Submitted by mikevago t3_10jkhjl in jerseycity

Got rear-ended and cracked my bumper. The last time this happened, I went to two places — one gave me an estimate that included replacing the tail lights (which were working fine) because there's "damage you can't see." He couldn't see it, but he knew in his heart he had to charge me money for it.

Then I went to another place that was cheap and seemed honest... but I don't think he did a great job. The hatch in the back never quite lined up after that repair.

So this time when I got hit, I went to a new place. The estimate was about twice what I thought it was, and the giant "Let's Go Brandon" flag in the guy's office struck me as just bit childish and unprofessional.

So does anyone know a good shop, that's honest and not too pricey? It's not even my money — the guy who hit me is paying — but I'd still rather find someone decent, especially so I have somewhere to go next time, as getting dinged is an inevitability in JC.

13

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

MrLurker698 t1_j5l30sw wrote

If your willing to drive the 30-40 minutes- I’ve been going to CARS Autobody in Clinton for years and all my family and friends go there. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

10

mikevago OP t1_j5ldkd5 wrote

A little out of the way, but if I can't find anyone good in JC, might be worth it!

4

powatwain t1_j5lr7p3 wrote

Meineke on Tonnelle

Understandable to be cautious with the big name, but they saved me thousands on my old car, and everyone I’ve sent there are always happy with the results

6

mikevago OP t1_j5lvj1k wrote

Didn't even realize they did body work! Thanks!

3

powatwain t1_j5lwmh8 wrote

They really do everything from small details, to body work, to inspections

The guy is really honest too

I sliced my exhaust on road work, and other places (including one mentioned here) quoted me at thousands, saying they needed to replace the catalytic converter.

He brought me in the shop and said “most people will probably try and get you to replace the whole unit, converter, etc.. (other quotes had me $3,000+), we can fix it right up for like… $300? And we noticed your window seal is loose, we’ll fix that too”

One friend was hesitant after they quoted her for $800 while having transmission problems.. he said it’ll probably take a day or two.. she took it to the dealership.. costs her 4x, and she didn’t see her car for 2 months..

She went back to Meineke, and hasn’t had a problem since

4

rkay711 t1_j5m9x0f wrote

Google says that they are permanently closed on Tonelle. Did they move elsewhere?

3

powatwain t1_j5mczdv wrote

I haven’t been there in a couple months, but if they closed, that certainly sucks that I’m in the same boat looking for a new mechanic lol

4

driftingwood2018 t1_j5leyz8 wrote

Ziggys downtown

5

shadymilkman22 t1_j5lgmjw wrote

I tried to go to Ziggy’s in November/December and they told me they’re so busy they can’t even talk to me about my car and to come back in 6 weeks. I went to Diamond Auto Body and found the price fair and work looked good.

5

road2health t1_j5mvic3 wrote

There's a place in the corner of Tonnelle and Manhattan that I've been to a few times that I've always been happy with. I can't believe the name is escaping me now, but they are behind White Mana.

1

Able-Space t1_j5oehhy wrote

Blessings auto shop on 4th across from Prato does a good job too.

1

Laraujo31 t1_j5oqrio wrote

Advanced Auto Body in Bayonne. They have been in business for years and do great work.

1

arri1 t1_j5p3h6t wrote

Summit Auto! They are super nice and fair about pricing

1

Jimmoe t1_j5pyc7f wrote

Summit is fantastic for mechanical, but this person is looking for auto body, which Summit does not do.

1

[deleted] t1_j5sbjtn wrote

[deleted]

1

mikevago OP t1_j5sbrgt wrote

Yeah, JC Autobody was the place with the high estimate and the childish Let's Go Brandon flag. I wasn't crazy about giving those people my money.

1