Good mechanic / specialist for car exhaust system repair?
Martin emails:
I have a 2007 SUV with ~80,000 mi and some of the exhaust system is starting to crack open. This includes a crack in the pipe that connects the main engine exhaust to the catalytic convertor. It's a time bomb that I need to deal with soon, preferably yesterday. I had it in for other service at the dealer and they estimated a repair at $1000. Now here's the tricky thing: they said the catalytic was fine, but that they couldn't save it there. The service manager off-the-record mentioned that a good 3rd party exhaust place might be able to save the catalytic and re-use it, which would cut the cost of the work in half.
So... where can I find such an exhaust system expert???
The winters here -- and the all the muck and salt -- are hard on car exhaust systems. And we can say from firsthand experience (alas), the fix is often expensive.
So, have a shop where Martin might be able get this fixed right -- and at a fair price? Please share! And bonus points for a sentence or two about why you're recommending that shop.
Earlier on AOA: Capital Region Recommended Mechanics (this hasn't been updated in a long time)
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
Comments
Any and all car troubles, I always, and without hesitation, recommend Capitol Tech Auto on Jefferson St. in Albany.
Derek and his crew are incredibly competent, charge very fair prices for the quality work they do, and don't treat you like an idiot (as a woman, that's a big added bonus). If it's a problem they can't fix for you, they'll probably be able to refer you to another fair shop that can. I've had nothing but positive experiences with them, as have all those I've referred.
... said belleofthecurve on Jun 19, 2015 at 4:37 PM | link
Highly recommended is M & Sons automotive in south Troy. They are very honest, do high quality work, and offer everything you'd offer, including welding services for specialty work like this....
... said Dan on Jun 19, 2015 at 6:18 PM | link
Not Mavis.
... said LB on Jun 19, 2015 at 6:58 PM | link
You didn't say what area you are in.
I use Art Taylor's Garage and Albany Light Truck and car repair.
... said Dave on Jun 20, 2015 at 5:38 AM | link
If it's a Honda, Toyota, or Mazda I'd recommend Larry's Foreign Auto. As far as I'm concerned, Steve is a Mazda genius. And because of that, I'll continue to buy Mazdas just so I can bring them to this shop when they need repairs.
... said Daniel B. on Jun 21, 2015 at 7:54 PM | link
If you're driving a VW or other European car, I would highly recommend Autobahn Centre on Central Ave in Albany. Not inexpensive by any means, but they do quality work and the mechanics/owner are always a pleasure to interact with. Good, honest people working there.
... said MS on Jun 22, 2015 at 9:40 AM | link
I second Larry's Foreign Auto. We have been bringing our Toyota there for years, and they did excellent work at a very good price. They are hard to get a hold of though. Instead of trying to call them, you will have a better luck to just stop by.
... said CVAA on Jun 22, 2015 at 10:50 AM | link
I will *third* Larry's. I had a Volvo, Toyota, and a Honda at various times and all were trusted to the hands of Larry's staff. They're super.
... said daleyplanit on Jun 22, 2015 at 2:29 PM | link
Can't recommend Derek and his shop Capital Tech Auto. Absolute 5 star service.
Actually NO do't go! I don't want this place getting a giant waiting list!!!
... said Daniel N. on Jun 22, 2015 at 3:11 PM | link
I haven't been, but I've heard and read great things about Broadway Service at 1270 Broadway in Schenectady. They specialize in mufflers and custom pipe bending and from what I hear, they're very reasonable.
... said theshakes on Jun 22, 2015 at 3:59 PM | link
I will also recommend Larry's Foreign Auto. They always do work at a fair price and get the job done right the first time.
... said Greenguy on Jun 23, 2015 at 9:14 AM | link
I can also recommend Capital Tech Auto. I've bought a "new" car and haven't been there recently but my last car was getting repairs every few months. They even worked with me to do some "temporary" repairs (fix vs replace) since I knew I was planning to get a new car.
... said Diana on Jun 23, 2015 at 9:44 AM | link
Hi, I was the original poster of this question, so here's a follow-up...
...which is really just a big endorsement for Capitol Auto Tech.
My company changed office locations from Delmar to downtown almost 3 yrs ago and since then I've had to put off and juggle auto maintenance for lack of good garage close by. Now those days are over.
Capitol got me in quickly, and got me turned around same day, and were able to get the vast majority of my issues fixed just by properly re-clamping my exhaust system, and sent me on my way for $10. Terrific. I was so happy I brought my wife's van in later in the week to have a tire leak fixed and the rear brakes done, and again, they turned it around fast and did exactly what was needed at a fair price.
It's great to have a "peace of mind" garage for your cars and Capitol seems to be just such a place. So thanks to everyone who made that recommendation, I wouldn't have found them without you.
Martin
... said Martin on Jul 6, 2015 at 9:24 AM | link