East Rock Auto Repair Inc

I went in for a coolant leak, and they identified the coolant hose with leak and even sent me the picture. They fixed the leak and did suggest additional maintenance services but not force me to do anything which I didn’t need. My complaint is that after fixing the leak, they did not put the engine splash shield back.

I want to be fair and objective: the first time I came here, the service was fine and well-documented. That's why I returned. But the second visit told a very different story. I'm a woman, and I believe the shop assumed I had no knowledge of car repair pricing. I have the full digital estimate saved as screenshots, so here are the facts: 🔴 TRUNK WEATHER STRIPPING Quoted: $433.08 Labor: $132.78 | Part (trunk seal): $274.44 Reality: A trunk weather seal costs $20–$60 in parts. Labor is a straightforward 30–45 min job. Fair total in CT: $100–$130 MAX. They were charging 3x the reasonable price inflating the part alone by over $200. 🔴 SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT (6 cylinders) Quoted: $961.78 Labor alone: $691.03 | Parts (6 plugs + gasket kit): $213.32 Reality: According to AAA, RepairPal, and industry standards, a V6 spark plug replacement runs $150–$350 total, or up to $500 at a dealership for hard-to-access engines. Labor nationally ranges from $55–$437 they quoted $691 IN LABOR ALONE. That is simply not defensible. 🔴 POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR Quoted: $454.78 Labor: $182.10 | Part: $245.53 Reality: This reservoir typically costs $30–$80 in parts. The job takes under an hour. Fair total: $130–$170. They marked up the part by over $170. 🔴 MOUNT & BALANCE 2 TIRES (215/60/16) Quoted: $373.74 They also added $23.79 for "Road Hazard Coverage" without asking me. Reality: Those tires run $80–$110 each at Costco or Walmart. Mount & balance is $20–$25 per tire. Fair total: ~$230–$270. I declined all four jobs. The overcharge on just these items totals approximately $1,000–$1,300 above fair market value in New Haven, CT. What I did approve (Fluid Film Treatment $199.99 and Transmission Drain & Fill $193.66) seemed within a reasonable range and I have no complaint there. If you are a woman, speak limited English, or appear unfamiliar with car repair get a second opinion before approving ANYTHING here. Bring someone with you, or check RepairPal.com for fair price ranges in your zip code before you walk in.

Super impressed with the car inspection, which included photos and video of every part of the affected system, as well as a very thorough and clear write up on the potential issue(s) and recommended solution(s). Even though they couldn’t identify the exact cause of the check light (the car is modded for accessibility so things are moved around; it’s an extra-tricky case) they gave me more information than any other mechanic I’ve had look at it, as well as clear steps forward. The prices for regular maintenance services (oil change and tire replacement/rotation) were also very fair, very quick, and super easy all around.

I can't recommend this shop enough! From the moment I walked in, the team was completely transparent about everything going on with my vehicle no surprises, no upsells, just honest, straightforward communication. The mechanics are clearly skilled and knowledgeable, and the customer service is top-notch. It's rare to find a shop you can truly trust. 5 stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

East Rock Auto Repair in New Haven is the real deal—honest, professional, and genuinely customer-focused. From oil changes and brake work to AC fixes and bigger repairs, they handle everything with top-quality service, fair prices, and no unnecessary upsells. You can tell they've been doing this right since 1980! The team is outstanding: knowledgeable ASE-certified techs who explain issues clearly, keep you updated, and treat your car (and you) with respect. They go the extra mile, whether it's squeezing you in for an emergency or making sure everything's done perfectly the first time. If you're in the New Haven area (or near Yale), this is the shop to trust. Reliable, transparent, and worth every star. Highly recommend East Rock Auto Repair—I'll be back whenever my car needs anything! Thank you to the whole crew!