I think everyone knows finding a mechanic without referrals is a scary and painful process, which…read moreoften times leads to an expensive, frustrating,and even more painful experience. I came to this shop because it was very close to where I lived and also I had limitations with my availability on taking and picking up the car. Bought this car and instantly needed tons of work (I was SO careful about buying and it still happened-but hey that is the down side to buying a used car, you just never know). Anyways:
I went to MIDAS to have the courtesy check done and see what my car needed, especially since I would be driving to and from Connecticut. They said I absolutely needed new brake rotors and pads. Quoted me at 319.99 for the labor AND 319.99 for the parts. They also said that my power steering pressure hose was leaking, which may be leading to the steering making the annoying squeak it had been making. If that did not solve the problem, I would need a pump. Total estimate 1200 bucks. Some second, third and fourth opinions and looks later, I needed to replace the brakes like they said, pressure hose, and the squeak was actually me needing new ball joints....lordt.
I did some research at convenient locations in Harlem and Brooklyn. This place ended up giving me the best prices. I bought my rotors and pads at advance auto parts for about 120 4 rotors and 8 pads (if you buy online and pickup you get 30% off, 40 bucks off, etc. I HIGHLY recommend and you get a warranty on the parts). They did the labor on the pressure hose (apparently that job is a pain) and changed all of my rotors and pads for 325. Other places were charging 600 or so, one other place in Brooklyn also gave the 325 quote, and a friend of a friend was charging 230 (just so you have comparable on a friend discount vs a shop) but he was all the way in Jersey (tolls, time, travel, the annoyance was not worth it in this case when I needed it immediately). The ball joints was a whole other ordeal. I could not find the parts to buy on my own, so I had to go with their parts, they charged me 270 for the control arms and ball joints (if I had purchased on my own would have gotten them for about 140 after the 30%) and 200 on the labor.
I like to give prices, I wish others did on their auto reviews. This helps you compare what you are getting. The good thing about this place is if you buy the parts and labor from them, you get a one year or 12k warranty on both the parts and labor. If you buy the parts on your own, you get replacements on the parts from whoever you bought it from, but not labor. So there are some pros and cons to the money you save there.
This place is fair in price, especially when you do your research and call around. They also work very quickly and ask you when you need your car, and deliver on that timeline. They stick to their estimates, and will call you if there is any issue. Decent customer service, they are not rude or jerky. Know your stuff and numbers if possible. I would go here again.This is why I give them 4 stars.