I found Dave's shop on the Car Talk site when I first moved here 5 years ago, and what a lucky break. \r
I've got a twenty-something year old Ford that needs mechanical love on a regular basis. Dave will always let me know over the phone if he won't be able to get to it right away (he does not employ a secretary, but he's pretty good about answering the phone and will always return your call if you leave a message, though lately his wife has been answering the phones on occasion), but he is almost always immediately available.\r
I feel like his prices are right-on, I never get the female mark-up. He has taken the time to explain what he's fixing and why without making me feel dumb. Last year I brought it in and asked what we need to do to make it last at least 5 more years - he worked out a list of things for right now, fixes for the near future, and stuff that could wait. When husband and I were buying a second car, he (basically) said about our first choice, ""if that's what you really want, I get it, but there's a reason there are places in town that only work on VW's. If you want another 20 year car, here's what I'd get.""\r
His delivery *is* dry. One visit for a rattle in the front end was answered with (and picture this in Hank Hill's voice) ""well, I don't know if it's what you were hearing, but your wheel's about to fall off.""\r
Dave himself has been out of the shop recently, but the guys he's got working for him are equally spot on. I get reasonable prices and a quick turn around. I trust that if for some reason if something isn't fixed right the first time, they will absolutely take care of it. Highly recommend. But always leave through the back alley, that driveway is a doozy.
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