Need a good mechanic in Ames

Cydkar

Well-Known Member
Apr 12, 2006
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Kid’s car is broken down in Ames and I need to contact a mechanic and probably get it towed there. I don’t know the extent of the problem but I’m just looking for anyone who’s had good luck with an honest mechanic in Ames. I’m 2 hours away so can’t help at all this week. At least it got to a parking lot. Suggestions? West side would be great but can’t be choosy. TIA!
 
Kid’s car is broken down in Ames and I need to contact a mechanic and probably get it towed there. I don’t know the extent of the problem but I’m just looking for anyone who’s had good luck with an honest mechanic in Ames. I’m 2 hours away so can’t help at all this week. At least it got to a parking lot. Suggestions? West side would be great but can’t be choosy. TIA!

An honest mechanic?

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  • Funny
Reactions: Macloney
I've had a few things done through Shaffer's Auto Body and they've been great to me. I went there for collision stuff, but I would imagine they'd take mechanical repairs off the street too.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: isu_oak
Shaffer Auto has been my "go-to" for collision and maintenance. The last time I was there was to get a wheel bearing replaced. They called me when it was finished and told me they were able to get it done a little quicker than they thought, so they charged me less labor. Also, the free loaner vehicles are great since I work out of town.

If you don't need a loaner vehicle during the repair, Hansen Auto has also been good to me.
 
  • Informative
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Shaffer’s, Trickles, Mark Hanson’s have all been around a long time.
Rarely hear much bad about any of them.
 
Paying close attention to this. My daughter will be at ISU in the fall. Thanks in advance.
Do you know where she is going to live, if it’s Friley she may not need one? Looking back, I had a car but the bus system now is pretty decent.

My parents caved to let me take mine because I had an off campus job and lived at Towers.
 
Do you know where she is going to live, if it’s Friley she may not need one? Looking back, I had a car but the bus system now is pretty decent.

My parents caved to let me take mine because I had an off campus job and lived at Towers.

I think it's between Maple, Willow and Geoffrey. Even though Geoffrey is probably wishful thinking since she'll be a first year.
 
I think it's between Maple, Willow and Geoffrey. Even though Geoffrey is probably wishful thinking since she'll be a first year.
MWL isn’t a bad spot. Believe they redid dining room there not too long ago.
 
Had a good experience with Wheelocks a couple of months ago, and have heard good things about Precision Auto. Ultimately I chose Wheelocks between the two because the labor was considerably cheaper. Will definitely be back there.

I've gotten quotes from Hanson's a couple of times. Lots of good stories out there about them, but whenever I have interacted with them it seemed like they couldn't care less if they gained my business. Probably won't check with them again.
 
Sounds like I need to check out wheel locks next time I need something done. But I have had some good work done at Eastman just north of old main.

Eastman Auto Care
305 6th St, Ames, IA 50010
(515) 232-8809
https://g.co/kgs/eyHKEt
 
I think it's between Maple, Willow and Geoffrey. Even though Geoffrey is probably wishful thinking since she'll be a first year.
My daughter lived in Geoffrey as a freshman and frankly didn’t care for that much. Almost too new and “hotel” like. she preferred the more traditional dorm rooms of some of her friends. Granted, she did not prefer any that didn’t have air conditioning.
 
  • Informative
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I really like the Midas on Lincoln Way. They do all sorts of mechanical work and have taken great care of me and my kid's cars for 15 years, including telling me when to get rid of a beater. Plus the owner/operator has ISU vanity plates and I've even seen him at a CF football recruitment day party.
 
Thanks to all for suggestions. I was hoping you all would have the exact same answer!
 
My daughter lived in Geoffrey as a freshman and frankly didn’t care for that much. Almost too new and “hotel” like. she preferred the more traditional dorm rooms of some of her friends. Granted, she did not prefer any that didn’t have air conditioning.

Good to know. I wouldn't want her to live anywhere without AC.