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Albany Auto, Inc
Categories: Automotive Body Shops Automotive Auto Repair Body Shops, Auto Repair [Edit]
4030 N Rockwell St(between Irving Park Rd & Belle Plaine Ave)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: North Center
(773) 267-2683
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm
52 reviews for Albany Auto, Inc
52 reviews in English
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Review from Yuan W.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2012
Great customer service! Friendly, honest and professional. Will definitely come back for routine maintenance and will recommend to all of my friends (and strangers on the internet.)
I brought in my new car with some scary looking scratches on the side door, but they turned out to be just surface paint that came right off with some solvent and a quick hand buff. I felt like an idiot at this point, but Jason the staff member was very nice and did not charge me at all. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. -
Review from Lisa B.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2012
i found Albany Auto on Yelp. I was overwhelmed by the customer service and I found them to be very honest. The brothers/owners are willing to take the time to explain everything and even suggested a tire place because that would be cheaper.
i would highly recommend them to anyone.....because have you noticed how many people don't have a mechanic they can trust?
And they have a picture from Fantasy Fest in Key West on their wall. That sealed the deal for me. -
Review from Lizz C.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2011
I found this place because I was so scared to drive my car any minor distance (it was acting CRAZY) and Albany is right around the corner. Turns out this was one of my best experiences with an auto repair shop in Chicago! The customer service was awesome, my car was done within a day, and the cost was average. I can't afford much and unfortunately drive a car that reflects that, so they truly understood when I asked them to focus on what needed to be fixed ASAP and what could wait. They even fixed a few extra things without charging me for labor and gave me a heads up as to when I should expect other repairs/needs for my car.
Great customer service goes a long way in the world of auto repair and they've got it! -
Review from Dan M.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2012
Was so bummed that I moved away from a great service station in DuPage but found this place on Yelp. All I can say is that this is the best service spot I've ever been to. Ultra responsive, fast, great prices. The only bummer is the hours, they are really only open business hours M-F and a few hours on Saturday. Definitely not enough of an issue to make me go somewhere else, this place is THE BEST.
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Review from Matthew D.
Chicago, IL
9/13/2011
Love these guys - I have (unfortunately) had our cars at a couple of different shops across Chicago and these guys were above and beyond the rest. What I would rank a body shop on:
1 - Honest - they went through the damage with me, explained all of the options (new, aftermarket or used parts) and because this was an older car tried to save me money where they could.
2 - Timely - kind of along the same lines as honest, but they said that they were really busy the week I brought it in and that the week following they could get it done quickly. I appreciated that rather than just sticking me without a car for 2 weeks.
3 - Affordable - I was not using insurance and they went through different optoins that wouldn't compromise the safety of the car, but that would leave a couple of extra bucks in my pocket.
Wrap up: If you want to feel like someone is actually taking an interest in your car, your wallet, and you - this is the place to go.
Bonus - they have a couple of the most bad@ss muscle cars rebuilt in the back - drooling over them with the owners is free. -
Review from Tia S.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011
Albany Auto is fantastic.
After searching Yelp and calling at least 10 other places, I finally spoke with the nice people at Albany who, most importantly, spoke english, and also were really helpful in telling me my options for what to do with my car.
I brought it in and they spent about an hour figuring out what was wrong and gave a me a quote for the parts and labor. They didn't charge to figure out the issue which I really appreciated, even though I hear that's customary in Chicago (it's not where I'm from in California - a business once tried to charge me $120 just to see what the error message was causing my check engine light to go on).
I brought it back a week or so later and they fixed the issues to the best of their ability, and even managed to charge me less than they had quoted. Rad.
Basically, this place is great with customer service. The people who work there are genuinely friendly, and I didn't feel like I was getting ripped off. I'd go back here in a heartbeat! -
Review from Kathy M.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2012
This place was amazing. Great service, super friendly, and the price was very reasonable! I think this is the only time I've come back from an auto repair place happy and feeling like I was treated fairly.
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Review from Brooke R.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011
Albany is the BEST!! Apparently my car loves getting hit and has been in two accidents this past year. Albany fixed both 'dents with the utmost care and did whatever they could to make sure my car looked brand new. They even detailed my car for free!!!
It's a family owned business which makes the personalization factor a "10". Mike and Jason are friendly and easy to deal with and the shop is accessible to customers.
If you are deciding where to get your car fixed - decide no more. Pick Albany Auto!!!! -
Review from Christine S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 7/18/2011
Ever hear of Bad Car Karma? Well, now you have! I have this so called thing called Bad Car Karma with "The Shark"... it's like the world is out to kill her...
So here I am, back at Albany Auto with a pretty nice sized crack in my windshield from the mega truck that tried to oust The Shark on the Kennedy one night...
REALLY fast service. Super friendly staff (I believe it's family owned and operated). Really reasonable pricing (best pricing around for my windshield).
p.s., The car museum is still siccccccccck as ish!
Christine approved for Shark repair1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2010
People need to know about what a great place Albany Auto Body is.
I got rear ended (damn women… Read more »
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Review from Jenny G.
Chicago, IL
9/21/2011
These guys take care of your needs and they are quick to get things done in a timely Manner. I felt even the admin staff did everything they could to ensure I was squared away, from getting me water, to working out payment arrangements that were necessary. I had a last mn issue with my car, and not only did the team look at my car right away to diagnose the issue, but they were very helpful and resourceful in helping me decide what was absolutely necessary to repair at the time, and what could wait. These guys are worth it. Mike Widdes is the son of the owner and he treats every customer like family. It was a great experience
JG -
Review from Bryan C.
Chicago Heights, IL
8/19/2011
Albany is a family owned business that takes great pride in their customer service for autobody repair as well as mechanical repair.I have been going to Albany Auto for over six years. I am OCD with several aspects of my life, and my car is one of them because I spend a lot of time in it. Every time I have taken the car there for either service or repair they have done the job the way I would do it if I were able...
Case in oint, I have had cronic break issues with my Honda- foxed at the dealer twice as I was out of town for an extended period of time. Both times I had to bring it back in (within 4000 miles of the repair. When I got back to Chicago I took it to Albany and the breaks have had no issues
since, and that was 30k miles ago.
I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have trustworthy people in the business that stand by their work. -
Review from Nora M.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Fair prices, fantastic staff, fantastic service, a fixed car. What more can you ask for in a mechanic?
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Review from Janna R.
Bucktown, Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
Everything you want in an auto repair shop: friendliness, honesty & value.
Like others commenting here, I found Albany on Yelp. Their reviews were great, so I gave them a call. I had a pretty good sized scrape/dent that I needed fixed fast. Not only did they work with me in order to get it done on time (with a bunch of cars ahead of me on the schedule), but they even gave me a ride to my work when I dropped mine off.
My dad was a mechanic, so I know just enough about car repairs (or rather, car repair shops) to be dangerous. I'm usually pretty weary of auto shops because you hear so many horror stories! None of those stories take place at Albany! The owner (Mike) explained everything they were going to do and why.
The value is unbeatable! They had the best price of any shop.
In short, their prices are honest & their work is honest. That's pretty much all you can ask for when it comes to servicing your vehicle! -
Review from kerry d.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2011
Yelp did it again- This place is the best!
I had a leased car with some damage to the door and they quoted me lower than other places and did more work than others had quoted for higher prices. Mike and the rest of the staff are amazing- they even offered to take me home when I dropped off the car- unheard of customer service. When I picked up the car it looked as good as new, even the turn-in dealer agreed. Everyone was extremely helpful and honest- and they did great work.
Very cool classic auto museum too- much better than looking at waiting room magazines! I would definitely recommend this shop to everyone. -
Review from Daniel C.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Overall a great experience here, they were quite accommodating for the most park. Michael helped me out by going through a thorough check on my car, and basically walked me through with exactly what they will be planning on doing. The price is definitely not going to be the cheapest that you will find in Chicago, but I can definitely say that they will not give the highest price out there either. The place is super clean, and very very friendly. Someone basically hit my car (they had founder's insurance) and their insurance didnt want to pay the price that Albany quoted me. So I went to my insurance company (progressive) and had them deal with Albany Auto, Albany auto set a quoted price, told progressive how much it will cost, Progressive took care of the rest (thank god for my insurance company) Progressive will just end up chasing Founders insurance for the rest of the funds. Anyways.... In terms of quality handiwork, Albany auto did a fabulous job. My car door looks back to normal, and the whole car seems to be back to how I wanted it. They also drove me back to the train so I can go to work, and were really helpful. They even touched up the back bumper as best they can. I also had them do my front bumper too since i hit a coyote back in easter. Anyways, they had some drips of clear coat in my bumper (which this normally happens, even the best painters cant be perfect) and i told them about it after I took the car back, they told me to bring it in, and they took care of it at no charge.
nonetheless, the place is A+ in terms of customer service, and attention to their customer's detail. They gave me a deal on a few other things that I had asked for, and they were willing to work with me. Overall a great experience with them, and I would highly recommend anyone to come over here, if they really want a superb job done on their car. -
Review from David J.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2012
I don't go anywhere new these days without consulting Yelp, and I first came to Albany Auto because of some body repair that I needed, and Yelp had pointed me in Albany Auto's direction. THANK YOU YELP! Since that first visit almost 2 years ago, I have had car repair, brake repair and replacement, tire repair and replacement and all of my oil changes -- I won't go anywhere else. Not only are the owners (brothers Michael and Jason) and all of the employees concerned with doing a great job, but they stand behind their work 110%. I send everyone I know over to Albany Auto, and will continue to do so.
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Review from Claudia S.
Harwood Heights, IL
7/7/2011
I decided to create a Yelp account just so that I can write these guys a well deserved review. Albany Auto is amazing! Everyone there is so helpful and nice, especially Mike. I'm a girl and I don't know much about cars. Therefore, I was worried that wherever I go the mechanics are going to try and screw me over. I found Albany on Yelp and the minute I stepped my foot in there, I knew I was in the right place. Someone had hit my Altima and the left rear bumper was completely smashed in. I picked up my car yesterday and it looks brand new! Mike worked with me the whole time and updated me on everything throughout the time my car was getting fixed. I didn't have to deal with the insurance company or the adjustor, he took care of it all. I also got my tires changed, my oil changed and I got it steam-cleaned. He explained the price to me throughly and I couldn't me more happy.
From now on, I'll make sure that all my friends and family go to Albany Auto. Thanks guys!! :) -
Review from Liz S.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2011
Dear Yelp,
Thank you for pointing me in the direction of a trustworthy and reliable auto body shop. I had a scrape on the side of my car that was starting to rust. I had been quoted $900 to fix it by another auto body shop and didn't have the cash to take care of it at the time. Recently, I had some extra money so I researched on Yelp for a great auto body shop and found Albany Auto. Not only did they repair the car beautifully and quickly, but they did it for under $400! I will be back ANY time I need a repair.
Love, Liz -
Review from Katherine L.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here
Barb, Jason, & Mike are so fantastic. I came here b/c of the Yelp reviews and they lived up to them but also exceeded them. Barb has worked here for 11 years, and the brothers (Mike and Jason) took over when their father passed away. They are clearly doing justice to his legacy: they are honest, so friendly, and clearly go out of their way to help their customers and save them money. I will happily drive 17 min. from the other side of town to come to people I like & trust this much.
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Review from B C.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2012
After 12 years of driving in Chicago (and 12 years of being jerked around and upcharged by various mechanics), I am so excited to have discovered Albany Auto! These guys fixed my brakes, pads and several other issues for a reasonable price, in a professional and timely fashion.
Unlike my experiences at other Chicago auto shops, they (a) didn't make me feel embarrassed because my car is older (and rarely washed), (b) didn't make me feel like an idiot when I described the problem in non-mechanical "Click and Clack" style terms, and (c) didn't make me feel like they were taking advantage my lack of auto knowledge (or because I'm a girl).
All in all I was thoroughly pleased with the experience and will definitely be back for all my future auto body and mechanical repairs. I highly recommend that you skip the headache of other mechanics and make the trip up to Albany Auto instead! -
Review from Isaac G.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2012
I had a few small scratches on my bumper and brought them to Albandy Auto, Inc. to get a quote for repairing them. I knew things would go well just from speaking to them over the phone.
The staff (Mike) was very friendly and I really appreciated him taking the time to break things down and explain exactly what work he'd do, how long it would take. He didn't give me a hard sell either, it turns out my scratches were on a fiberglass portion of the car body, and there isn't risk of rusting, so he explained fixing the paint was simply for aesthetics. I really appreciated the honesty. I'll probably wait through the winter and have Mike fix the scratches in the spring.
From the looks of the cars they were currently working on, including a beautifully maintained James Bond style BMW, they obviously have the respect of people who value their cars.
Mike was also nice enough to give me and my two year old son a tour of the shops auto collection, which has some beautiful classic cars, meticulously cared for. My son loved it!
All around great experience. I will certainly bring future auto repairs to Albany Auto, Inc.
Update:
Someone banged into my car door in a parking lot, so it was time to get the paint job fixed (and the new minor dent). Albany did a great job, they took our car right away and had it wrapped up in a couple days, which kept the inconvenience to a minimum. The door looks absolutely brand new, no evidence it was hit, and the price was very reasonable. Great Service! -
Review from Michael V.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2012
Albany deserves its 5-star rating. I came in after a dealer quoted me $1,500-$2,000 for a cosmetic repair -- a detached spoiler. When I came to Albany, Jason was friendly, helpful and open to coming up with an alternate solution to replacing the piece (unlike the dealer). They reattached it, did some touch-up and even buffed out a few small dull spots on my car--same day, in two hours, all for under $200! I can see that they do quality work to restore cars to as-new shape, but I was also pleased to find they will work with customers to find alternative solutions. My car looks great and I didn't have to pay a lot--I'm very happy.
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Review from Brad W.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2011
Mike, Jason and the team are all so nice to work with. You don't think of auto body repair as being much fun, but they're so friendly I actually enjoyed going back to pick up my car. They brought in a reputable service to do paintless dent repair on our hail damage. Albany took care of everything so I didn't have to track down PDR work. Work was done quickly and looks great. This will be my go-to place for any body work.
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Review from Igor G.
Eugene, OR
9/30/2011
Five star service all around. My black 911 was beat up in a hail storm. Based on the awesome reviews on yelp I felt confident bringing it to Albany. I was immediately taken in by their enthusiasm, professionalism and collection of beautiful classic cars in the garage. They did an awesome job and delivered on schedule. Their labor rate is very reasonable considering the quality of their work. The business is family owned and operated which is also a plus. You can't go wrong with these guys.
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Review from Bonnie L.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2011
My father and I went to Albany Auto Inc last week because we a car accident. The person we spoke and saw our car was Mike. He was very honest and truly a great person that told us the truth. If we have car troubles in the future I will bring it to this place and tell everyone I know about this place. :)
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Review from Laura D.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2011
I too would like to add to this growing list of perfect ratings. I recently got into my first accident with a car that I just purchased but months before. Unsure where to turn, I thought it was best to get a few estimates. I decided to use a place off of the recommended network from my insurance company, and then turned to yelp for recommendations with personal referrals. I'm so pleased I found this place!
In contrast to the first estimate I received in a fifteen minute time slot from a local body shop steps away from my house, Mike spent far more time than I could have expected. He stayed late so I could get to his shop after work and answered all of my questions with great detail; He also did a good job of settling my nerves. He guided me through the process step by step and represented me when the insurance adjustor came out to assess my car.
His rates were competitive, but his devotion to his customers and the pride he takes to ensure top quality work far outweighs the mild inconvenience of going to a further location. He is such a personable and likable person, as is the entire staff; they are very friendly and accommodating.
I got my car back in the time he told me it would take, and it was detailed and restored to a condition better than how I first bought it. The color was blended to a perfect match, and they also patched up a leak in my tire. He couldn't have provided a more pleasant experience for a situation that was not so pleasant. -
Review from Sarah A.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2011
I honestly do not have enough great words to say about Mike and Albany Auto. Enough words just don't exist.
My car got sideswiped one night and I woke up bright and early to find my passenger side smashed to hell. Had no clue what to do, I searched for the closest auto body shop near me. Mike met me in the parking lot and was the biggest sweetheart about the whole thing. He explained exactly who I needed to call (even offered to call for me and be The Bad Guy and get me everything and anything I wanted under the sun from my insurance company) and what to do next.
Long story short, I followed Mike's instructions and as a result I got my car back looking more amazing that I did when I bought it.
His follow up is impeccable, his shop is gorgeous and amazingly clean, and I have never met a shop or shop owner that I wanted to work with more.
Now mind you, meeting Mike and his crew under sideswiping circumstances sucked (a lot), but I would never ever think of going to anyone else if my car got even a scratch on it.
Like I said, amazing work. This is one business card I will never lose. -
Review from Dan B.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012
My friend recommended me to Albany Auto and I can't thank him enough. My car was having transmission trouble so I brought it in and had them do an overall check of my car. They kept me up to date with what they were planing to do with the car and they were able to take of my problems in a speedy time and for much less than I anticipated. The cost, service, and friendliness of the staff have me going back to Albany anytime my car runs into trouble.
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Review from Julia K.
Chicago, IL
8/1/2011
This place is great! I got an estimate here and after talking with them I knew I couldn't go anywhere else. This is a family business that really cares about their customers and wants to make sure they are getting the best deal. They were really busy so I had to wait, but it was well worth the wait. They were able to do it for even less money than they had originally estimated, which was amazing! The entire staff is friendly and honest and I would recommend Albany to anyone.
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Review from Scott N.
Chicago, IL
1/12/2011
Don't trust auto mechanics? Looking for an honest place that's looking out for you as a customer? You found it.
This is it. Mike at Albany is the best. The whole place is quality. Just had a lot of work done on my old Acura and they quoted and then completed the work at far less than my dealer wanted.
Also, my car never looked so clean. This is the spot folks. -
Review from Cassie E.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2011
I won't take my car anywhere else! Mike and the team at Albany Auto are very knowledgeable and always go above and beyond to help. I've taken my car there a handful of times, for both routine care as well as some mechanical repair and body work, and they always exceed my expectations!
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Review from Marilyn B.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
I had a misunderstanding with a giant car-eating pothole. Unfortunately the pothole crunched my front suspension, bumper and fender. Up until this point I had always gone to my dealership for repairs, but found they refer out their body work. Annoyed with the prospect of dealing with multiple shops and additional time wasted, I decided to look around for a one-stop-shop.
After some quick research on Yelp I found Albany Motors and I am so glad I did.
Mike put all my fears to rest as soon as I walked in the door. The work was fast and the staff was helpful, friendly and really professional. Their paint booth is extreme. The work ended up being less expensive than the dealership quoted and the paint looks better than when the car was new.
I love this place, a hidden city gem. -
Review from Adam p.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2012
Mike and his team are honestly the best group in the City. They helped me out with same day service when I needed my brakes repaired, and at a price significantly less than I had been quoted from other shops. Great service and all around great company.
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Review from Kevin L.
Chicago, IL
9/29/2010
This place is somewhat of a hidden gem in Chicago. I went here on the recommendation of a friend after getting into a fender bender. The staff was unbelievably helpful and even gave me a few good laughs, which is saying a lot due to the fact my car was banged up and I was not in the best of moods.
We've all heard bad stories about auto body shops taking people leaving you stuck with a huge bill without really explaining to you why it's so expensive. The owner sat me down, explained to me the cost of the work, explained to me what the breakdown was and why the costs were what they were and answered my 21+ questions. After putting up with all my scrutiny and questioning, he even gave me a tour of the facility and a really impressive car museum that is on site. This level of customer service was not something that I expected at an auto body shop.
A+ all the way around. A hidden gem of Chicago. -
Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2011
Albany Auto is an outstanding business. From the staff (Mike, Barb et al) to the service everything is par excellance!!
Mike is quite the class act, mastering customer service and professionalism. They totally understand price points and empathize with customers. They will give you a more than reasonable rate and treat your car with caliber auto quality.
They work diligently with insurance claims, rental cars, etc. It's obvious they love what they do and treating the customer right. Despite what car worries are ailing you...these guys will put your mental state at ease.
Truly these guys are the best!!!
Thanks Albany!! -
Review from Emily N.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2011
Albany Auto Parts is just about the only place I can take our car. I trust them, and know they aren't looking for other things to tell me my car needs. They were especially great with some mechanical issues I had, and repaired my the breaks on my car, no up charge and friendly great service!!! 100 percent wouldn't go anywhere else!
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Review from Jessy M.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2010
I have had my car fixed at Albany three times over the past few years. My favorite thing about taking my car to Albany Auto is the outstanding service I always get. I dont know a lot about cars, but I know whenever I get my car fixed at Albany I feel like they have my best interest mind. I am really happy I found Albany because they are the first auto shop that I feel like I can trust.
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Review from Lorna W.
Winnetka, IL
3/11/2011
We have been doing business with Albany Auto for over 25 years. The service has always been great but what has kept me coming back is the honesty and integrity of this family owned business.
This is truly a one stop shop for all your auto needs. Not only do they service, repair and detail our car they are also the people we buy our cars from.
My family is thrilled that Mike is carrying on in the tradition of his dad Ken.
Petey Nelson -
Review from Janet D.
Chicago, IL
11/30/2011
Okay - this is THE place to get your auto boo boos fixed. The family owned biz really takes care of you personally. Their auto body pros have worked here for decades and know what they are doing. For me, they said my car would be ready in 4 days it was 3! And truly - the price was more than fair. I learned Michael (was in real estate) and Jason (a teacher) took over from their beloved father who never advertised just used word of mouth. Anf THAT was enough to keep this place busy! PLUS you get to wander through their cool car collection in the building.
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Review from s s.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2011
Damaged my car several months ago and had a pit in my stomach thinking about my past experience dealing with an auto body shop. Finally remembered Yelp and found all these great reviews for Albany. The reviews were spot on...Mike and the office staff were amazing (not an exaggeration), the price was very fair, and the work exceptional. They even washed my car! And the place was so clean you could practically eat off the floors. Definitely a place to check out because I don't think it gets better than this.
