Great service. Fair prices. Quick. Honest. Having recently moved here, I am thankful to have found these guys.

Had to post this right away. My son had problem starting his car this past week. It was parked at U. Albany for 3 days. Had his car towed by the AAA around 3 pm on Friday October 5th. Derek (I'm guessing the owner) was nice enough to drive my son back to his apartment as he looked for the problem. A new starter was put in and by 6:30 my son had his car back. You couldn't find a better more honest and reliable repair shop anywhere. Thanks Capitol Tech Auto Repair. You are #1 in my book. read more

These guys are the best!! Very fast and knowledgeable and honest. I have been a car owner for 20 years and I can definitely say you won't find a better full service repair shop anywhere... PERIOD!! Very highly recommended!!! read more

After many hassles with dealers and chain car repair businesses I had a friend refer me to Derek at capitol Tech. Since my first time taking my car in to Capitol Tech I knew I'd found my go-to mechanics. Sometimes I have to wait for an appointment, but for urgent matters they have gotten me in quickly. No matter the case, I've always been treated fairly with prices beyond reasonable. When I had an on-going mystery issue I wasn't even charged for the time to diagnose! I've gone back several times and had similar positive experiences. Having a mechanic you can rely on to be friendly and trustworthy is a huge comfort so if/when a dreaded car issue hassle comes up, you know that you will get an honest assessment and fair price to resolve. Car troubles are a pain but having a shop you can trust and rely on eases the pain a lot! read more

These guys are professionals who know exactly what they're doing and have your best interests in mind. My car was having difficulty starting and prior to coming to them, I took my car to Firestone and was quoted $1,800 to fix an issue. The check engine light was on and Firestone told me it was the catalytic converter that needed to be replaced. I was highly skeptical and took it to Capitol Tech. They checked out my car and told me it was just the starter and that the catalytic converter was fine. My car now starts up smoothly without any issues and it cost $300 to fix the issue. From $1,800 to $300. Derek dissected the problem for me and explained exactly what was going on. They also had a quick turn around time as I was able to get my car just a few hours later. I really appreciate the work they did and I only wish I would have found them sooner. They won't rip you off and they know exactly what they're doing. read more

This garage is within walking distance from my apartment, i always heard great things about it and I finally found a reason to give them some business. I called and they were able to squeeze me into their tight schedule on short notice for an oil change. Everything was done quickly and at a fair price. The guys running the shop are very friendly and straight forward. If all mechanics were like this, the world would be a better place! First class establishment! read more

Very happy with the service I received here. I am definitely going to use them as my regular shop for repairs and maintenance.

Had my fiances car here, and they couldnt fix the engine light to go off for inspiction sticker but were nice to not make me pay for everyting. Said i need dealer to fix. read more

Honest, fair price and great service really does describe this establishment. I'm constantly afraid of being ripped off when it comes to cars, so I usually do some research in advance. This place beat every other quote I received and did fast, quality work that has NOT crapped out. I was told at several other places that I needed an array of services to drive my car off the lot and even quotes upwards of $1,500 in parts and labor. Derek assured me I did NOT have the string of issues I was told I did and fixed the only issue I had (a severed rear brake line) for less than any other place quoted me. I have used them several times and would not take my car anywhere else. read more

I recommended all of my friends to go to this place. The price is so fair and they are so honest about everything. I don't know car very much, but the owner is so patient to help me all the time. read more

I was recommended to this shop by a friend and I have been happy ever since. I've been going there with my Dodge Stratus for about 3 years or so, and now my boyfriend brings his Chevy Blazer. We recommend them to everyone. Fantastic service, personable, timely, and fair. They don't try to talk you into more work than you need, and if you know nothing about cars they don't try to take advantage of you. They also honor their work (e.g., I had a bum set of bearings that they immediately replaced, no charge). I have since moved out of the albany area, but when possible I actually bring my car back to have them work on it because I trust them so much. Its hard to find people like them... highly recommended! read more