Stinson Auto (Minneapolis, MN) Mechanic(s): Dave, Jeff, Tom, Matt
3300 Stinson Blvd. , Minneapolis, MN 55418 (612) 788-9229 Fax: (612) 788-5827
Features and Specialties: Has ASE certified mechanics

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Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

Here's why I think my mechanic is cool. I grew up in a house where you never brought a car to a mechanic unless you absolutly had to. I learned, at a young age, basic maintainence and minor auto repair. The point is I had always done my own repair work because of my father's projected fears of being duped by a wiley mechanic out to take me for a ride. My wife and I had just moved into our current friendly urban neighborhood. I was attempting to change the driver's side CV joint when I realized I did not have the correct socket to remove the nut on the spindle shaft. While my above mentioned, well conditioned, fear began to well up inside me a neighbor was passing by and noticed my problem. He said,"I bet Dave has the tool you need." Not knowing who 'Dave' was and being new to the neighborhood I silently followed him. I was shocked when our short walk ended at Stinson Auto. I was utterly baffled to find that he was more than happy to allow me to use the socket for the day and asked that I return it when I was finished, 'Maybe tomorrow'. Well, this defied logic and reason. I felt like I was in my own bizzaro world. I fixed my Omni and returned the socket the next day and I've taken my cars to him ever since. My Omni currently runs like a top (an ugly top) and has over 200,000 mi. Isn't That Cool! Just a quick additional story. My wife has a sufficiently ugly Dodge Caravan with equally high milage. The voltage regulator went south so my wife brought it to Dave. It turned out the VR is built into the on-board computer and to replace it meant buying a new computer, which cost almost as much as the car is worth. So Dave explaining this to my wife suggested bypassing the built-in VR and using a '74 Plymouth Valient VR. He told her it was cheap and unconventional but it would work. And

As a female customer, I always appreciate that I get the same information and the same respect as my husband. It doesn't matter which of us is bring the car in or picking it up.

I recently left my Park Ave for some diagnostic/repair work while on vacation. First, they diagnosed the leak and explained the $700-$800 repair option (included a new water pump, oil pan, etc.), then suggested the $10 stop- leak/sealant option. It worked! But better than that, while I was in sunny southern California, we had an ice storm in Mpls. and my windshield cracked badly. I could not be reached, so they contacted my insurance agent, discussed the problem, and agreed I needed a some new glass. They took the time and effort to arrange installation of the new windshield and billing to my insurance!! All inside their heated shop, so my car was well cared for and ready to go when I stopped by on my way home from the airport!! What service!!

These guys are the best! they are knowledgeable, flexible, and responsive. They get it right the first time every time. They give good advice and won't try to "fix" what isn't in your best interest (no per-car $ quota like some of the local and national chains). Their prices are slightly highter than the discount chains, but they fix it right the first time, rather than lowball, fix, return to customer, break/still broken, fix again for more money...Totally worth it. These people have integrity. p.s. this shop can keep your old car running well (owner keeps his family's '93 suburban in tip-top shape) and won't tell you to replace a car that still is worth fixing; they will also help you decide if/when send the elderly auto to that great car-park in the sky...

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