🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <perry-180794134056@bperry.gsfc.nasa.gov>,
Brendan Perry <perry@lheavx.gsfc.nasa.gov> wrote:
>
>I'm totally exhasperated with the auto shops I've taken my car to
>in the Greenbelt area.
>
[harrowing ordeals omitted]
>
>What I really need is an honest, good mechanic in the Greenbelt area
>that can deal with a simple, old (mid '60's) car. Any suggestions? I
>restored this car myself, so I know that it's not in the shop for long
>periods because there is something catastrophically wrong with it, it's
>just slow, shoddy service at three places in a row.
>
>Brendan

I recommend All Tune & Lube on Greenbelt Road near Rhode Island Ave.
About 12 months ago, my air conditioner died; I went to All Tune because
they had fixed my car to pass emissions for $120 when DARCARS of College
Park(*) estimated $450.  When I came back an hour later, they had three
people looking at it and my car was in many pieces.  They identified the
problem as being in one of three electrical components, recommended 
Lain's Auto Electric, put my car back together, and sent me on my way
*without*charging*a*dime* because they were unable to fix the problem.

Since then, I've had several repairs and tune-ups done there, and upon my
recommendation, my parents and sister now take their cars there.

They are *not* a crisp and clean place, and the parking lot is crowded;
my sister was dubious at first impressions, but she is happy with their
work (and very pleased with their prices).

They tend to assume that you want to spend as little money on repairs as
possible, and fix only the bare minimum and call you about anything that
isn't absolutely necessary to drive off successfully.  I always have them
fix everything that they suggest, not just the minimum; their all-
encompassing repairs cost less than half the cost of the same maintenace
at the dealership.

(*) The latest issue of Washington Consumer's Checkbook (available at most
libraries) contains reviews of many repair facilities, mostly dealerships.
DARCARS of College Park did quite poorly; All Tune & Lube was apparently
too small to be rated.

-tom jones
 Greenbelt, Maryland