I brought my car to Hamilton Automotive in February at 5,500 miles for an oil change and inspection. By June, after driving only 500 additional miles, the low oil pressure light came on. I took the car to another mechanic, who found either a faulty oil change or an engine burning oil. They referred me to Mazda for a deeper inspection.
Mazda confirmed that Hamilton Automotive had installed an aftermarket oil filter that didn’t fit properly—it was leaking oil and restricting flow to the engine. They fixed the issue and charged $347. Mazda recommended I contact Hamilton Automotive to seek reimbursement, since any reputable mechanic would take responsibility for their work.
When I calmly explained the situation to Ralph at Hamilton Automotive, he became immediately defensive and rude. He refused to take any responsibility or cover the cost, even making absurd claims like I should’ve returned the car "the next day" after the oil change—despite the fact that the warning light didn’t appear until several months later.
This place is not only careless, but also unprofessional and dishonest when confronted with a clear mistake. I’d strongly advise others to steer clear.
Came in with a broken ac. They inspected the car, identified a leak in the hose, were able to order the hose and have it fixed within a few days. Ralph was honest, fair and thorough. He showed me pics of the work which ended up being considerable - removing and replacing the bumper. Still, he kept the price the same as he had quoted and was honest about the whole thing. And ac works great! Will definitely be back and highly recommend this place for efficient, honest and knowledgeable repairs.
Took my car here in the summer because my air conditioner wasn't blowing cold air. They said I needed a recharge and my system was dirty. I said my vehicle uses a special refrigerant are you sure you have the correct one. They said of course come back in an hour. I came back an hour later and they said all done. The ac appeared to be blowing cold so I thought OK great. I asked for a receipt and they said the receipt machine was broken to come back tomorrow. I didn't think much of it. It wasn't an expensive service. A few weeks later the ac stopped working again. I figured this must be a deeper problem so I brought it to the dealer service location where I have a family member as a master ford mechanic. After hooking it up to their machine every warning light about dangerous incorrect and flammible refrigerant was installed. This required an entire purge of my entire ac system and now its being inspected for damage. Had I not a had a family member working for the dealership this would have voided my extended warranty and cost me 1000s. I feel so disgusted that they would be so dishonest about having the correct refrigerant and then going ahead with using it when it could have been 1. Dangerous 2.totally damaging to the vehicle. I try to give business to local mechanics for things like oil changes and small things that can be done quick. Where as at a dealership they may need to keep your car all day or several days but stay away from here. They will throw whatever they have at your car to make a buck.
Showed up at opening time to ask if they could do a state inspection. The mechanic who helped me was great - did my inspection first before getting to work on a car he was about to work on. He was fast, professional and I was in and out in just a few minutes.
I came all the way from Queens to fix the brake cables. It's my first time here. I searched him through reviews and I was amazed by the work. I only know a few auto repair shops where I live but they are ripping me off big time. I don't mind coming back again. I would be happy if Ralph will maintain my car since they specialize in European cars. Thank you Ralph!
Had a great experience here with Ralph. I brought in an old car with a broken air conditioner compressor, and he cleaned the engine and diagnosed the issue, then ordered the parts and made the fix within a few days. A month later and everything is working great. He was friendly and I felt he charged fairly for his services, and he made me feel very reassured about the car.
Went here to get a State Inspection and Oil Change. I have legal aftermarket tints on my car (they meet state requirements).
Ralph did the inspection questionably fast and started scratching off my previous inspection sticker without notice. I wanted to take care of the sticker myself and had planned on asking him.
He butchered the tint on my front windshield. He left a ton of residue with scratch marks and pieces of the tint were hanging off the window (pic attached). Then he slapped the inspection sticker on top of the mess he made.
I was calm and only said: "I was going to ask you not to do that". He replied: "Too bad". He couldn't have cared less and had a strange air of entitlement about it. What a Jerk!
Then he told me to call in about getting an oil change on another day....
Not sure why he treated me like garbage. I'll be sure to think of him everything I sit in my car and see the disaster he made. Beware if you have tints!
Had an accident while in Brooklyn (primary residence is upstate) and I was glad we found them: Jason was there with his tow truck in 15 minutes, and after numerous supply issues the car was repaired in time for me to be home for Christmas. During the whole process, Rafi kept me informed of the process and was exceedingly kind while dealing with this grumpy old man. Best auto repair experience I've ever had. Very highly recommended.
Ralph was very helpful after another place gave me some sketchy advice! Helped out when my car was having issues being “ready” for the emissions report and helped solved my brake issues. Thanks!
Good experience getting a safety/emissions inspection done here. Ralph is great and gave some honest advice about a brake question I had. In and out in under 15 minutes on a Sunday afternoon, easy peasy.
I go to Ralph annually for auto inspection and it's always quick and efficient. I've also gone to him whenever there are those sudden, mysterious issues with my car and he's always quick to find the problem. A great neighborhood mechanic!
This was the first time I took my car to Ralph. Just like the reviews said, service was great! Ralph is knowledgeable and honest, and will be my go-to mechanic moving forward! Thanks for your work and advice.
As so many others have said - honest, fair dealing, attention to detail and quality work. I dropped off a car for significant repair after it was sideswiped while parked. I was kicking myself for not getting anything in writing and dreading being told I'd have to wait longer or pay more. Car was delivered on time for the agreed price. Ralph clearly takes pride in providing excellent work and customer assistance.
Friendly, reliable, and efficient. I'm a new-ish car owner so for me, working with someone personable, knowledgeable and trustworthy is important -- I came for the many other 5 star reviews and haven't been disappointed. Also, for me it helps that the shop is easy to access right off of McDonald Ave -- much better than dealing with the traffic on CIA or Fort Hamilton like others. Thank you, Ralph!
Ralph always does a good job and keeps me up to date on the status of my car when it’s in the shop. He’s my trusted mechanic in the neighborhood and I’d recommend him to anyone. He’s repaired my Ford Focus control arms and a brake line that got cut by debris on the highway.
Ralph is super helpful & friendly. He put an estimate together for me in a timely manner after a parking lot at JFK damaged my car so that I could submit it at small claims court. It was a pleasure to work with Ralph & I will definitely be returning for my future auto care needs!
I have been going to Ralph for all my automotive repairs and needs for the past 5 years. I highly recommend his work and expertise. Friendly customer service, fair pricing, quick turnaround and good quality work. It is is hard to find a good and knowledgeable mechanic who takes such pride in their work and also great to talk to.
I had waited until the end of the month and needed to get a state inspection for my car. I called Hamilton and spoke with Ralph. He told me not to worry and to bring my car in and he would squeeze me in. Afterwards we started talking about the other work that they can do. Always on the lookout for a reliable and trustworthy mechanic, I was happy to find one so close to Windsor Terrace.
Fast, efficient, effective service. Great advice on car maintenance and needs going forward. I worked with Ralph. Honest and transparent. Reasonable and fair. This man knows His stuff. Conveniently located and reliable. I had an inspection and checkup done.
Been to this place several times for vehicles inspection. Every time superb service, very reasonable prices, in and out in 20 minutes. Ralph is a great guy, very friendly and easy going.
Excellent service. I brought in my vehicle for an annual inspection. Called in advance and Raffi give me an exact time to come in. It took about 10 minutes and it was done. He was very nice and professional. Highly recommended. I’ll be back for sure.
I've been bringing my car to Hamilton Automotive Center for service for over 15 years. Ralph is a mechanic who charges fairly for their work and is very trustworthy, doing only work needed and not making up problems where they do not exist. I highly recommend Ralph if you're in need of auto service. He and his staff are very skilled and efficient. His Sunday hours have been extremely helpful and he goes out of his way when I drive in with any concerns. He puts my mind at ease and the convenience of having a trustworthy mechanic around the corner is a God send!
Ralph and his team are great. I’ve been going to them for years for everything from inspections and oil changes on my Jeep Wrangler to turbo work on my Audi A4. They specialize in European cars, but service all makes and models. They have saved me time, money, and given me peace of mind. What else can you ask for in a local auto shop? I highly recommend them.
Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Was going to drop car off for an alignment and new brakepads/rotors but car battery was dead. Ralph came over in 3 minutes and jumpstarted it. Dropped car off and it was ready a day and a half later, and at a great price. Lucky to have this place a couple of blocks from my house.
A previous mechanic wanted to quote me for repairs worth more than three times the value of my car. Needless to say I did not return. Hamilton auto repair reviews are true! Ralph did not over quote for repairs. He is truly the honest mechanic you have been looking for! My car needed two leak repairs (oil and anit-freeze), a new timing belt and tension adjustment, brake adjustment and oil change. He easily got rid of the high/rough idle and the car is running smooth as butter again. All for an excellent price and amazing customer service. He is looking out for you. Will return, thank you! Only thing I will mention I had trouble finding it the first time. It is next to BP gas station.
Two weeks ago on Sunday, I was shopping in the Gateway Center on Exit 15 of Belt Parkway. I finished my shopping came back I couldn’t start the car. I started calling different auto mechanic shops. The prices for towing were ridicules. Next place I called was Hamilton Automotive; I was so glad that I did. Before he decided to tow the car, he wanted to find out if it was a battery issue or something easily fixable. He told me to turn the key, and asked what I see on the dashboard. After he was sure that was not a battery issue then he decided to send me a tow truck. Even though it was a Sunday, I had the tow truck in the parking lot within 45 minutes. He gave me a very good price for towing despite that was a weekend. I had such a great experience with Hamilton Automotive. The owner Ralph provided me with a Fantastic service. His guys were fast, pleasant and had good attitude, and most of all he fixed my car for a great price. Really took care of me, and went out of their way to make sure I didn't spend more money than necessary. Ralph is really an honest person. Hope not to have any car issues any time soon, but if I do the Hamilton Automotive will be the place where I'll take my car. I can’t stress enough how it is important to have a trust worthy Auto mechanic, especially with all the scammers out there. It is a Great place, not only they fix cars, but they also do all kind inspections. I highly recommend their services.
Ralph was great! He took our car right away, told us the issue immediately, and gave us updates until we were able to pick the car back up. He always answers the phone and is ready to help.
Ralph is the best mechanic in New York city I've ever met. He's professional and has an unbelievably fast turn around time. The prices are very fair. I'll definitely be going back to him for years to come.
Deciding where to take my car was a very nerve recking experience. Often times mechanics look to rip you off. This is NOT the case with Hamilton Automotive Center. This auto shop is honest, caring and very professional. They took care of my car’s transmission and changed my oil at an amazing price. My car was ready as scheduled and on time. They kept me updated on the status and kept me at ease.. Ralph and his team are amazing. I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for a great mechanic!
I found this gem of an auto body shop a few years back when I needed an car inspection ASAP. I pulled right up and was greeted by a man named Ralph. My initial sense was that he was a grumpy guy, that was, until he flashed his friendly smile. Since that day, I have been back to Hamilton Automotive many times. Ralph has given me great advice regarding repairs and oil changes. He never, ever upsells you and actually tells you how to save money. It’s hard to find an honest auto body shop, one whom is very trustworthy. Well, this is one and I am happy to share that with all of you. If you are in need of anything related to your car, Ralph and Hamilton Automotive is for you!
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