Ames/DM area European make mechanic

[psychlone99]

I'm looking for a mechanic who would be knowledgeable with older model European cars. Specifically, I have a '79 Volvo 242 DL. It is in excellent shape, but hasn't had a thorough once-over by a pro in many years, so I want someone who could be trusted with something that old.

I've previously owned some late model Volvos, which I've taken to Campus Garage as well as a real nondescript place that used to be up in north Ames on Reliable Street called Imported Cars. The old man who ran that place was great with Volvos, but I think it has shut down???

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

By the way, the glorious old Volvo I'm talking about looks exactly like this...

 

[CyGuy5]

http://beckleyauto.com/european-cars/volvo-service/

Something like this maybe?

 

[ForbinsAscynt]

Hyland and Lincoln Way. Forget the name but people say good things

 

[Isualum13]

Hyland and Lincoln Way. Forget the name but people say good things

https://campusgarage.com/

 

[JSmoove]

Great looking example you got there.

 

[k123]

- Beckly Auto as noted above is north of downtown Des Moines
- Benson Import is on 2nd Ave just south of I-80/35
https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...f21b9bb1!8m2!3d41.6427664!4d-93.61922!9m1!1b1

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benson-Import-Service/153621874673861

- I think you should probably consider East University Import Service...it's kind of a father son operation, they only service Volvo's.

I had a used Volvo inspected and worked on there when I purchased it...but not as old and cool as yours! They had some neat old Volvos on site (old Volvo Amazons and P1800s) on site too.

Their web presence is minimal, but here is an old CarTalk/Click & Clack page about them and their facebook page:
1748 E Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 266-9847
CarTalk https://www.cartalk.com/ia/des-moines/135223/east-university-import-service

Facebook


https://www.volvomechanics.com/iowa/east-university-import-service

 

[psychlone99]

Thanks, all, for the great suggestions!

 

[jmb]

Beckley Auto downtown DSM.

Used to be a huge fan. They are now way over priced and don't really do very solid work anymore.

 

[jmb]

- Beckly Auto as noted above is north of downtown Des Moines
- Benson Import is on 2nd Ave just south of I-80/35
https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...f21b9bb1!8m2!3d41.6427664!4d-93.61922!9m1!1b1

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benson-Import-Service/153621874673861

- I think you should probably consider East University Import Service...it's kind of a father son operation, they only service Volvo's.

I had a used Volvo inspected and worked on there when I purchased it...but not as old and cool as yours! They had some neat old Volvos on site (old Volvo Amazons and P1800s) on site too.

Their web presence is minimal, but here is an old CarTalk/Click & Clack page about them and their facebook page:
1748 E Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 266-9847
CarTalk https://www.cartalk.com/ia/des-moines/135223/east-university-import-service

Facebook


https://www.volvomechanics.com/iowa/east-university-import-service

These guys are solid! One limitation when I took my Volvos there is there were limited on the quasi-newer electronic diagnostics so weren't able to go deep in that area.

 

[GetAwesome]

I'm looking for a mechanic...

By the way, the glorious old Volvo I'm talking about looks exactly like this...

I have no mechanic suggestions, but from one Volvo owner to another... :fistbump:

How long have you owned the 242? I've been on a slow and steady hunt to find a 145 or 245 for refurbishment. Gotta have that grocery-getter.

 

[psychlone99]

I have no mechanic suggestions, but from one Volvo owner to another... :fistbump:

How long have you owned the 242? I've been on a slow and steady hunt to find a 145 or 245 for refurbishment. Gotta have that grocery-getter.

Well, I've previously owned an S40 and S60, both of which I loved. The 242 I'm inheriting. My dad bought it new in '79, and it was a car I grew up with and the car I learned to drive with. (A 4-speed with no power steering! Although the rack and pinion handles nice on the highway.) So while I haven't owned it long, we have a long history together! And she's due for a thorough checkup.