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Albany Park Auto Clinic
Categories: Automotive Tires Automotive Auto Repair Tires, Auto Repair [Edit]
3848 W Lawrence Ave(between Avers Ave & Springfield Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
Neighborhood: Albany Park
(773) 588-5218
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 7 pm
Sat 8 am - 4 pm
Carmelita T. said: "My husband got a great deal on a late 90's Range Rover on eBay. Trouble was, shortly after we got it, we realized why the owners were happy to sell at such a low price. After taking it to a couple of shops in the West Loop and Wicker…" read more »
32 reviews for Albany Park Auto Clinic
32 reviews in English
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Review from Paul C.
Chicago, IL
4/26/2012
Whenever people say "you should have a guy for that" and "if only I knew a good mechanic" . . . . now you say, "yeah, Wally at Albany Park Auto Clinic." 100%. I've been going there for seven years now with two cars and they've a) done what they said, on time, and inexpensively, b) fixed things for FREE, and c) given me both short-term and long-term advice on the cars, what to look for, and what I should do.
Recommend to anyone, anywhere, anytime. -
Review from Bobby T.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2011
Wally is the best mechanic out there! Also very honest - how rare is that today??
When I use to live in Albany Park, he was always my first choice. You get a great value with his service. And did I mentioned that he is honest? -
Review from Heather K.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2012
I love Albany Park Auto Clinic and Wally. I took my car here two years ago based on a friend's recommendation, and have been a return customer ever since. Whether it's a routine oil change or a larger problem (broken AC, camshaft, power windows...), Wally and his team are the best. They are honest, fair, and great mechanics. I am no expert when it comes to cars, and Wally always listens to what I'm describing the problem to be, without making me feel dumb or taken advantage. After taking a look, they are great about explaining the situation and their recommendations for repair. Thank you!
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Review from Anne G.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2011
Wally is great. He is the owner and a real straight shooter. My battery died on me, he fixed it quickly and then advised me on other issues to handle with my car and in what order. A very good neighborhood, mechanic. I also called him on something I took elsewhere that was under warrenty and he advised me over the phone.
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Review from Francisco D.
Chicago, IL
11/30/2011
Wally is my mechanic. He is very fair when it comes to pricing and he is also honest. He fixed my 04 VW Passat V6 and my wife's 06 LR3. Grand total of $230 for both. Not each, BOTH!!! This guy is awesome. Also, he usually has the car ready by the end of the day if it is not a major fix.
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Review from Maria W.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2009
This garage is the best I've found in Chicago and I've been to a number of places. Being the daughter of a former mechanic I know a thing or two about cars. I've had mechanics try to scam me and I've had mechanics do work on my car that was not authorized. I always tried new garages because nobody ever impressed me until Albany Auto.
A couple years back a garage told me my engine was not worth saving in my '89 Ford Probe. I was attached to my car for no real logical reason (plus I couldn't afford a new one). My dad rescued my car that time and it was back on the road. The next time something needed repairs I found Wally's from a friend's recommendation.
I then kept coming back because Wally was honest and truthful about a lot of issues in my car. He explained things to me and reminded me of the kind of mechanic my dad would trust. The last time I took it to Wally he couldn't find a part for my car and he said if I could find the part he would do the service.
My dad found a part on eBay and we had it shipped. I've since retired this car but I strongly recommend this garage for all your auto needs. My dad had talked to Wally a couple times about things in my car and even he says they seem reputable and I should stick with them. I couldn't agree more. -
Review from Stacey D.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2011
Amazing! Fixed my car for half of what I was quoted at another place. Wally is honest & friendly and I will definitely be going back! While he likes to make fun of "german cars" he took great care of my good old Jetta. We have a "health maintenance" plan in place for keeping the Jetta on the road. Thanks Wally!!!
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Review from Marc L.
Athens, GA
7/3/2007
Wally is an honest guy--he could have told me I needed expensive transmission work, but he fixed the problem for under $50, even taking time out of his lunch break.
Another time that I had a small oil leak, he told me to try thicker motor oil rather than pay for a costly engine repair. It worked.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Ed L.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2007
We've been taking two cars to Wally's for almost15 years now. It took us 3 years to give him a try, which we regret.
We trust him completely and have never, ever felt that he'd sacrifice doing the right thing in order to make an extra buck. his prices are very reasonable, no - they are incredibly low is what they are! And he's totally a character worth knowing, and they do good work. Not always perfect work, but they totally will stand behind their work and will get it right. -
Review from Emil O.
Chicago, IL
10/31/2009
Service to my got done.. but took a lot longer than expected.
Not a bad place, but I take my car elsewhere now unless it's just a flat tire. -
Review from Jed B.
Skokie, IL
3/24/2011
I have been to many mechanics over the years and was so impressed with Albany Park Auto and Wally. When I first arrived I told him the name of my friend who recommended his shop, Wally denied knowing him at first and then told me that my friend was a terrible person. He then cracked a smile and told me I had come to the right place. He fixed my flat and took a look at my front end and told me there were no immediate concerns that I needed to worry about; much to my comfort as I was worried about a small rattle. He also quoted me $800 LESS on a timing belt job that I had been previously quoted. Wally will be my new mechanic!
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Review from Alex C.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2011
I always take my broke down beater of a car to Albany Park Auto. They keep my car running in the harsh winter and hot summers. How they have kept it alive for so long and for so cheap, I will never know. They got me through emissions tests and broken side mirrors. Guess I will just have to wait to buy my Lamborghini until the Cavalier explodes.
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Review from Emily P.
Chicago, IL
8/13/2011
All I can say is that you would never know how great this place is by driving past it. I brought my old Civic to Wally (who, for whatever it's worth, has a great sense of humor) on the recommendation of a coworker and haven't looked back. And because it must be said, APAC is one of those rare mechanics where I feel completely comfortable going to without a man on my arm. Wally gives it to you straight and only makes a repair if it's needed. In fact, when I told him about a "squeaking sound" my car was making, he suggested I buy some WD40 and showed me where to spray it. Most other mechanics would have capitalized on that opportunity to make a few bucks. I'm more convinced than ever that my 99' Civic will be passed down to my unborn teenagers someday.
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Review from John S.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2009
I had a flat. I went to Albany Park Auto Clinic and they found the leak, told me my options (patch vs. new tire), told me that they couldn't guarantee the patch and why, which made sense, and then fixed it. This place rocks. I felt like they were honest, up front, and presented all my options. What more could you ask for. All businesses should run like this.
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Review from Eric R.
IL
1/2/2009
Wally is a great mechanic and I have been taking my cars to him for almost 10 years now. He certainly does seem to be an honest guy and his work has always been great. He has a dry sense of humor though so don't be surprised if makes a joke about the bill or the condition of your vehicle. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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Review from Maritza V.
Elmwood Park, IL
11/21/2008
Wally has been fixing my family cars since the 1980's. He's always been fair, honest and what I love about his shop is that it only has to get fixed once. He'll even look at my car at no charge before I get warranty work done on it so I don't get the run around from the dealer. He's awesome!
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Review from don k.
Cook, IL
9/9/2011
hey, they did a really good job.
i guess it wasn't complex, but the main thing was, they didn't try to gouge me when they had the opportunity.
and a trustworthy mechanic can be a rare find!
car works! i'm happy! -
Review from Mike H.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2010
My dad and I have been going to this place for years and have always received friendly top of the line service. Wally runs a great business.
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Review from Jeff B.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2009
Wally is the proprietor of Albany Auto Clinic. When he picks up the phone, he says, "ALBANY" and waits for you to speak. What can I say? It is how the man does business. Short, and to the point. Honest. No more and no less than what you need to hear.
When he gives you quotes, they are round numbers and usually off the top of his head. He does not give you a ten page itemized quote. He gives you good advice about the tradeoffs of doing one thing or another (or nothing).
His clientele are not people that have a lot of money to burn on unnecessary repairs. If you have money to burn on maintaining your new hybrid Lexus, then by all means go to the dealer. But if you have a car you want to keep running well but that you don't want to let a dealer or national chain touch, then Albany is the perfect place. -
Review from daniel v.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2010
Wally is the man. His shop is the type of business that gives dealership shops a bad name because he saves you so much money over them for the same service. Don't be taken aback by his wry sarcasm and sense of humor. If an honest mechanic can be considered an oxymoron, then that's him.
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Review from Ray N.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
Just dropped off my car earlier today - a friend recommended the place. I came in and talked to Wally - what a hoot. Such a nice guy. I got an' old beast, and he suggested calling it the dinosaur. Real quick and price friendly - I'll take my ride no other place.
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Review from Paul G.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2009
Took my care to Wally for the first time this week based on the reviews here on Yelp.
Had a great experience with my 2002 Taurus. This is a car that has need very little maintenance as a result the work that needed to be done creeped up on me. Wally fixed my brakes, tuned it up, etc. all very quickly and with excellent quality.
I would not hesitate recommending Albany Park Auto to anyone. Take your car there without concern or hesitation. -
Review from Rachel H.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I first came across this shop thanks to the favorable Yelp reviews. The first thing I mentioned to Wally was about how I located his shop. He didn't seem to know what I was talking about which is nice that he knows he doesn't have to rely on yelp or other sites! His humor takes a little getting used to because he will joke that you did something wrong to break your car. Overall he was always willing to take my car in for work and get it done before I needed it back. I drive my car everyday so taking it on around 4-5PM on a weekday night and getting it back at 8AM the next day was incredible. The hourly rates have gone up over the last 3 years I've been going there which I'm sure is the same around the city. Expect $80/hour but for his final price to be honest in the amount of time he takes to repair the car and the parts costs as well. He also would take my car on Saturday morning and return it by end of day knowing that I'd need it again first thing Monday morning. I can't say anything bad about him or his shop.
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Review from Michael L.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2006
Although I've heard Wally say unkind things about Ford products, he's cheerfully met every challenge in keeping my '78 F250 on the road for 10 years. Electrical problems a specialty.
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Review from Betty B.
1/15/2009
I took my car to so so many mechanics to figure out how to get rid of my stupid "check engine" light so that I could pass my emissions test (curse you, City of Chicago emissions test!!!!) All these other mechanics either lied to me or hosed me, and, as a result, my "check engine" light stayed on for months. Months, I tell you! Finally, someone's uncle's cousin's friend told me to go to an auto shop up on Lawrence Ave., which I *thought* was Albany Park. I later learned that Albany Park Auto Clinic was actually NOT the place recommended to me, but it must have been divine intervention because in mistakenly going to this shop, I think I stumbled upon one of the best and most honest mechanics in Chicago. As other reviewers have noted, Wally is a super nice and approachable guy. He's also apparently a great mechanic because he was the only one who was able fix my Co2 sensor(s) in my car and allow me to successfully pass the emission tests before the city went after me. Score! I also recall that the shop is pretty close to a Brown Line stop, so it is easy to get to if you are car-less. This is a long way of saying this is the only place I would ever take my car in Chicago. And...scene.
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Review from Erica M.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2008
Wally served me up well. I needed a new transmission, and the price he quoted me on day one, was the price he charged me once the work was done. The work took maybe a day longer than I expected, but the car works perfectly. Plus, Wally told me that I had way too much in my truck which was taking a toll on my transmission. So I unloaded the trunk and now I am good to go!
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Review from Elizabeth M.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2008
i agree with all of the other comments, Wally is a great mechanic who is honest and tells you the truth. You can feel safe that he won't rip you off and will do a good job on your car. Highly recommend them. This is the only place I'll take my car in the city!
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Review from Jack K.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2008
When I moved to the neighborhood I was unsure of where I should take my car. Wally put my car up on the lift (fixing a small problem for almost nothing while he was at it) and gave me an estimate on my faulty tie rod. I wasn't sure if I could trust these guys yet, so on my next road trip I stopped by an old mechanic friend of mine. He told me the same thing Wally had told me, only he charged my $5 more to fix it! Every time my car has something go wrong, which is more often than I'd like, I take it here. I'm glad I found a trustworthy place, and now I won't take my car anywhere else.
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Review from Hilary H.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2010
My family and I have been taking our cars to Wally since the 1980s. He is a neighborhood institution and will always treat you fairly. When I had my car break down in southern Illinois I had a mechanic look at, give me an estimate, and then I called Wally to make sure that they guy wasn't giving me the run around. It's a great place and I wouldn't recommend anywhere else.
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Review from T. C.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2009
The fact that this place not only has warranties on their parts, but honors them w/o complaint is great.
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Review from Cynthia Z.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2009
This place is the best! I highly reccomend it! They only do the work you need, totally trustworthy and at a lower price than anywhere else. Nice family owned and run business. Wally is hilarious and the mechanics are great.
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Review from David P.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2009
I have been taking the different cars that I have owed to Albany Park since about 1996. I used to drive from the suburbs to drop off my car for repairs. They have always given me the best advice and cost I could imagine from any other place. It's so rare to have a mechanic that you can trust. I will never take my car anywhere else.
