Hamburg Auto Center

I had a really disappointing and frankly bizarre experience here. A couple of weeks ago, I called for a clutch quote and was told it would be around $1,400–$1,500. When I brought the car in, additional labor was added with the explanation that the entire front of the car would need to be removed and that it would be a two-day job. I decided to get a second opinion and ultimately had the clutch done elsewhere. The other shop completed it in less than a day and did not need to remove the entire front end. When I was originally at Hamburg Auto Center, they told me I could come back at any time to have my tie rods replaced for $300 outside of the clutch job. So I returned this week, ready to pay for that work. When I arrived, I was told, “I’m not working on that car.” No explanation. I calmly asked why. The response was repeated multiple times: “I don’t have to tell you why. I’m not working on it.” I asked if it was a liability issue or if there was something wrong with the vehicle that I should know about. Again, I was told they did not have to explain anything. I was then told that whoever replaced my clutch “should have done the tie rods for free,” which does not make sense since tie rods are unrelated to transmission work. I also mentioned a completely separate issue (throttle body), and was told again that they would not work on the car at all simply because “someone else has been in there.” For context: this is a 2009 vehicle. Of course other mechanics have worked on it over the years. That’s normal. The interaction escalated to the point where the employee stood behind the shop door repeating “no i decline to work on that car" and physically closing it during the conversation. I remained calm throughout, simply asking for clarification. As a woman walking into an auto shop alone, I expect professionalism and basic communication. I’m completely fine with a shop declining work as that’s their right but refusing to give any explanation and handling the situation this way was unprofessional and uncomfortable. If there had been a legitimate mechanical or liability reason, I would have appreciated transparency. Instead, I left confused and disappointed. I can’t recommend a business that handles customer interactions this way.

By far, Lester at Hamburg Auto is the most thorough, honest and fair price auto repair shop in the area. He has been servicing one of our vehicles for years and I would not take it anywhere else. He will only charge you for what needs to be fixed or replaced and will never steer you wrong.

I took my 2001 Excursion there for their NH Oil rust prevention coating. After an email and phone exchange with Lester, who was very kind and knowledgeable, and some research on the product itself compared to Carwell I drove from Rochester NY and left it overnight for its appointment the next morning. Lester called me and said that my truck was done and said he noticed that my inspection was also coming due and offered to inspect it. I normally take it to a local shop to get inspected but for the sake of convenience I accepted. Shortly after he called again and said I could pick it up and everything was good (I do my own maintenance and knew it was good so it was good to know I wasn’t getting played and that he was honest unlike other places). I showed up, checked out the work and was very impressed at how thorough it was compared to another place I used to go to for a similar treatment. The black dye in the treatment also looks good! The pricing was more than fair. More expensive than Carwell, but I feel it is worth it. Places in Rochester that I have received quotes from are far more expensive for no good reason (averaging $400-600), and so it was worth the 77 mile drive, one way. Will definitely come back next year for a respray! Also, they applied the coating as the manufacturer says it should be applied.

Lester and his team have been taking care of our cars for 10+ years. He is honest, reliable, and fast. I highly recommend him!

Friendly, quick, easy to schedule an honest prices