Car repairs are always a pain and you're constantly wondering if you're paying for something worthwhile or getting fleeced. I've had some good experiences but several bad ones where I wasn't happy with the services provided as compared to the cost of repair.

I recently found a good garage that I have been going to for the past few months and am very satisfied with the services that include the small stuff (oil changes) and more expensive repairs (brake pads/rotors etc.). I find that the propreitor is a very honest guy (a rarity in auto garages, at least in my experience) and has never quoted me any "fake" repairs. Instead, my experience has been that despite my prodding, he has advised against unnecessary work and this is truly unique when compared to my previous experiences with dealers and smaller franchise garages. On top of everything, I find his rates quite competitive.

If you would like to use his services, please see details below (this is a new location he has moved to recently)

Garage name : Kazi Auto Services
Phone : (416) 918 7231
Address : 7385 Torbram rd., Unit #17, Mississauga - ON - L4T 3Y9

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Just to add on , I had a unique experience lately . Having some discount Midas coupons , I took my car to the Rexdale Midas outlet and requested them Oil Change , wheel alignment and wheel balancing as I feared it to be out due to some wobbly driving conditions on the highway .

To my surprise they came back to me telling that that they had checked all 4 tires and they were correctly balanced and aligned ..the air pressure was incorrectly balaqnced. They charged me just 30 bucks plus relevant charges for the oil change & tire rotation .... Had they wanted they could have done some thing and charged me for the alignment & wheel balancing as well .

Another car garage I have found to be methodical and great in diagnosis is Peel Auto Center at Clarence Kennedy ... This guy Fernando is very knowledgeable & experienced and gives honest advice .

Peel Auto Center
149 Clarence St. Brampton

905-453-9432

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Fido.

To each his own, but my personal experiences at Midas have been mixed. A couple of times, I've had dubious repairs charged and then later reversed upon questioning. Plus they're not cheap, although cheaper than dealers. I started going to them after an earlier recommendaiton from someone else on the forum, however stopped going after I found the above garage.

Ultimately it comes down to the trust factor. I find that to be the case with Ayub (owner of this location). He's a good guy and does the job competently, plus his rates are way more reasonable. Very hard to find that combo.

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In most cases, you take the car for an oil change and they ask you to change the engine. Somehow, they manage to find a cancer instead of fixing the flu. I've had good experience with Midas (in the US).

All these guys make money off the parts via huge markups and of course labor that can go as high as $95 per hour.

One way to cut costs is to buy parts yourself and have them do the work. It might save several bucks. I have done that on brake pads/rotors/calipers. One online source would be advance auto parts (US site). You can choose your vehicle model and make and the parts you try to buy are verified for fit for your vehicle.

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Dimple2001

My experience with all the mechanics are good for first few visits. After 3-4 visits they started to rip me off. It is very difficult to judge the mechanics. However, somehow I feel that when they realize that you started trusting them they start to earn more money from you. I developed a habit of changing mechanics frequently (every 2-3 years) and I think this can save some of my hard earned dollars.

Quote:

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Originally posted by chekram_04

My experience with all the mechanics are good for first few visits. After 3-4 visits they started to rip me off

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Thanks BlueLobster.
Like everybody, I was struggling to find a good mechanic. I had a situation, broke my passenger side mirror on Friday eve and had plan to drive long distance over the weekend. Called to Dealer, no use. After reading your thread, did save number in my phone. I decided to give a try to this recommended ‘Kazi Auto’ for this emergency situation. I gave him a call & got very clear reply about rate, time & part. I confirmed & by the time I reached, parts are ready & job done in no time. Charges, almost half then what dealer quote.
Again thanks to BlueLobster. Now I go to him for all my repair work including Oil change. Bye bye to dealer. This guy is very professional, knowledgeable & very reasonable in my opinion. When I see something good/ hard to find, always appreciate. Here he is-
Garage: Kazi Auto Services/ (416) 918 7231
Address: 7385, Torbram Rd., Unit#17, Mississauga ON L4T3Y9