96 Auto Repair Inc

We went there for an inspection two years in a row, and after both times, they said numerous things were wrong with the vehicle and needed replaced for hundreds of dollars, despite our car having been in good working condition. For example, even though our wipers were only a few months old, they insisted that we needed new wipers and then try to charge us about $40 for the wipers and then about $30 in labor for something that takes me all of five minutes to do on my own. I felt obligated to agree to their surcharges because I wanted my car to be approved. Save yourself the time and the headache and avoid the shop at all costs!!!

I was in a hurry and, against my better judgement, decided to do my NY State inspection here, hoping it would go well. I did not see all these reviews until after my horrible experience! And, what do you know?! I too was sold the "you need new windshield wipers and bulbs" routine. I knew something was wrong when they said, "You need new wipers," because they are working fine. They also tried to say my tires were old (they are a year old and were rotated last week). When I stood my ground about the tires, the mechanic named Rubio moved on to some other "problem." They came up with all these problems but would not be specific as to what exactly. EX: "You have a problem with steering." "What in particular?" I asked. They would not say. I passed my emissions test, but they failed me on the safety inspection, as I would not allow them to do the work at an overcharged rate. **AND, they would not provide my "rejection" sticker out of spite (against the law), which buys me time to make an appointment with my mechanic to get these "issues" looked at.** They removed my old inspection sticker and left me without one. (Again, the rejection sticker is important, as it shows you tried to get the car inspected and you are working on it.) When I asked them why they would not provide one and for more information from them about their ability to complete the job, they did not provide their inspection name or license numbers! THIS IS A CLASSIC SCAM. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Also: "To report a New York State car inspector, you'll need to file a Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (VS-35) with the NY DMV Consumer & Facilities Services Complaint Unit. You can find the form on the NY DMV website and submit it with any supporting documents."

Do not go there for inspection. My car is almost 3 years old. I had it completed maintenance 3 months ago. I just needed an annual inspection done. I left my car there. They called in 20 minutes and said several things needed repair or filled up, which would cost me $165. I said my car was still under warranty and I would take it to the dealer for whatever he suggested and I only wanted inspection. When I went back to this place to pick up my car, and they let me see the “engine oil low” sign on my dashboard. I said I got it but thought they must have emptied it. I was mad but did not have evidence to argue, and I just wanted to get out of there. I paid them $37 inspection fee and drove away. After driving away for a block, I checked the computer system in the car again, and it showed nothing wrong! The engine oil was okay. The tires were fine! They tried to rip me off. I will never go there for inspection again.

I decided to give this shop a try, since it’s just steps away from my home. Rubio did an excellent job diagnosing my car and discussing the repairs with me. He even lifted my car so we could get under it to see the issues. It’s a small shop so you get personal attention and they’re easy to follow up with afterwards. Great option for an upper west side auto shop.

I would highly not recommend this place. They overcharge you completely!! I came because of a flat tire and they quoted me $35 to fix it. Sure why not. After waiting an hour for their mechanic to show up, they finally take my car. Minutes later they come back and tell me my tire can’t be fixed. Said I’ll need to put the spare on and buy a new one. Tell me how they tell me it costs $50 to put A SPARE I already own on my car. When he saw I wasn’t having it he then charged me $35 for the spare installment. I still believe that’s way too expensive. Why does it cost more or the same price to fix the tire? I spoke to the owner.. he was rambling a bunch of nonsense about $100 an hour for labor which was irrelevant to a 10 min fix. All and all I say this to warn you all + women to not go to this space to get mechanic help in a jiffy. I wholeheartedly believe they overcharged me because I’m a woman. AVOID THIS BUSINESS