Whalen Automotive

They do good work and are knowledgeable, but I wouldn't recommend them because they push services not required by the manufacturer, such as transmission oil and brake fluid changes. In addition, on one of my cars they proposed lubricating my brake calipers - something that based on internet research is not necessary except in rare circumstances. They changed an air filter and cabin air filter, and charged me $100. The two parts at local stores are about $40, so I think the total cost including labor was excessive.

No problem - very professional, unlike Valvoline Instant Oil Change, which left a flap open under the engine, causing the destruction of the shield.

As usual, the wait time was reasonable in their comfortable waiting room (with free WiFi & coffee). They let me know that the brake fluid needed to be changed, as well, & were able to reset the "reminder" lights that had been driving me crazy -- my car's 'computer' system is enough to challenge anyone. Pleasant, professional & knowledgeable -- they're real mechanics, not a group of one-problem techs. The receptionist knows cars & car problems, as well, so I always feel confident about their services from the initial phone call through the the finished job. I've used Whalen's before with both my old car & the new one, and they've always been responsive -- whether it's mechanical repair, check-ups, oil, or parts replacement.

Donna said it would take a couple of hours and that was it. I travel a ways to come here because they are trustworthy, efficient, and personable.

John personally called me with updates and what they were doing to resolve the problem. I found the price to be very reasonable for the above repair and decided to have some additional brake work and NYS inspection done as well. When they had trouble with a part( parts for this car are not on the shelves anymore) I was called by the staff and notified. I had a rear PBR brake caliper replaced and emergency brake repair done. The price for this repair was again very reasonable

Perfect, drives like it should. So professional was the whole experience. Donna rules! For anyone reading this, finding someone you can trust with the maintenance of your car (which Whalen is in spades), is like finding a good proctologist, fixes immediate issues and gives you piece of mind.

It went very well. Friday morning John called the work was done. I picked up the car and it was running and handling the best it has been in a long time. There may still be a couple of other things that need attention but John and his crew are consummate professionals that even corrected a few other things that the other guys did that weren't very professional like leaving out a lot of bolts -- you know all those optional bolts the factory put in that your car doesn't need! And they even threw in a free oil change to boot great job!

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Came one day for NYS inspection and a general overall check of the vehicle (100,000 mile)as I was getting ready to pass it along to my son. We made a second appt for the water pump, which was showing significant wear and coolant/antifreeze and power steering fluid
Both scheduled appts were started and completed as expected.
John is thorough and very honest.

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Went great.  Replaced rear suspension parts that caused my vehicle to fail the NYS inspection.
One of the most honest mechanics I've ever met if not the most honest and that is rare in the automotive repair business.

A bit pricy but you know you can trust the service and go back if there is a problem.  Very personable.  Would highly recommend!

That service was fine.

It went well. They diagnosed everything and gave us all the reports of what their recommendations.

John himself is quite friendly, and are as well, those I've met.  Got in quick enough, completed the initial transaction quickly.  There were cars ahead of mine, so I got a rental car just in case.  This turned out to be a good idea due to the repairs my car required, which John notified me of a few hours later by phone.
The waiting room has a Keurig coffee pod machine; pricier than drip, but better quality, and has air conditioning.

This was my first time going to Whalen.  I found the garage on Angie's List; it was close by and well rated. 
Called on Monday to make an appointment for the next morning, and spoke to Whalen himself.  He's very friendly.
Dropped the car off, and waited inside the office/lobby, which was clean and pleasant.  Whalen introduced himself to me.  He was, again, very friendly.  They had the car in the garage for a while, which was fine....the place isn't a jiffy lube.  Whalen came in at one point, and we discussed the merits of a full-synth oil, which i opted for, and the time intervals between oil changes.   Any additional services or charges (in this case for the more expensive oil) was first discussed and approved by me.  When the service was complete, I shook hands with Whalen and returned to my car, which was waiting out front, clean and ready. 
All in all, the service took longer and was probably a bit more pricey than a comparable service at an in-and-out oil change joint, but I was totally happy.  Whalen was attentive and thorough.  I'd certainly return for future service. 
This is a small thing, but Whalen seems to support other neat local businesses such as the Spectrum theater and Local Flavor Cafe in Watervliet, which I thought was nice. 
Anyhow, best of luck for anyone looking for auto service.  I think Whalen is a good bet, though.

Fine. Kept me informed of progress. Kept to estimated cost.

The waiting room is very clean.  Fresh coffee is available.  The office manager, Dave, was very professional and listened carefully to everything I mentioned during both service visits.  I didn't wait at the shop for either car because the repairs were going to take a few hours.  Dave called when the work was completed, explained in general terms what was done and gave me the total costs on the phone.  Dave went over the work again in detail with me when I picked the cars up.
The Prizm brakes work great again.  Comparing what I could from the bill to the Toyota estimate for the front brakes and belt, Whalen did that work at lower total cost.  I'd like to assume the rear brake costs were lower than what the dealership would have charged as well simply from the lower front brake cost and the steering shaft cost on the Rav4.  The Rav4 steering feels like new again.  No more thumping and nice and tight.  It's been a while since that car felt that good to drive. 
Based on meeting John Whalen and Dave and from my direct service experience, I believe Whalen to be an honest shop that take a lot of pride in their work.  They didn't use any fast-talk, didn't pressure me into any of the work, just gave their opinion about the needs of the car.  This was particulary true when Dave discussed the rear brakes on the Prizm.  I wasn't expecting that extra cost but since I knew the car never had any brake work before, I didn't want to take any chances. Waiting on the seat in both cars when I picked them up were AAA service rating cards.  They want people to report to AAA what their experience was.  I gave the high marks on those ratings as well.  They cover their repairs for 12 months or 12k miles and use genuine Toyota parts.  I'm glad to have found an alternative to dealerships where I don't have to wonder about the quality of the repairs or being over-charged.  I wish I had found them sooner because I've had a lot of work done on our cars the past couple of years.