Downeys Auto Repair in
Pawling Township (NY)

Downey Auto works fast and charges low. My vehicle is always returned with exactly what needed to be done. No upselling. Honest about options and pricing. Provides advice that truly is in best interest of your car and your wallet. I use Downey, my sister uses Downey, my parents use Downey, and no other shop has ever matched up. I moved out of the area for a time and was forced to venture to other garages. Suffice it to say I am releived to be back and able to rely on Downey Auto whenever my vehicle needs service.

DOWNEY’S AUTO - SALES, REPAIR, INSPECTION, TRANSPORT. Across from the Pawling train station with cafes, library, & post office within a block, it is convenient. Downey replaced lights on my 2014 Prius right away when urgently needed and another time transported my car from MD to NY to ease my travels.

Downey Auto Repair is a rare gem. Joe is honest, kind and a fair mechanic. I work nearby and same day service was a breeze. I highly recommend Downey and would go out of my way to bring my car here for service.

Joe is a lifesaver! I’ve been using him for years despite living an hour away. I schedule service when I visit family in the area because I trust him. What prompted this review is how amazing his service was when I had an emergency. My car battery was completely dead. A jump wouldn’t have worked. Tried AAA and they never showed up. They said they were having trouble finding trucks that could go into a garage with a 7’ clearance. After 16 hours of waiting and desperate for help as I was moving 90 min away the following day, I called Joe just to get his opinion because he knows my car better than I do: what does he think is wrong and what do I do next?!?. By luck he had someone coming to my area, Stamford, CT, so he sent a battery along with him and he changed it out and had my car running in 20 minutes, no tow necessary. Downey Auto is a reasonable, fair, and trustworthy place to service your car. I highly recommend them.

Been using Downey Auto for years to service my vehicle and recently used them to help me transport a vehicle from Florida to New York. Downey Auto brokered the transport and saved me hundreds of dollars. Joe is a stand up guy who is trustworthy and legit. Don’t hesitate to do business with him!

Joe Downey is a lifesaver, providing 100% professional service. He has consistently resolved and fixed every problem that has arisen with my 4Runner and Mazda. For example, when my 4Runner was making a strange noise, Joe quickly diagnosed the issue and fixed it at a reasonable price. His expertise and attention to detail have made him the most trustworthy mechanic I've ever met. What sets Joe apart is his clear and effective communication. He keeps you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you understand what's going on with your vehicle. This level of transparency and openness is rare in the automotive industry, and it's something that I truly appreciate. It's clear that Joe takes pride in his work. He always gives you an excellent price for the work done in your vehicle, and he never tries to sell you services you don't need. I don't trust my cars with anyone else but Joe and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable, skilled mechanic.

Joe ALWAYS takes care of me and is honest. Ive been taking my vehicles to him for probably over 20 years. All my vehicles see over 200,000 miles (the last one was 329,000+) and was still running well...sold at auction for $2000.

Can’t say enough good things about this place. Joe is honest and cares about his customers. He’s figured out issues with my car that no one else has been able to fix. He runs a trustworthy shop that’s priced fairly. I’m lucky to have him as a mechanic & would highly recommend him to anyone!

If you need an auto repair shop you can trust, this is it. I've been bringing my cars here for years and Joe is consistently skilled and thorough. His prices are always fair. The other day I called with a question/problem while replacing a tire, and he took the time to talk me through what I needed to do. He wasn't concerned about getting money from me, he just made sure I was able to fix the problem. If you're looking for someone you can trust, this is the place.

Joe Downey has serviced all of my vehicles, both old and new for 22 years. He is very knowledgeable, professional and honest. He has also helped me many times after hours and on the weekends when I've had car issues. Most recently he answered my call on a Friday night and was able to get me a battery the next morning - Memorial weekend! That's what I call great customer service!

I've been a customer of Joe's for years.  You won't find a more fair, trustworthy or honest guy around.  I recently came by with a rough job for my 21 year old Honda most guys wouldn't have touched.  Not Joe.  Not only did he agree to do it, it was done much sooner than I expected and very fair price.  Thanks, Joe! Highly recommend Downey Auto!

UPDATE: When I contacted them about the issue with my tires, Joe Downey answered the phone and was very apologetic. I brought the car in and he reinstalled the tires correctly this time. While I was there, I learned that one of the mechanics that had been working there when I originally brought my car in was no longer there. I don't know the whole story, but I'm guessing that the explanation for the mistake and poor customer service I experienced the first time lies somewhere in that narrative. I'm sure it is REALLY hard to find good junior automotive technicians, just like every other trade these days. PREVIOUS REVIEW: Wow. What a disappointment. I went here because this place was recommended by Trie Rack and it had good reviews. Not only were they rude while I was there, but they mounted two of my four tires incorrectly. You can see in the picture the tires have a directional tread and are marked with which side is supposed to face out. I just realized this, and I haven't spoken to them about it yet, but as of now, they are a solid 1-star.

My 2016 Jeep Wrangler was experiencing a serious lack of power. After carefully looking over what, if any, mechanical issues could be the cause, Joe found none. He simply recommended switching to 93 octane gasoline, which was exactly the issue. This could have been a very costly repair had I not taken my vehicle to a mechanic who is so experienced and honest. My jeep runs like brand new once again!! I could not be happier with the service provided at Downy Auto and their honesty.

What can I say about Joe, just look at his reviews! Honestly I’m not that type of person to give reviews unless I know they did good for me if they didn’t I just don’t white one. I bought a 2010 Toyota Tacoma from joe last year and with that warranty he gives you a year or 12,000 miles which ever comes first and 4 oil changes. Close to a year my trucks Ac compressor broke I call joe’s shop and they told me to drop it off no question ask they fix my ac and an axel that i thought it was just an axel boot, all I had to do is pay for the parts Joe covered the labor, so if you looking for a great place to buy a car and a good mechanics go with joe you won’t regret.

Joe Downey has great knowledge of cars and runs the most honest shop I've ever been too (I'm 70 and have been to many) . He saved me over a $1,000 because of both of those qualities. I will also buy my next car from him .

For over 25 years I've trusted Joe with every vehicle I've owned, and I don't buy one without talking to him. He's extremely knowledgeable, thorough and honest, and has helped me out countless times - often researching difficult problems or making time for an emergency repair. I never hesitate to send friends and family his way, because he treats his customers like family, and their cars like his own. From engine and transmission replacements to small repairs, Joe's the kind of mechanic you need - he'll take the time to advise you, and when repairs are needed he'll go the extra mile to do it right. I can't recommend him more highly.

Drove 7 hours to view a vehicle Joe said was super clean. He was Totally spot on. He got all the paperwork done for DMV. Made sure I was happy with the vehicle and I drove 7 hours back. If I saw he had another one, I trust his judgement would drive 14 hours again on his word.

Well worth the hour drive to go to Downey Auto. Joe and his crew are the best! I have been going to Downey Auto for over 20 years. I first met Joe when I had an 87 Toyota Pickup. Joe was the master and restoring those trucks. In all the years that Joe has worked on my vehicles including my 1999 Tacoma, I have never once felt like I was paying for an unnecessary repair. I now live well over an hour from Downey Auto. It is very difficult with my busy schedule to go to Downey Auto as it is far away. I tried another shop for a simple repair. The experience was was like drinking sour milk. They fixed one of the problems by replacing too many parts at too high a cost. The other repair, fixing a door handle, they said it was beyond their capability. I took my vehicle to Joe. It was professionally fixed the next day. Joe and the crew...you are stuck with me!

Had a hard to fill gas problem on my '06 Dodge Grand Caravan, Joe saved me a lot of money by going the used parts route, so far so good. I would recommend his services to anyone. He's very knowledgeable and honest.

Highly recommended! Joe and his team are fantastic. He gives an honest price, and reliable no nonsense warranty on his used vehicles. I purchased a beautiful 2009 Toyota Tacoma from him recently and couldn't be happier! Throughout the purchasing process Joe was endlessly helpful and made it as simple for me as possible. I brought the truck in for maintenance and it was covered as promised and in and out real fast. I would definitely trust sending any of my friends and family here. He truly cares and gives a great experience thanks Joe !

RELIABLE JOE DOWNEY did it again! He was there for me when I needed him! Just two months after I wrote another favorable review for Joe's expertise in taking care of another problem I had, I unexpectedly needed him again...My 2005 VW Golf's battery died. I arranged an appointment with Joe, the VW dealer gave me an excellent price for a new battery, and my Geico Insurance Emergency Roadside Service was prompt and efficient in arranging free towing. Joe was right there with a smile ready to help me when I arrived. Within less than half an hour the new battery was installed, costing me very little in labor, and as last time, I drove away with a smile on my face, relieved that again there was a happy ending to my story! I drive 25 minutes from Brewster to come to Downey's Auto Repair...Definitely worth the trip..... I highly recommend that you go to Downey's Auto Repair in Pawling if you want prompt, fair, knowledgeable service. Joe will be there for you!

My car broke down the day before I was due to take my kids on vacation. I found a car a Downey Auto Repair for a reasonable price. Joe and his mechanics worked on a couple of minor issues with the car in the morning and had it ready for me to leave by early afternoon. Knowing that I was short for time, Joe even drove the car to my house! While I was gone, Joe registered the car for me. It was the easiest car purchase I have ever made. The car runs very well and is backed up by a six-month or 6,000 warranty. I will definitely go back to Downey Auto Repair for my next car! Highly recommended.

I bought an 2002 Subaru Outback from Downey Auto last year (April 2016) to drive around on the weekends. It runs great! Joe is a man of his word and means what he says. If the car needs anything looked at, rather than stay close to home, I make the hour drive so they can take care of it, including inspections and oil changes. Joe and team perform way above expectations.

Went here for the first time about a week ago and I'm so glad I did; Joe Downey knows his stuff. He's a real car wiz, a trustworthy mechanic who cares about his customers and their cars, not just making a buck. He did an excellent job on my car and his prices on tires can't be beat. What I paid was just under the estimate, and he was done with my car earlier than expected. I've been to plenty of mechanics in the Dutchess County area and Downey is the best by far.

I feel pretty comfortable working around my vehicle but do not have the time to put into diagnosing, repairing, and servicing it. Downey Auto Repair has been 100% accurate with their diagnosis and have made the repairs correctly. I now use them exclusively for routine service and inspections. Finding that kind of comfort in an auto repair shop is a rarity. I would recommend them to anyone who has doubts about their current mechanic.

I am a woman who knows almost nothing about cars and have been ripped off in the past (by another local garage). So great to have Joe Downey in town-someone who I trust.This is a trust that is built on a foundation of years of service to my family and all our cars-both in sales and repairs and also maintenance. He never pads a bill, and in fact takes the extra time and trouble to do just the opposite, having saved me so much money over the years. He is honest about when it's smart to spend money so you can save money but that is something you would never know unless you've dealt with someone over the long term. My cars have run great and when i look back i am fully satisfied with not only the money i saved but also the money i spent. I will be a customer for life.

Can you name a foreign car dealer whom you'd trust with a couple of thousand dollars on a gentleman's handshake? I can. We came over from Hungary on a one-year contract, during which time Joe and his crew took care of all the issues of our car, always trying to find the best possible solution at the lowest possible price. Downey's is one of those rare places that always give more than they take. He made such a good impression that we never hesitated to leave the car with him to sell before we returned home. Not only he did that in two weeks, he even handled the money transfer for us! Now, here is a striking example of a truly honest business. Thank you Joe!