Ames Car Repair Advice

[BCoffClone125]

Hey fellow CFers. I figured I could rely on some on the posters on this board for some advice.

I've been having some car issues and will most likely need to tow it to a repair shop since it won't start. I haven't had to take my car to any mechanics in Ames before, so I was wondering what some of the best options would be? Keep in mind that I'm a college student, and I have an older car ('92 Cutlass Supreme) so ideally somewhere that won't rip me off too much. TIA.

 

[cyclonpediaJoe]

I had a strut bumping funny and I took it to Midas on Duff. Dude said i needed $1400 in new struts and they where done. Took it across the street to Car X, and this Scottish dude tightened a bolt. I asked him how much I owed him, he said don't worry about it man. I've been with Car X ever since in DSM and they are strait.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

Whatever you do not take it to Car-X in Ames. These reviews are pretty standard experiences for them: Yahoo Reviews - Car-X Ames, IA

I had good luck at Mike's Body & Frame (219 North Oak Avenue)

 

[longtimeclone]

I had a strut bumping funny and I took it to Midas on Duff. Dude said i needed $1400 in new struts and they where done. Took it across the street to Car X, and this Scottish dude tightened a bolt. I asked him how much I owed him, he said don't worry about it man. I've been with Car X ever since in DSM and they are strait.

Whatever you do not take it to Car-X in Ames.

Well here is an interesting dilemma, but I have not had good luck with Car X either.

 

[DistrictCyclone]

Hey fellow CFers. I figured I could rely on some on the posters on this board for some advice.

I've been having some car issues and will most likely need to tow it to a repair shop since it won't start. I haven't had to take my car to any mechanics in Ames before, so I was wondering what some of the best options would be? Keep in mind that I'm a college student, and I have an older car ('92 Cutlass Supreme) so ideally somewhere that won't rip me off too much. TIA.

Do you have AAA? HIGHLY recommended, as you get free towing; towing prices in Ames = extortion.

 

[Cyfan4good]

http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/off-topic/93302-auto-mechanic-ames-area.html

We used Denny's in the past and were happy with their service.

 

[06_CY]

Just don't take it to Tuffy for a single thing; complete scammers.

 

[IcSyU]

Do you have AAA? HIGHLY recommended, as you get free towing; towing prices in Ames = extortion.

Towing everywhere that isn't done by a City is. They're in business to make money.

 

[iahawkhunter]

I've had great experiences with Hansen's.

Mark Hansen?s Automotive Repair and Car Care Services and More

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

Mark Hansen at Hansen Sinclair (NE corner of Duff and Lincoln way) is a great Cyclone fan and runs a first class operation. His repair place is just a couple blocks from the station.

 

[DistrictCyclone]

Mark Hansen at Hansen Sinclair (NE corner of Duff and Lincoln way) is a great Cyclone fan and runs a first class operation. His repair place is just a couple blocks from the station.

I used to enjoy his column at the Register, too.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

No to both Car-X and especially AAMCO.

 

[jhschuh]

Hey fellow CFers. I figured I could rely on some on the posters on this board for some advice.

I've been having some car issues and will most likely need to tow it to a repair shop since it won't start. I haven't had to take my car to any mechanics in Ames before, so I was wondering what some of the best options would be? Keep in mind that I'm a college student, and I have an older car ('92 Cutlass Supreme) so ideally somewhere that won't rip me off too much. TIA.

I have had great luck with EnTire. Jeff is a great Cyclone fan. More importantly, his crew will only do what is necessary. More than once I've asked them about a repair and they've indicated that work did NOT need to be done. So, I've had cars worked on at EnTire and am thoroughly satisfied. If something is fixed but needs an adjustment later on, that is part of the service, with no additional charges.

 

[cymate]

I Like going to Midas, the split up payment plan is legit

 

[wxman1]

I also need to get my 97 Civic in to replace the CV boots and front brakes. Was going to start a thread like this tomorrow actually. Thanks for the tips as well!

 

[psychlone99]

I had good luck at Mike's Body & Frame (219 North Oak Avenue)

When it's a straightforward steering/alignment/suspension issue, and I know what's wrong, I'll take it to CarX because those prices are hard to beat.

Otherwise, I've had excellent luck with Mike's as well. They'll treat you right and their prices are some of the best I've seen in Ames.

 

[KCCLONE712]

Doug at Imported Cars is a great mechanic and more importantly an honest one.


Imported Cars LTD
4625 Reliable Street
Ames, IA 5001
(515) 296-2723

 

[psychlone99]

Doug at Imported Cars is a great mechanic and more importantly an honest one.


Imported Cars LTD
4625 Reliable Street
Ames, IA 5001
(515) 296-2723

Good call here if you have an import. When I owned Volvos, Doug was my guy. Unbeatable for imports. I take my domestic to Mike's.

If you check out Imported Cars, don't let the facility fool you. It looks run down, but it gets the job done. Ask Doug anything mechanical and he'll give it to you straight. We once had a 15 minute conversation on the merits of doing a gravity drain/fill on high mileage trannys rather than a power flush. Good stuff. :smile:

 

[bugs4cy]

Trickles on Lincoln Way. Great guys, honest, stand behind their work, and no highway robbery involved.

 

[CyCrazy]

Rons Auto Repair. They have always been good to me, but today they told me to put my car to rest...... So I sold it to one of their mechanics who wanted it to fix it up and use it as a farm vehicle.