What clients say about Meineke Car Care Center in East Kingston (NY)
I had to give one star because I couldn’t give zero. AAA towed car to Fitchburg, MA Meineke in an emergency for a bad clutch. Diagnosis was bad clutch and it was fixed, along with several other issues on the brakes. After picking up and driving approximately 100 miles, the transmission failed completely in the middle of MA. As I live in NY, I had to tow the car myself and started working with Meineke in Fitchburg to figure out what to do because there were no problems with the transmission when it was taken in for service and the transmission was dropped to replace the clutch. Their recommendation was to tow it to Meineke in Kingston, NY, closer to where I reside, and if it was a workmanship problem, any Meineke would honor the warranty. Meineke in Kingston couldn’t find an issue but were quick to give me a quote for a new transmission at over $3,000. When I declined, they were even quicker to call me back offering me a used transmission they found for $1,500. They assured me even high mileage transmissions are bullet proof in these cars and wouldn’t be a problem. That seemed odd because the one I had was now garbage after Meineke worked on it. I then asked if they could again look at the broken transmission to see if it was a workmanship problem and they said they could, but that would cost around $400 in labor to do that work. I declined and went back to pick up the car on the U-Haul, one-way rental car carrier that I held onto because I was unsure if anyone would repair the car. While loading the car, Kingston Meineke handed me the bolt that fell out of the transmission bell housing from the work that was done by the Fitchburg Meineke. I was assured this was not an issue, but they recommended I call the Fitchburg Meineke and tell the owner about it and see if they will do anything about it. I was under the impression that was why I brought it to “any Meineke” that would honor the warranty. I promptly took the car to a local shop because it needed to be repaired. After less than a minute of observation, the mechanic noted exactly what was assembled incorrectly without taking anything apart or charging any money. Bolt falling out, bolt shimmed with ad-hoc nuts, dowel pins missing...all obvious things that cause transmissions to fail. Photographs were taken and I told the reliable mechanic to just fix the car because: (1) I can’t trust that Meineke would do it right even if I went through the pain to fight it and (2) I highly doubted they would do anything anyway. I was exactly right!
Because this was such a mess, I called Meineke directly to file a concern. I told the entire story, and it was documented, with photographs, seen below. The person taking the information was good and certainly understood this “sounded like a problem.” Meineke does have a line you can call, and they open a case. It seemed really legitimate like they were interested in helping. Well, it turns out that is a useless endeavor as well because all they do is call the shop owners and then call you back and tell you there is nothing they can do. They do say they “are sorry” a lot, but that does nothing.
I shouldn’t be surprised they’re doing nothing to cover for their poor workmanship, but this situation was truly egregious. Neither the owners nor the company stand behind their work or their warranties, no matter which location you go to.
It was very nice the guy Adam behind the counter was very helpful I got in quick for an oil change and they let me know if I needed anything and how soon I would need it
Jo and his team are very detailed and knowledgeable. I called with an emergency and he was willing to look at my vehicle for me. I think I’ll be using their services from now on!
They are always helpful, thoughtful, and available when I’ve needed them on the fly. Joe and his staff are very courteous. I can only say nice things about this business. No complaints.
They performed a Pre-purchase inspection. Very knowledgeable technicians. Performed a thorough check. They saved me from potentially expensive repairs. Will definitely go back.
Alec and his crew saved my ass! My power steering failed while up in the snow and ice in the Catskills with a minivan packed with my family of 6 (just days after my mechanic in Brooklyn claimed to have fixed it). It was just before the New Year's break and they fit my car into their busy schedule. They had to totally redo the work my (now former) mechanic had failed to do correctly. They were honest, efficient, and communicated very clearly about my car's problems ... and they got it done! Thank you Meineke of Kingston, NY!!!!!!
As always, the work was done quickly. Staff was friendly, polite and professional. I have recently started started bringing all my vehicles here and I am very pleased by the service.
The service was excellent. Mechanic did a full inspection of what needed to be done to my automobile. Prepared it for me to examine and approve before doing the job. Everything was professional finished in a timely manner. I was totally impressed with the quality of the service. Looking toward my next appointment.
I'm not sure if the mechanic was incompetent or trying to scam me. He showed me "wear" on my serpentine belt and told me it needed to be replaced. I had replaced it earlier that day at the dealership.
They also tried to charge me twice for engine oil when I went to check out.
Either of these could have been an honest mistake, or not…
They got me in immediately, staff was very friendly, however...the employee (I think Joe) who got into my vehicle to pull it into the bay to service it, got in my car with a whole sandwich or pizza. Eating in my car while driving it directly in front of me is kinda disrespectful. Even the other person in the waiting area asked me "Did he really just do that?" Smh.
I came in a few days before thanksgiving for an oil change before traveling, and was quoted $2K+ of "necessary repairs," including replacing all my brakes, including front brakes which were replaced in 2025).
I declined the work and visited an independent mechanic shop who reviewed the list and my car, and found none of the "necessary repairs" were needed, specifically commenting on how wild it was to tell me I needed new front brakes when mine are new.
Do not reccomend, they will try to take advantage of you, including walking you back into the shop to show you deficineces in parts of your car that are in fact in good working order. I would give zero stars if I could.
They only had two techs on a Saturday when I went in for an alignment but they still managed to get me in and out in an hour! They apologized for the delay. Not anything to apologize about when I can get an alignment done in an hour. Excellent service.
0 stars. This place stinks. Came in for an inspection- wanted thousands in repairs to make my vehicle “safe”. I watched them fleece an older gentleman out of $1000…. Dude sat there all day as they updated his brakes and exhaust ( two main services provided my Meineke).
Scraped my sticker m, even after I spoke with the owner “Joe” ( every mechanics name in the Hudson Valley) about how they would not. Get bent.
Fix One, Pay for Two!
If I could give zero stars, I would.
First Visit – 02/27/2025:
I brought my car in due to a rubbed-through rotor. The Meineke team removed the tire and showed me the issue, but gave no real explanation for why it happened—just vague guesses. They replaced the brake pad, sensor, and rotor only on the right rear side.( I brought my own rotor I got right before to go to the service) The total cost? $459.
Second Visit – 04/15/2025:
Less than two months later, I returned with the same noise—the issue was never actually resolved. This time, they told me the right rear rotor needed replacing again, and that the caliper was broken too. So once more: rotor, brake pads, and sensor—all for $691. No warranty, no accountability. When I asked how the same problem could happen again so quickly, the manager simply said, “It can happen in one day.” Really? Even though the noise never stopped from the beginning?
I decided to get a second opinion.
Third Visit – 04/16/2025 (Mavis):
At Mavis, the staff actually took the time to explain what was wrong. They told me a proper service should identify and fix the root cause—not just swap out the broken part. They replaced both rear rotors and pads, plus the right rear caliper, all for $658. Professional, clear, and honest.
Bottom line: Meineke gave me zero warranty, no proper diagnosis, and wanted to charge me twice for the same issue. In my experience, they don’t fix problems—they patch them up just enough to make you come back and pay again. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
In 50 years of owning and servicing my cars, this was by far the WORST experience I have EVER had with an auto repair shop. Horrible experience getting 2 catalytic converters diagnosed and replaced in May 2024 . both converters went bad within 7 months while I was in Florida. Menike in St Petersburg was prepared to honor the lifetime replacement warranty and contacted Kingston rather than deal with “corporate” ”Kingston insisted on sending THEIR parts to Florida because NY and Fla have different requirements for catalytic converters It was over a month and they never sent them I believe they never intended to. They Dodged phone calls during the entire time while we foolishly waited for the parts I came back to NY, Brought the car back to Kingston , no apology Or explanation as to lying about sending parts I showed the order from St Petersburg meinike stating I had two bad catalytic converters. after several days of stalling, making worthless appointments that resulted in no work done the job is scheduled to replace TWO converters as STATED that u needed by a Meinike dealer. .. I pick the car up and am-told they only replaced one. The owner is dishonest , manipulative and has an irrational explosive temper. . Menike in St Petersburg refused to deal with them again because of their rude and uncooperative response to honouring my $4600 catalytic converter replacement . Both times in Kingston the work was not completed on time as promised.And their “loaner”… a death trap. The passanger side mirror has been covered with some strange reflective PAPER that distorts images and puts the driver in a very precarious position . I brought this to the attention of a tech. He agreed that it looked like a mirror in a circus. So CHEAP and dangerous. And here’s the best part… I live in NYC. Iwas visiting Kingston when he diagnosed my original emergency “need” for two catalytic converters He knew that
I was travelling back and forth from the city for my appointments. I believe he was just trying I wear me down so I would quit trying to get the replacement I never write reviews but those 5 star reviews are not to be trusted. The owner goes from hot to cold and is verbally abusive if challenged. T his Meinike deserves zero stars. I advise EVERYBODY to steer clear. And BTW my customer service experience with Meinike in St Petersburg was excellent. They really went out of their way to try to help me resolve this. So, It’s not the Company. It’s Kingston Meinike. Buyer beware
Meineke was there for me when I had a last minute wheel bearing issue, even staying late to finish the job! I’m very grateful to Joe and Adam for all their help. They diagnosed the problem and got me an estimate quickly. I would not hesitate to use them again, the service and expertise were outstanding.
I came in for a simple patch on a high mileage vehicle, was quoted $187.00 for a 6 inch piece of pipe, clamp and weld. That shouldn’t have cost more than $50.00.
Joe & Dawn were so hospitable during the entire process. They got me in quickly for spark plugs before I was headed out of town the next day. Fixed the basics and didn’t try to upsell me; they worked with me on keeping costs low due to my budget. Honest, dependable people and great work! Thank you!
Very helpful and quick! Well- managed , shows photos and examples of what needs to be done, offered a loaner car so I didn't have to wait. Joe and Yogi were great! I'll be back.
Everyone was very friendly! Quick turnaround and reasonable prices, plus a heads up on work I'd likely need to get done soon which was great. New to the area and definitely sticking with the folks here going forward!
My husband and I went to Meineke -Kingston last Friday as my car's a/c was not working after having work done at a competitor's shop. Meineke took my car right in, explained to me their findings and repaired the problem quickly and efficiently!
The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable!
They provided a great service at a great price and gained 2 new loyal customers.
Had a great experience at Meineke. I needed help replacing my license plates after the screws had rusted shut, and they helped me out without an appointment and at no charge. My mechanic that I’ve been going to for 7 years needed to schedule me in advance and was going to charge me. Meineke is the best!
Extremely helpful went in to get my exhaust fixed which I've done with other vehicles they always do a great job. When I was in there I asked him about some transmission work and they got that taken care of also great work great communication good pricing highly recommended.
Paid $500 for them to replace my battery and then I got stranded just a few days later- my van won’t start. They were friendly and all and let me use their loaner car but I thought $500 (1.25h at their $85 rate) was a bit extreme.
I was stranded where I had no reception and it took 45 min for someone to finally come by. Very scary.
Now I’m at another Meineke location
We trust Joe and the crew with our three cars. They are fair and fast with great personality thrown in at no extra charge. I bring cars up from NYC just because I know they will do the job right.
264 Old Flatbush Rd, Kingston, NYGarbage collection service
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