What clients say about Gulf – Canning's Service Center in East Sandwich (MA)
Canning’s started off doing our vehicle inspections last year in 2025 for our 4wd truck and SUV when we relocated to Sandwich. The owner Rick was very friendly, genuine, and professional. He mentioned to me that they were more than just a fuel station and inspection center, but also a full service auto mechanic. He handed me his card and I kept it in my vehicle. Canning’s is a family owned business and that’s the feel you get from the owner and the technicians. A place you can trust with your vehicles. Based off that first impression, I decided to have some maintenance work on both vehicles done after our second inspection the following year, rather than take it to a big box place that doesn’t even greet you by name or know who you are. I recommend Canning’s for anyone looking for a service station. They can do it all for you in one stop. The prices are reasonable and the quality of work is top notch. We had oil changes done, tire rotations, air filters, and belts replaced. Work looks perfect and it was done quickly and earlier than we anticipated. Definitely going to have them do all the maintenance going forward. This is the place to take your vehicle and a family you can trust. You will also be supporting the local economy and community!
I called at about one thirty in the afternoon to see if I could get an oil change and tire rotation. Rick told me if I brought the car down and left it overnight he could have it done the next morning. At about four thirty, he called me and told me it was all done!!! Outstanding service, thank you Rick.
Don't bother trying to get an inspection here! I have had older vehicles fail here before, but I understand, some vehicles cannot be passed and need work. However, I brought my 2024 truck here with 20,000 miles on it to get inspected, and the older "gentleman" failed it because "the high beam was pointed down too low". To me, that sounds like a complete joke, but I paid the fee for the rejection because it's the right thing to do, and left pretty frustrated. I then brought my vehicle down the street to a different shop. When I arrived, I was greeted with nothing but kindness and appreciation for bringing my vehicle in. I told them the "issue" on why it failed, and they took it in right away. It passed with no issues whatsoever. They actually chuckled a bit on why it was failed. All in all, I left a happy customer. I often stop here at Canning's for gas, as I live very close, but unfortunately that won't happen anymore. I NEVER leave negative reviews, and love to support local businesses, but this was nonsense and a complete waste of my time.
Waited almost 40 minutes in line for an inspection sticker and was asked to go to the back of the line because they were going to take the person behind me first.... maybe it was his buddy or something but Don't bother wasting your time because they'll just waste yours!
I brought my old Honda Element in to get the windshield washer fluid pump replaced. They figured out it was just loose wiring, not the pump. So the repair cost a whole lot less than I expected. In other words, they are honest and do very good work. Oh, and I had the car back in a few hours.
My experience with getting gas and inspections here has always been pleasant, everyone is friendly and helpful. They squeezed me in close to closing time for an inspection which I otherwise would not have been able to get for another week due to schedules
Rick and Skinny are the best. I know that when I leave my car off for an oil change, they are checking everything so I don't get stranded out on the road.
I made some calls around town to find a shop who could replace both of my headlights today. When I called Canning I spoke to the owner who offered to fit me in this afternoon if I would drop off my vehicle. I did not plan a ride home so I was allowed to wait in the office while the owner Rick answered in coming calls himself and completed paperwork . He was genuine and had a smile on the whole time I sat waiting and the waiting area was warm and clean. Even his employees were very pleasant as they interacted with customers! I will be going back and recommending my family and friends ! I felt the pricing was fair for the amount of time and effort required to get under th hood and replace both bulbs. I am grateful to and his team that they were so welxoming and made my day better!
My recent experience at your station with ‘Sunny’ was both disappointing and unprofessional, especially compared to my previous visit yesterday went in for my Audi TT's inspection. I was met with unnecessary patronizing before I even had a chance to present my registration.Sonny immediately pointed out a small crack and claimed it needed to be replaced before inspection, followed by an unfounded comment about my tires being worn. I’ve attached a photo of the tires—there’s nothing wrong with them. To make matters worse, he pointed to a small bolt on my dashboard as if it was a major safety concern. Frustrated, I decided not to hand over my registration and went elsewhere, where my car was inspected without issue.
It's disappointing because I had planned to return for gas, as the attendants were so pleasant during my previous visit. However, after my run-in with Sunny, I won’t be coming back unless there are changes. His behavior was uncalled for, and frankly, he needs to go.
I love this shop! I get my oil changes, inspection, repairs, and fuel here. They are super communicative, organized, friendly, and efficient. I’m grateful they are just down the road. It’s an old school shop and I appreciate that! They are super respectful.
Came for an inspection, clearly didn't like seeing a young woman in an electric car, failed because of "tires". Went for a second opinion elsewhere, because my tires are not very used, and they confirmed my suspicions- tires were fine. Unfortunately I now still have to get new tires because of the failed inspection. I won't be back. Hot tip, go elsewhere unless you're a man.
I highly recommend Canning's! They've done my brakes, front end and more, and their work is top notch. Excellent Customer Service and they can get you in within a week or two.
Overall Rating 5.0/5O
Service: oil change, safety check, fill fluids
The crew at Canning's always presents themselves courteously and professionally. Their work allows us to drive confidently and safely. One just can't ask for more.
Well done every time
Thanks, Rick
We go here for inspections and have always been pretty happy with how they do that. Most of the people there are always friendly. Inspection guy you just hope to catch him in a good mood. Our van failed this time because a suspension coil was broken, which they said could be fixed there. Scheduling was easy, they’re definitely efficient.
Got a call the work was done, picked it up, and notice warning lights on the dash. Turned around and asked them about the lights. Guy who did the work was not there anymore, another guy took a look and said alignment was off. Needs an alignment.
Okay, so the work’s not done?
Guy says it’s trickier because the van has a lift kit. So it’s gotta go to the alignment place.
Okay that’s understandable, but you knew it was lifted, nobody said anything about it having to go to elsewhere afterwards. They said they could do the work. They called and said it was good to go.
So I found that bizarre and I think I will stick to my normal place where they communicate better. I admittedly don’t know much about cars so having the work and the dollars ($1300 in this case) explained clearly to me is important.
The "Skinny" guy they have doing the MA inspections is flat out rude. Based on the reviews, it's evident there are several other people who share this opinion and have had other issues with him. My father owned a car dealership and car appraisal service for 45 years servicing New England, thank god I have mechanics that knew him that I can trust. Based on the way I was spoken to, like I was a child with half a brain, I cannot imagine what a nightmare it would be if "Skinny" was doing actual mechanic work on my car. I will be getting my premium fill ups and inspections elsewhere.
Amazing place, very affable people. I got a flat tire nearby, and they happened to have a replacement which they installed in under 10 minutes. Really happy with their service and for squeezing me in at a busy time.
Rude, accused me of jumping the inspection line. (I had been in the designated location for close to 10 minutes) After "telling" me I jumped the line by backing in, in front of the others in line, I explained I had done no such thing, told him what car i had been waiting behind after taking the designated route around the large bush.... he walked to a coworker behind my car, I then heard him check with his coworker. Who confirmed I had been in line correctly. 10 minutes later he "apologized" with an attitude. Guess this makes me a Karin. Don't worry, I'll go elsewhere in the future.
My car died in the middle of a 2-lane road blocking traffic in both directions. I called Cannings Service Center in Sandwich and was told that I could have the car towed there. I thought for sure that the car was beyond repair, and I would need to buy a new car. Cannings said they would call me within a week. I was lost without having my car to drive. True to his word, Rick called one week later and told me that my car was repaired. I was so happy that he was able to fix it. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Cannings Auto Repair for car service.
My husband recently passed away. He had redone a '75 VW Beetle. I was worried about what to do if anything went wrong with this car. So glad I discovered Canning's. So helpful, efficient, friendly, reasonably priced, etc. Now I feel comfortable keeping the car.
Have you ever had something wrong with your car and needed service badly, don’t give it a second thought, go to CANNING SERVICE CENTER. I took a chance and they came through, repaired my car to great satisfaction, following all my requests with a delightfully reasonable price. They are honest and really listened to my concerns. My car will be visiting visiting them for a long time.
I had a similar experience to the women who failed her inspection. Same cast of characters, "Skinny"-his name on his shirt and the Owner. Skinny tells me he has to fail me for a "bad" license plate. They have to "shine/reflect". I have a newer style red and white plate. The States computer system passed the plate. Skinny acted like he did me a favor, but for 15 minutes told me he was failing me. The owner just like the woman said, wouldn't look up from his computer, just mumbled they are just following the rules. How about let the system fail me? As long as Skinny is working there, I won't use them anymore. Used them for small jobs in the past. No more.
DON'T GO HERE! I've never been somewhere that has such scam artists for servicemen. "Skinny" failed my car but then told me he couldn't fix the problem because he hurt his little hand trying to get to the light that he failed me for. His story changed three times after this as to why he could not fix my lights. When I asked him why my car didn't give me a warning sign that my lights were out his response was, "Well you aren't driving a mercedes, ma'am". Then the gentleman behind the counter couldn't even make eye contact with me while speaking to me, pretty sure you're the owner sir, have some respect for your customers. I was informed that although they had the lights in stock, I would need to make an appointment for a later time, come back, he would have to remove all sorts of things under the hood to get to the lights and then he would pass me. Thats labor and it doesnt come free. I brought my car home, fixed the itty bitty lights myself (without removing anything mind you) and it cost me less than 3 dollars. My family has been in Sandwich since the early 60s, everyone of us went to Cannings. But now they've tried to scam my mother, myself and a family friend. What happened to you Cannings, you used to be a respectable, family run business.
This old van is important to us, as we use it to pick up large things, it has the dump and beach stickers, and we can use one vehicle with a crowd. I was really afraid that we would have to say good bye to it when there were rubbing sounds in the front and back, and the battery kept discharging. Not only did they fix it at a price that made sense, they did it a day ahead of promised time, and bent over backwards to help us get it home when we only had one driver. Old fashioned service of the best kind. Bravo.
I took my 2002 Focus in for a Front Wheel Bearing, prior had them do routine maintenance, excellent work, good mechanics. Called Rick today on my Santa Fe, Front Breaks grinding. Give you a ride home while work is done, and are always helpful. Stopped in once for a tail light did it on the spot. Very reliable and friendly. Highly recommended
Courteous, timely and professional ! Great local service station - they kindly squeezed us in (even though we did not have an appt) in order for us to be able to minimize our vacation interruption. The team was able to identify the problem quickly and fixed it stat.
My sincerest thanks to the folks at Canning's !
Stay away folks - very unprofessional. Habit of promising service schedules they cannot keep. It happened once with my wife's car and today my car went un-serviced all day even though I had made an appointment several days prior- even dropping my car off the night before so they would have it first thing. After no word from them by midday next I called and was told my car was on the rack and that they would call me. By 4 pm with no call I had to call again only to find out I had been lied to - that my car still had not even been looked at. Finally, I had to go and pick my car up and make an appointment with someone else. I'll never go back now - who needs to be lied to or have their time wasted like that. Just so unprofessional and discourteous. Real dumb.
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