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A-Z Auto Center
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Oil Change Stations Automotive Smog Check Stations Auto Repair, Oil Change Stations, Smog Check Stations [Edit]
1550 Commonwealth AveBrighton, MA 02135
(617) 566-8714
- Promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid, less any value you may have received. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased for own use. Up to 3 can be purchased as gifts for others. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $50
- Discount 40%
- Savings $20
- Nearest Transit:
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Washington St - Inbound (Green Line)
Washington St - Outbound (Green Line)
Washington St @ Commonwealth Ave (65)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 4 pm
Yelpers! Use this offer to save $10 on any full-service oil change. CODE: YELP1. Ask about NextGen Oil - 50% Recycled, same 100% quality!
30 reviews for A-Z Auto Center
30 reviews in English
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Review from Ray T.
Boston, MA
1/20/2012
One of the toughest parts about moving to a near area is finding a reliable auto mechanic. I moved here from Somerville where I have been a loyal customer of their sister branch, A-Z Auto in Cambridge. These guys were just as nice, honest, and efficient.
Please note that they have two shops in Brighton - the one next to Beacon Hill Athletic Club is their autobody shop, where they do body work & repairs. The service/engine repair shop is a few blocks away and took over the old Econo Gas station. Make sure you have the right number when you call about an appointment.
These guys usually have better prices compared to dealership estimates (but not always, so shop around if you're not sure), but they are quick, honest, and upfront about costs. I have been here 4-5 times for various repairs and have always been satisfied with their excellent customer service and turn-around time. I know very little about cars, but they were always great in explaining repairs and options. -
Review from Jen P.
Brighton, MA
Moving to Brighton, I was scared that I wouldn't be able to find a garage to care for my car without taking advantage of me. I first heard of A-Z when my car insurance referred me there after an accident. When I got there I noticed that they're AAA rated and have even won some city awards. These things meant to me that they were reasonably priced and trustworthy - both of which I've found to be true and both of which are of course of great importance when hunting for a regular place to have your car serviced. There was the added bonus that it's located just down the block from me so I could walk home while they worked on my car.
It's a family owned shop with tons of repeat business so they're a known quantity in the neighborhood. They've been there for something like 40 years! Places don't last like that without a good record of service and making customers happy. I've found that if I have a question or concern about my car, I can call or drop by and they'll go out of their way to help me out on the spot no matter how busy they may be. To put proof to their reputation, I've met people there that have moved away from the area, like to the South Shore, and still come to this shop because they trust them and kind of feel like part of the A-Z family.
Anyway, I've been going there ever since that first referral. It's been about 5 years now and they keep my car running and very safe. I've gotten to know and recognize the faces and I like knowing they won't let me drive around unless they feel 100% sure that it's road worthy. The flip side of this is that I never feel pressured into unnecessary work. I'm given a clearly explained estimate for suggested work and told what the reasonable time-frames are for having the work done and whether it's a "must" item or a "might want to" item. This is very important to me because I don't usually have the cash to have all the work done at once.
What sealed the deal for me was when I began having issues with my alignment. Every time that I left the shop with proof on paper that the alignment was on the button, it would start pulling again within a mile. Rather than blowing me off like I'm a woman that doesn't know what she's talking about and charging me through the nose for nothing, like many mechanics do, the owner, Billy, really listened to my concerns. Although it took a number of visits to sort it out, he assured me that I wasn't crazy and they finally worked out the real problem and got it fixed. I was there many times and wasn't even charged until they got it right. That experience will keep me coming back for years to come.
I love not dreading having my car worked on and have referred all my friends there to have their cars repaired/serviced too! Thanks A-Z Auto. -
Review from Cris L.
Allston, MA
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first encounter with A-Z is when they helped get my sister-in-law unstuck from a nearby alley (snow). They also helped us when her battery died. So, when I needed an inspection, I took a drive over.
Honestly, they are a fair and reasonably priced business. I normally don't trust auto mechanics, but the individuals who work here are very straight forward and accomodating to all. They try their hardest to fit you in no matter what. They even drilled holes for my front license plate for free (I couldn't have done this myself).
I will definitely be back next time I have any car issue. -
Review from Dean B.
Brighton, MA
1/24/2012
I pulled my hub assemplies out myself and needed new wheel bearing pressed in. These guys took care of me big big. I left there with my bearing pressed in and feeling confident they did a good job and that I didn't get ripped off. Thanks guys! I will definitley bring my car there when something goes wrong that I can't tackle.
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Review from John S.
Boston, MA
1/30/2012
hi im john in mission hill, i own an older truck. Im in the construction trade and I dont know too much about mechanics and maintaining a vehicle. The whole shop seems to be very friendly,accomidatting,reasonable and honest. Fred and Billy are extremely knowledgable,and I solely trust their recomondations. Very,very hard to find this kind of service in and around Boston and surrounding areas. We need more businesses like this around Boston
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Review from Tim R.
Cambridge, MA
1/11/2012
I've been here 2 times. i really like the place and the guys are moving quick with the service. Last time it was kinda crowdy and i had to wait some.
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Review from Sophia C.
Allston, MA
12/17/2011
Great service and welcoming atmosphere. The people are very helpful, fun, and kind. I was referred here by a AAA guy. They check things through, give a free estimate, telling you things that must be done now vs things that are less important, but could also get some work on. Their work is quality and they stand by their guarantee (if the same issue comes up within a certain period of time). Also can't beat the convenience of being able to pick up and drop off your car anytime of the day (24 hours).
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Review from Simon W.
Allston-Brighton, MA
11/26/2011
Could not be more satisfied after picking my car up from A-Z Auto this past week. As always, the service was superb and the car left the shop looking newer than when it went in. This is the third time I have had my car worked on by A-Z Auto and all three times have been a great experience.
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Review from Queen C.
Boston, MA
12/29/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
They've helped me with my used cars for years. I have found them fair, courteous, prompt, and honest . I'd highly recommend. Worth the t ride from downtown. Easy enough walk to the c line, and the b obviously goes right by. One time they street parked it, it got dusty and they washed it for me :)
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Review from Jared S.
4/15/2011
Went to A-Z about a year ago to have my windows re-tinted, apparently the blackout windows I had in Phoenix aren't legal in MA ;-) Made an appt for first thing on a Saturday morning (8AM I think) and when I went to drop off my car the manager said that the window tint guy wasn't in yet but I could still drop it off. A half hour later I got a call from the manager that the tint guy called in sick, admitting that he's a young guy and probably partied too hard the night before. He said it wasn't the first time it had happened, but he was reluctant to fire him because he does such great work.
I would have taken my car elsewhere and given this place a one star review, but the manager apologized up and down and told me he would take a substantial amount off the price if I brought it back later in the week.
I took him up on the offer and the tints turned out fantastic. Now I know why he's reluctant to fire the guy. The 4 stars are not only for the fantastic job on the tint, but a big kudos to the manager who knows how to treat customers. -
Review from Ed K.
Brighton, MA
11/4/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Friendly service. We went over each item that was installed in my car and each task that was performed, and everything looked good.
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Review from Jake J.
Brighton, MA
11/3/2011
I love this shop! I first came here because it was a AAA recommended shop and I have never gone back to my old mechanic. They are great here. Not only are the costs reasonable but the people are great with explaining what needs to be fixed, always upfront about the price (and NEVER have I been faced with extra costs), they are fast, and all the work that they have done has been perfect.
My favorite thing about this place is that they are a small local shop- it looks like they treat each other like family and when you walk in, they remember your name and about you~ it feels nice to support a place with great work and great people. -
Review from Tessa G.
Houston, TX
11/14/2010
I joined Yelp just to review this shop.
These guys are like the big brothers that I never had! I have never had a family member take care of my car but I can only imagine that they would have the same care and consideration as A-Z Auto.
Being young and female, I am accustomed to being taken advantage of by garages. I can't say enough good about this place. They are honest to a fault. The quality of work they do is amazing and in my experience the customer service just keeps getting better and better. Through repeat encounters they made it clear that they are genuinely concerned with the wellbeing and safety of their customers. Plus, they do it at a more than reasonable price.
I initially brought my car in because the check engine light was on. Sadly, upto this point I had neglected any maintenance except oil changes for three years. As a result they found several small exhaust leaks that were causing the light to go on but offered to replace one at a time to save me money. Because I needed my car on weekdays, this meant that I had my car filling up a space in their garage every Saturday for minimal service until the problem was solved (changing out the next suspicious leaky hose). They fixed one possible culprit every week for about a month and waived all charges except parts citing their "inability to solve the problem the first time". Are you kidding me?? They could have done all the repairs at once but opted to do one at a time to save me money on unnecessary repairs!
I then asked them to fix my brake pads which they did for a price WAY below the competition and with a very short turnaround time. During this time I mentioned that I would be driving across the country soon. They insisted on looking over my car to be sure it would be safe for the trip, again for no charge. It was clear they were not scouting for additional repairs - I caught them tightening a few screws without even telling me and they didn't come back with anything that suddenly needed to be fixed. They really were simply concerned that I have a safe trip. They even insisted that I come back for a free coat of wax the morning I pulled out of town to protect my car's paint job.
In sum: Honest service, great mechanics, genuine concern for their customers, and competitive pricing. I have recommended them to all my friends. -
Review from Randy C.
Boston, MA
11/19/2011
Very reliable work, and I've found they're cooperative at follow-up with minor adjustments to complete a job. I've cross-priced a couple of jobs with other shops and found A-Z to be competitive or slightly lower. Only once have I gotten a call to discuss an unexpected complication for a repair needing an estimate adjustment upwards--and that did prove to be necessary. Consistently reliable.
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Review from dave r.
7/16/2010
I just brought my car here after it died on Harvard Ave, turns out it was something to do with the oxygen sensors? Anyway, the car died on Wednesday afternoon, it got dropped off on Thursday at noon and was ready to pick up at 6pm that night so I could drive it to Holyoke today (Friday). The speedy service was amazing, and I'll definitely bring my car here again.
They fixed me up awhile back when my muffler flat fell off the car too, so the greatness seems consistent! -
Review from Maura H.
MA
1/15/2007
I've only been to this place once, but it exceeded my expectations. I called to have my car inspected and they told me to bring it in right away, it was only a 15 minute wait. I waited 15 minutes, the inspection took 15 minutes, and I was out. No hassle and everyone was incredibly friendly.
The only weird thing was that when I called to find out their hours, the person I talked to was a bit incoherent, but when I called back during business hours the next day, I had no problems.
The other great thing about this place is that it has cheap gas and its open 24 hours. It's great when you're in a pinch on Christmas Eve! -
Review from Todd B.
Brighton, MA
5/2/2009
Sparky is the man! Granted he and the company took around $2k of my monies but still... everything checked out in terms of what they did/ what my car needed to pass inspection but damn these guys aren't cheap! Frankly i'd rather pay someone like Sparky and the crew to get things done right and on time than go with someone cheaper and have to go back every few months. They also have web based surveillance so you can watch them working on your car.
The best part: After reading the laundry list of things wrong with my jalopy Sparky ended his call with "Happy motoring"! Hilarious! Check these guys out, they'll call with an estimate before they do any work, which is where most shady places start the "screwing you" process... -
Review from Walter G.
Brighton, MA
7/6/2011
when i'm interacting with a new mechanic or garage, i always show up in my blue shirt and khakis work attire, and keep my mouth shut to feel 'em out. i know the conventional assumption is that "guys know about cars" but that's not the case anymore and most younger guys strolling in with desk-job clothing are gonna be just as easy to sucker as young women. especially since even if you do know what you're talking about, chances are if you're bringing your car to a shop in the city you don't have a garage full of tools to double check what they tell you.
i brought my car in here to get my snow tires off a couple months ago (yes, little late on the draw with that, i know) and it was quick and painless until they told me my front brake pads were dangerously low and i needed to get them replaced. i got the car used so that very well may have been the case. i really didn't know. they told me that i needed new rotors and new brake pads and that it'd be around $300-$400+. they also told me that i shouldn't drive the car more than 500 miles because my pads were so low that i could ruin my pistons from over-extending them. my spidey sense was going off for a couple reasons but i decided to reserve judgment until i investigated myself.
i was at my dad's place way up north this past weekend with ample time, tools, oversight, and garage space at my disposal, so i picked up some new brake pads (for like $40), cracked a labatt blue light, and took off my wheels to have a looksee. as you probably predicted based on the 1-star rating, things weren't exactly as they were portrayed to me. firstly the rotors looked FINE which was exactly as i'd suspected since they FELT fine too. you do NOT need to replace them with your brake pads or for any reason other than that they're worn. the fact that they didn't level with me on this and just said that i "needed" new rotors is a big strike 1. strikes 2 and 3 came when i pulled off the callipers and checked the pads. sure they weren't new but they still had a lot of life left in them before they started to squeak. the "no more than 500 miles" warning they gave me was horse shit. and i didn't even know you could damage your pistons from having low brake pads but i asked my dad about it and he just chuckled and said that they have to be REALLY low and that i definitely wasn't at that point yet. my dad's not a mechanic by trade, but he's been working on cars for about 45 years so i tend to trust him on this stuff...
so the final verdict, and i feel i'm being generous here, is that they "didn't tell the whole truth" about the rotors and that they "really stretched the truth" about the pads. i won't be going back because while everyone was friendly and polite i just don't feel that they were being honest with me. -
Review from Lindsay B.
Boston, MA
1/19/2010
Everyone is right, A-Z is great. Great service, friendly people, and most importantly, mechanics who give you the straight dope and won't try to over/upsell you and talk circles around you so as to confuse you into paying extra.
I brought my car here once in a half-assed attempt to get an inspection sticker, knowing full well that my '94 Cherokee was leaking gas and power steering fluid and had the alignment of a Costco brand Go-Kart. I told them the truth, that I wasn't sure if my car would pass but I'd appreciate their taking a look and that I didn't want to go through with inspection if I'd end up with a rejection sticker, as I have mechanics in my family who could fix her up lickety-split.
They (sorry I don't remember anyone's name!) responded with the same honesty, taking the time to give my car a free once-over and tell me that she indeed would have been rejected if brought to another shop. RIP Cherokee but long live A-Z Auto??! -
Review from Oz L.
Cambridge, MA
8/21/2009
The owner and manager Billy is all about TOTAL customer service and satisfaction.... Something you do not find from an automotive establishment. Enough said if you ever had to deal with getting your ride repairs.
They provide fantastic auto detailings at their body shop/service center if you care about keeping your ride looking sharp! Great work.... -
Review from Mike G.
Medford, MA
1/20/2011
I live write across from them for over 5 years now. During this whole time I've loyally brought the car in for maintenance and repairs. Always happy with the service and price. Every time they've fixed the car in a day or so, even with my old beater car that had its share of problems. And the price was always as quoted.
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Review from Steph C.
Boston, MA
11/11/2010
I selected A-Z for my husbands Nissan Pathfinder after receiving an extremely high quote from the dealership for replacement of shocks and struts. We dropped off the car for a free assessment and the quote was very competitive, about 40% less than the dealer. We worked with Billy, who was very customer service oriented, and had the car back to us in only 2 days including a full detail. It's a service center attached to a gas station, which I was initially hesitant of, but they were great to deal with and most importantly the car runs great! We are planning to take our other car there next week.
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Review from Marie K.
Brooklyn, NY
10/5/2010
I just had to get my car inspected and a new wiper blade. The guy was straight forward, and i was in and out in a half hour. Yay!
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Review from Michelle E.
Brooklyn, NY
7/15/2009
I joined Yelp just so I could write a review for A-Z. I've been taking my car here for the last few years and the service I've received has been right in line with the glowing reviewers here and elsewhere - the work is thorough, someone (usually Sparky) always calls with a quote before beginning work, the timing is fast, they don't suggest unnecessary work and when they do something they do it well. I just picked my car up after a problem with a window. The window had been repaired by A-Z a few months ago and I was annoyed that it broke so soon after, but I didn't know if there was any relation between the current malfunction and previous work or if it was just a fluke. When I picked up my beloved car tonight, without asking, they told me they weren't charging me for the new work. Amazing. Time and time again, these guys have earned my trust.
Note - because they're so good, they're often busy - I recommend calling to make an appointment for an oil change. -
Review from Rita P.
Brighton, MA
6/8/2010
Amazing service and staff. They are friendly and professional, everything that you look for in a good quality mechanic.
I had my alternator, battery and 3 headlights replaced for hundreds of dollars less than I was quoted at Herb Chambers Honda. The problem was explained in a way that was easy to understand. They did not try to talk me into paying for parts or service that I did not need. They worked quickly and updated me regularly on the process. Best of all the turn around time was 1 day! They highly exceeded my expectations!
Great people to go to for ANY car issues! -
Review from Cristin B.
Arlington, MA
6/1/2009
I went here to get my car inspected the last Saturday of the month. It was the first time I had ever gotten it done and I was worried about getting scammed, but it was quick and painless and the guys were super nice. What more could I ask for?
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Review from Sophie N.
Boston, MA
6/25/2009
They are very fair and honor what they say. Did a great job on my body repairs. They don't answer the phone in a timely manner, but when you talk to them face to face, they are good to work with.
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Review from Chris S.
Westchester, IL
12/18/2009
I just had my car detailed and at 60k miles, it looks nicer than when it was brand new!!! The staff was courteous and professional and I couldn't be happier with the work performed! Thank you!!
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Review from Sasha N.
Boston, MA
2/6/2010
I love A-Z! I've been bringing my car to them for the last two years, and they've always been able to fix anything that's wrong with it. They are great problem-solvers, and they never tell me "sorry, you must be making that funny sound up because WE didn't hear it." I have a 1995 Nissan, and it tends to have weird, inconsistent problems...even when I can't tell them anything more than "the car doesn't always want to start, so I have to press on the accelerator to get the engine to turn over enough, and occasionally it squeals while I am doing this...but it's only a problem when it's cold or wet and when I haven't used the car for at least 12 hours!" (That particular problem took me several visits because it always started up just fine when they tried it...but eventually they made a guess, and told me that if the replacement they made didn't solve the problem, they wouldn't charge me for it - and they were right!)
They are a little expensive, but I don't know much about cars, so I can never tell if that's because they charge a lot of money, or because my car frequently needs expensive repairs. But they give a discount to AAA members, and there's always a $5-off-your-next-oil-change coupon attached to my keys when I pick my car up. And, they recognize me and take the time to explain what's wrong in layman's terms - and will tell me honestly when I don't need a repair - so I don't mind. -
Review from jen m.
Allston, MA
12/23/2009
I have been taking my car here over the past couple of years and have nothing but wonderful experiences. Monday my car died half way in the street on Commonwealth Ave and AAA said it would take 2 hours to get a tow truck to come, when I called A-Z to let them know I would be bringing my car, Billy (the owner I believe) called his tow truck and they came to get me in under 1/2 an hour which was much appreciated. I brought my car back today for some brake work and once I got home I realized I left my keys and blackberry in my car (very very frustrating!), so I took the T back up to the shop and after getting them one of the employees (who towed me a couple nights prior) offered to give me a ride home since it was so cold and I just missed the T. I feel that in my experiences with this shop they have shown exemplary customer service that goes above and beyond most of my customer service experiences. There service is consistently excellent, which you rarely find. They are very accommodating to my hectic work schedule, I never have to follow up with them on the status of my car, if they say they will call in the morning they always call! They are informative and are honest (and they answer my 9 million questions!), I never feel like I am getting "taken".
My father is very good with cars but lives a few hours away, when I was last home and he was fixing something for me he commented that the work they did on my back tires/breaks was excellent and of very high quality. Also, every time I have work done I run the price quotes by him and he has found them to be fair and reasonable. It is very to nice to find a place like this in the city and I highly recommend this shop.
