John’s Garage of Highwood

I have had several experiences with this place and none of them good. I know quite a bit about cars, but there are times when I don’t have the tools, the time, or ability to diagnose. This guy ripped me off twice, and tried to up sell my girlfriend when she had trouble. I don’t care about other people’s experience, I don’t trust them, and won’t ever be back, despite their convenient location.
1. Charged me $ 50 to fix a flat tire — sent me on my way. Turns out, the tire went flat again because the rim was rusted, and wouldn’t hold a seal. Either they’re incompetent or chiselers — either way, not trustworthy.
2. Had leaking water, charged me to replace the water pump. Turns out it was a plastic return tube that had cracked ($ 5 item with an hour labor to repair at another shop).
3. Brought my girlfriends car there to locate an oil leak. He told her that if she didn’t repair it right now, her car would start fire, and if she agreed to the repair at that minute, he would give her a discount. «Today only» he said. It was an oil pan gasket leak (and not a big one), and told her she needed a new exhaust as well.
In my opinion, caveat emptor — buyer beware. Your mileage may vary.

I am newly returned to the area from the city and needed a «Go To» place to service my cars. Upon a recommendation from a good friend and his father, I today brought my wife’s A4 Cabriolet in for front brakes.
I was given an estimate by Chris and made the appointment. The final bill was for 4% LESS than the original estimate. Chris was very professional.
While installing my front brakes, they even looked over my car, diagnosing previously known problems accurately and also estimated similar time frames of how much time/​miles before these would need to be addressed (same as my Audi Certified Dealership which is now too far away).
What impressed me more is how they treated other customers while I waited.
Changed a tail light (NC) for a female customer. Looked at 2-​tired for a non-​regular fixed 1-​tire for $ 10 and said the other one was no good (but didn’t try to sell him another tire). Chatted with the owner, that fact he completely rebuilt this own Audi, inside and out, plus seeing how he treats people gives me the confidence to continue patronizing this business. These are good people.

Took my car here several times now. So far they have been very honest and have yet to pull the well we found this when we were looking for that and now we need 1500 $. Only charge for what they did and tell you what you should get. Will definitely recommend this place to friends. It is always good to find an honest repair guy or woman.

They are very kind and helpful. I needed new tires and the gentleman who helped me shopped around for me to find the best price for what I was looking for. The tires were great and I picked up my car the same day.
Then, a couple months later I got a nail in my tire and he fixed it for me in less than 10 minutes. Because I bought the tires from them he helped me out. I have been going to the same garage for 7 years but went here because it is close to my work… Definitely switching now!