What clients say about Allendale Motors in Allendale (NJ)
Does this place work on cars??? I saw an article about the company and decided to try and use them for car service. Called Thursday morning and asked for the price of tires, front and rear brakes. The lady said she would get me the price and call me back. Never did. I called two other times getting voicemail…
I live next state over, but work in town – so when my car overheated near my job, I brought it here based on very high recommendations from a co-worker.
A day later when I picked up the car, the mechanic said my coolant simply evaporated. Now, I’m not a mechanic but have had cars for nearly 40 years & shared my doubts with him as it’s always been my experience that loss of coolant is a leak – radiator, hose, head gasket, etc. He said he did a compression test, and ran the car for a long while and found no leaks or problems. When he asked when was the last time the coolant was replaced or checked, I told him a year ago when the radiator was changed out. He also added that my engine is leaking oil “everywhere” which surprised me as I don't see oil stains where I park. He he did say with the high mileage I have – the oil leak is not worth fixing (so he wasn’t trying to sell me more or unnecessary repairs). With that & two gallons of coolant put in, and a couple of hundred dollars lighter in the wallet – I was back on the road…for 4 days until it overheated again.
Fortunately, this time I was close to home and dropped it off with my local mechanic. He found the problem easy enough – a leaking coolant water bypass pipe and was surprised the last guy didn’t see it. The repair cost me pretty much what Allendale Motors charged me – so in essence, I paid double of what I should have if the problem was correctly diagnosed & fixed the first time. I also asked my mechanic about oil leaking “everywhere”, he said no - not everywhere, but there is a small leak (which we knew about –and also not worth fixing).
I know you can’t please everyone. We all have bad days on the job, or jobs that didn't go right - I get that, but for me I left with doubts that didn't feel right and I wound up broken down again & a wallet that's lighter than it should be. So, for me Allendale Motors was a total strike out.
I recently had an issue with the exhaust on my pickup, so I called the dealer where I purchased the truck. After waiting 3 days and not receiving a return call, I decided to do the repair myself. I purchased the part at local auto parts store, but while waiting to pay, I asked the counterman if he knew of any reputable shops in the area. With that, the next on line asked if I knew of Allendale Motors. He praised Brian's work and prices to such and extent, I had to give him a try.
Brian's shop is well run and the employees are genuinely sincere. I felt as though I had been a customer for years and really felt comfortable leaving my truck for the repair, so much so I even forgot to ask for a price! I was pleasantly surprised, when after less than an hour Brian called to tell me the job had been done and there was NO CHARGE. Brian did the job, did it quickly and did it to achieve good will with me, a new customer. I'm not saying he works for free, but he is genuinely a fair businessman who isn't looking to retire off of each job. Allendale Motors / Brian is a great find in market where there is no limit on pricing, He is fair, honest and does great work at a price that will keep you coming back.
Brian is very knowledgeable and honest. I live in CT and was visiting NJ when I took my car in. If I lived closer he would be my go to guy for sure. His rates are very reasonable so you get a good value for your service.
I highly recommend Allendale Motors . I am new to the area , and went there to get advice on what I thought might be a front end problem . Dropped my car off, and Brian called me back not long after . He said , yes there was a very slight bit of noise , but the brakes and front end were fine , and there was nothing really needed to be done ! When was the last time a mechanic talked you out of a repair job ? I really appreciate his honesty.
He is my go to guy from now on !
The job got done and it was done quickly (kudos to the shop), but I felt Brian rushed me out without taking the time to explain issues. I had to keep asking questions. I will not be returning and will stick to a more helpful mechanic.
Edit- my horn wasn't working and I realized it was because Brian had not connected back the wiring for this in my engine. Thanks for the rush job. This was a safety hazard caused by this shop. Downgrading to two stars.
Brian gave me a reasonable quote to replace my car's rusty exhaust system. When I picked up the car, I was pleasantly surprised that the final charge was much less than the original quote. Brian told me that after a closer examination, he found the catalytic converter was still in good shape. He could have installed a new one and sold the old one for profit, but he chose to be honest with me. I highly recommend his services.
My brakes were squealing at slow stop after my brake job here (new brakes and rotors). Brian and team found the issue (debris on the new brake pads), sanded, put back together, squeak gone, no charge. Wonderful service that stands behind their work. Love them.
Was referred by a friend and visited Brian @ Allendale Motors today for a battery issue I was having. Took me in right away and helped me with my problem. Seems like a very professional and trustworthy auto shop.
Been going here for almost two years, great work, fair price. Brian and his guys get all of my auto work from oil change on up. They are usually pretty busy and need to schedule a week or so out. FYI. Great people and service!
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