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Aris Auto
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Tires Automotive Smog Check Stations Auto Repair, Tires, Smog Check Stations [Edit]
675 Somerville AveSomerville, MA 02143
(617) 776-9247
- Nearest Transit:
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Somerville Ave @ Lowell St (83, 87)
Somerville Ave @ Sacramento St (83, 87)
Elm St Opp Porter St (87)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 2 pm
36 reviews for Aris Auto
36 reviews in English
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Review from Umang K.
Somerville, MA
8/9/2011
I had a pleasant experience with my state inspection today. Maybe I was lucky: as soon as I pulled up near an empty bay, I was called in (by Carlos) -- "State Inspection," he asked me. "Come right in."
It was done in about 10 mins. He was nice, looked over what my T-shirt said...and I was on my way after paying $29.95/-.
That is exactly how I wanted it -- no wait, no hassles. I agree with some previous posters that there is not much space to wait around there... -
Review from Patrick H.
Somerville, MA
5/9/2011
Took our car here today to get an inspection based off of reviews of Aris and other inspection stations around Somerville. I can't say I was too impressed with the service, but at the same time, they did the job and I was on my way.
For the record, Aris Auto is really a small auto repair shop with a gas station on Somerville Avenue. It's busy, and there's really no place to park while you wait. For an inspection, you're supposed to park in a line in front of the garage to the far right and they pull one car in at a time to do an inspection. It took me about 30-40 minutes waiting in my car to get in the shop, and another 10 for the actual inspection sticker. $29 and almost an hour later, I left with what I needed.
I can't speak highly of this place, but I can't say they did anything to keep me from coming back. -
Review from Orly M.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 12/10/2009
Don't buy gas here, and if you don't heed my warning, it's your own dumb fault if something happens to your car.
This place used to be right on my corner and it was my neighborhood gas station. I took my car here for minor repairs and bought my gas here often because i'm lazy and hate the cold and it's cheap and full serve. So, the manager is kind of a jerk but the mechanics are really sweet. Also, don't expect them to repair anything complex.
My last experience with Aris was over the summer when I was running late to work and quickly filled up there. They have a cash price and a credit price. ALWAYS USE CREDIT OR GET A RECEIPT!!! I have learned my lesson. I drive to work, do my thang, and then as I am leaving the garage at the end of the day, my car just straight up dies. It won't start. I've got nothin'. I quickly identify that it's not my battery and i'm screwed. AAA needs a low clearance truck and I dont feel like waiting 5 hours in the garage so I go home and have them tow the car to Aris.
Oh, sweet sweet irony. Aris has no idea wtf is wrong with my car. As it turns out, I have towed my car to the place that caused the damage to begin with. I have my car towed AGAIN to The Honda dealership in Everett and the tow truck driver gives me a ride home -- score! He also is a white dude but listening to hardcore hip hop, keeps hawking loogies out of the truck, and talking on his phone about his dating life really loud while dropping f bombs. Nice.
As it turns out, there is DIESEL in my gas tank and I need my gas tank flushed out. Oh wait, where did I fill up my car with off brand gas just that morning? Why Aris. And I hadn't gotten gas in weeks, i dont drive much, so Aris was the culprit. And my dumb ass doesn't have a receipt so I can't take any kind of legal action.
About $450 less in my pocket and I have learned my lesson. The gas at the Cumberand Farms/Gulf is just as cheap and it's brand name gas, just fill up right across the street. Always always always get a receipt. Always.Listed in: Craptastic Destinations
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/13/2007
Aris is right on my corner and makes my life a million times easier. The gas prices are great and… Read more »
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Review from Mint N.
Somerville, MA
9/12/2011
the good old dependable aris is gone. the new management is either incompetent, slimy or both.
brought the car becoz the engine light is on. NEVER got a straight answers about what was happening. after a whole week, got the exhaust repaired and the new catalytic converter, then engine light was off.
not even 2 weeks later. the engine light is on again. i will bring my car somewhere else. -
Review from Rob L.
Somerville, MA
11/30/2009
I've been taking my 98 civic to Aris for about 3 years now and they have been very good. If you are patient with scheduling & phone calls, they are great to work with. Their prices seem fair and their strong point is that they do not try to perform extra/unnecessary work. In fact, it's usually just the opposite.
They will usually favor an easier & less expensive solution (tightening a squeaky belt instead of replacing it, getting my window back on track instead of taking the door apart and replacing the entire thing) and this is perfect for an older car where I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars if I don't really have to.
Scheduling is usually fine. I just drive over at about 8am and talk to one of the guys about the issue and leave the car there. Then I call around 3pm to see how it's going. One time during this past summer they were too busy to take my car that day, so you could call the day before to make sure they will be available. And one time they needed more than a day to fix the issue, but they called me in the afternoon to talk about it. -
Review from Emily O.
Cambridge, MA
1/17/2008
I'm not sure there is such a thing as a 5-star garage. I'm pretty sure this isn't it.
I have enough car knowledge to sniff out being overcharged or otherwise not given all the info I need to decide what repairs to get and not get. At Aris, I get the feeling that Herbie, the guy who tells you what's up with your car, is honest, but not a go-getter. I needed a pretty simple repair and he gave me the highest price I could find to do it -- where as I could beat his offer by over 50% with three seconds of online research. Also, they had my car for 36 hours, and all they did was look under the hood and change over my plates.
They're not bad, but not worth five stars, and not worth a drive when there are other average garages near by - or better. -
Review from Kristen C.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 8/3/2009
3rd update: So maybe everything previous was an off week or something. My car fell apart awhile ago after 5pm and kind of like how my dog decides to eat a bee after the vet's office is closed for the day, I was kind of screwed. BUT since Aris has the gas station it's open a little longer and, well, it's still the only auto place I know, we had it towed there. The guys checked it out and told us they'd had someone come in with a similar problem a couple of months ago and that person got it fixed by Hyundai for FREE. So they gave us the number of the local dealership and with their handy info helped us get our car fixed by Hyundai for free and didn't charge us for their initial look.
2nd update: Been meaning to update this for awhile now. Two days after I wrote the review I got a call from the owner (or possibly the owner's son). He said they'd been thinking about the issues with the car (no word if he saw the review but I'm thinking yes) and asked what he could do to make it better. He also went through the reasons why it took longer than expected (their supplier couldn't get them the parts or something like that). I said all I really wanted was a lug nut and he said of course and to come in and pick one up on Monday or whenever it was convenient for me. Unfortunately, I realized we had to make a long trip before that (it was 4th of July weekend) so we just grabbed one from an auto parts store.
Anyway, for trying to make it right, I'm giving them an extra star but if you're thinking of going to Aris for more than gas or an inspection still read my original review.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2009
So after a couple of days of waiting for my car then mulling on everything, I think my most… Read more »
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Review from Jamie C.
Somerville, MA
8/28/2007
A great place with really friendly, honest mechanics. I originally went to have brake work done, and they did a great job for a reasonable price. Then the brakes started squeaking...so I brought it back. They looked at it, found no problems, and didn't charge me for the service (brakes are fine and stopped squeaking, by the way). Then this morning, the poor car wouldn't start. I had no idea what was wrong, and had AAA tow it there. After much fiddling and fussing, all they could tell was that I somehow drained the battery. Within hours, I had the car back working, and again no charge. I was completely blown away that they would spend a couple hours looking at my car, and not only did they not find something mysterious and expensive wrong with it, but they didn't even make me pay! I don't know much about cars, and I am so happy to have found an honest mechanic that I can really trust.
The only downside (I almost thought about giving only 4 stars) is that during the squeaky brake trip, they said they'd call when they had a chance to look at it. They never called, and I finally stopped by 2 days later to see what was up. Well apparently my car got looked at the day I dropped it off, but no one got in touch with me. Not a big deal, except about 6 weeks later I got a notice in the mail for 2 parking tickets...while it was parked out on the street across from Aris and the meter wasn't fed. This could've been avoided if I had just called to check up, so be careful! I have overheard customers request that their cars not be put on the street, so that's another option. -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
12/10/2009
Whoa! Just read Orly's review almost at the same time as I was reviewing my monthly credit expenses and saw a charge from Aris.
I was there a few weeks ago and my car didn't explode or anything, but I did stop in for gas and my only advice is to beware and read the tiny print on the pump-- their posted prices are for cash only, and credit card purchases cost nearly ten cents more a gallon. -
Review from Christine S.
Somerville, MA
4/13/2010
I've had 2 very positive experiences with Aris Auto. A few months ago I registered my car in MA and needed an inspection, oil change, and new plates installed. Coming from PA where plates are only on the back, holes needed to be drilled into the front for the front plate. They did the plates for free and gave me a very reasonably priced oil change (MUCH cheaper than other places in this area). One of my windshield wiper blades wasn't working, and I just assumed it was just a casualty of winter, but the 'wiper blade transmission' was broke. They checked with several places to get me the best priced part.
Everything could have really added up and cost a ton somewhere else, but I feel like they were totally honest and very nice about everything. Only "negatives" are: they didn't get around to working on my car the day I brought it in, but they took care of it the next day. I can't fault them for being busy though! Also, trying to park there and maneuver is difficult and awkward, but again, can't subtract a star for that!
My second experience with them: I had to stop in yesterday because my check engine light was on... only to discover that my gas cap was not on tight (barely on at all). An idiot move on my part (still can't believe I did that), but they checked it right away to identify the problem, and then sent me on my way. I'm glad this place is down the street from where I live.
I'll definitely be back in the future for oil changes or anything else that may happen to my car (or any time I forget to screw the gas cap on)! -
Review from Jamie S.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
7 cents more per gallon if you pay w/ credit. OOPSY, next time go to the ATM first.
That said, the sign is cool what with its green and yellow color scheme. -
Review from Angie B.
Cambridge, MA
5/3/2011
I took my car in to get inspected about 2 weeks ago and they passed my car. I asked the guy who inspected my car if everything looked good and if there was anything I needed to keep an eye on and he told me everything looked great and I had nothing to worry about. False! A couple days later I noticed my car was driving funny so I brought it into a different garage and my car was in pretty rough shape. They showed me cracks running all through out all four of my tires! My brake pads were almost completely worn down to the metal, and one of my tire rods was loose. No wonder it was driving so weird. I just can't believe they didn't notice any of the aforementioned problems with my car. This makes me think that they just walked around my car once and slapped a sticker on it.
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Review from RT K.
Somerville, MA
5/13/2010
Stopped in for a car inspection.
Unfortunately I had my check engine light on. Carlos was kind enough to pull the codes for me and sent me on my way with an understanding of what I needed to investigate.
Got the problem fixed and stopped back a short time later.
Car inspected. Passed. Friendly service.
Sure.. the parking lot is a zoo, but guess what folks - Somerville isn't exactly known for it's wide open spaces. What do you expect? -
Review from Johnna F.
Cambridge, MA
7/25/2010
creeps.
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Review from Joseph T.
Somerville, MA
2/13/2012
Years ago this was a dependable place to get your car serviced. Not any more. Sometimes out of convenience I gas up here. The attendants are rude. Once i filled up then I pulled out my credit card. He said I had to pay cash--because they had different prices. Fact is, when I asked him to fill it up he never asked whether it was cash or charge. Today, I pulled in, asked to get filled up by a man who just looked in the window without a word but a rude look on his face. I sat in my car with my credit card in hand so he could see it. Another man came over and took over, finishing off the fill. He said I had to pay cash. I told him I never said cash. He said I did and I told him he wasn't even the man who took my order. I told him he could charge me the difference, I wasn't trying to beat them. He said no, and actually said he should have asked me. Since he didn't take my order, I don't know how he could have asked me in the first place. It was nice of him to at least say that he (or someone) should have asked me. But I don't need the confusion or the grief just to fill up my tank and will not go here again.
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Review from Lynne D.
Somerville, MA
1/19/2007
I highly recommend this garage for repairs, because they're honest and don't try to sell you things you don't need.
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Review from Pete S.
Somerville, MA
3/6/2006
They fix cars and do inspections, but I don't go there for that. I go because it is the cheapest gas in Somerville or Cambridge, hands down. The only thing that comes close in price is the Cumberland Farms across the street, only because they shadow Aris's prices (they have to, or they'd never sell any gas). Give yourself a little extra time if you're going, say, on the morning of a nice beach day or before a snowstorm, because people come from all around Cambridge and Somerville to buy gas here, and when demand is high sometimes there are lines.
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Review from Jessica R.
Somerville, MA
1/20/2009
I went here for an inspection, and these people were very quick, nice, and entertaining. After an extremely disappointing experience trying to get my car inspected somewhere else right before (see my Union Gulf review), this was a very refreshing visit. I just moved into the area, and I will definitely be coming here again.
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Review from Jeff H.
Brookline, MA
10/27/2010
I haven't tried any other auto shops in the Cambridge area, but Aris Auto hasn't given me any reason to go elsewhere. I had my '99 Camry inspected here, I have regular oil changes performed here... they are almost always the cheapest price, and plus for regular maintainance it's less about price than it is about reliability and trust. I will need my brakes and rotors replaced soon, and I'll definitely be going here to get them replaced.
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Review from SomBob B.
Somerville, MA
9/29/2011
NEW Slimy OWNER. LOOK OUT!!! Disregard all reviews prior to 2011. The new guy ripped me off. BAD BAD BAD I got ripped off at the gas pump for some cash and the owner wouldn't pay me. How do I prove it. STOP GOING HERE!
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Review from Alex C.
Somerville, MA
12/4/2008
Went by for my car inspection. It was surprisingly fast, and the mechanics were all polite and friendly. I'd love to write more about my experience, but I was only there for ten minutes, so there isn't much to say! I will certainly keep Aris in mind for future auto work, though.
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Review from Lauren G.
Cambridge, MA
8/12/2009
Since I live close by it's convenient for me to bring my car to these guys for servicing. Not knowing much about cars (and being female) I've had some experiences in the past where repair places have tried to convince me that I need expensive repairs/maintenance when it hasn't been necessary. I've been driving my 1997 Rav4 for over 10 years now and these guys have serviced it for the last 6 years. It still runs great, and when it doesn't, I just bring it in and they fix it! What I really like about this place is that they are honest and try to save you money, not get you to spend money on stuff you don't need. My only problem with them is that they are BUSY and sometimes can't offer a very quick turnaround.
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Review from Vito M.
Waltham, MA
1/19/2009
Went in for a state inspection 15 minutes before closing on a Friday and the fellas there were amazingly entertaining! I don't usually stop here for gas because they charge more if you use a credit card, and in this day and age who carries cash?
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Review from Anna P.
Charlottesville, VA
3/2/2010
This review is for car inspection ONLY.
I went here on the last weekend of the month, which was certainly my own fault, but had to wait an exceedingly long time to get my car inspected, and got no estimate on how long it would take from the people working there.
There isn't enough room for cars to wait in this area of town, so people line up their cars around the block (which feels massively dangerous, to be honest). Because it's a tight squeeze to get into the bays to for inspection, people were rude on all sides getting in and out of the garage.
My car passed (no surprise - I drive a new-ish car) - but I had to take an entire day to get it done. -
Review from Megan B.
Somerville, MA
10/21/2010
I had my inspection done there today. Not only did they help put my front plate on (I came from a state that only required back plates) but they did this all in about 25 minutes. They were also quite friendly and knew many of the customers. The service was nice, quick and cheap!
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Review from E C.
Somerville, MA
7/7/2010
Staff not very friendly, but a simple Mass Inspection was $29 and done in about 20 min. Not sure I would use them for anything else.
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Review from Ashley L.
Arlington, MA
6/5/2010
Great service. Always pleased. Not for the impatient though. Might take a day for them to get to your car because they are so busy but they will be really honest with you about the work needed and estimates. Herbie, the owner is our favorite!
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Review from Claire S.
Somerville, MA
8/7/2010
Friendly, polite, and good-humored staff. I went to get an inspection mid-morning on a weekday and was second in line. I had my sticker in less than half an hour.
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Review from Sara B.
Quincy, MA
6/25/2009
Just moved to Somerville recently and this happened to be the nearest shop to my new apt...and thank goodness!
These guys really know their stuff--PLUS they're funny and fun to talk to. You can tell they aren't just looking to make a quick buck with add ons and extra surcharges. Personally, I know (almost) nothing about mechanics and the inner workings of my car, so I'm extremely grateful that they've been really honest and up front with me.
Will DEFINITELY be returning any time I have car issues!! -
Review from Tracy D.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2009
I think it can be very tricky to find a place you can trust. The mechanics were friendly, timely and professsional. I'd definitely bring my car back here again!
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Review from Kathryn M.
Somerville, MA
9/16/2009
Earlier this year I had applauded aris for their gas prices and their ability for quick fixes.
Since then they proved to be honest, and competent (and entertaining). This was my '96 Lexus' first Boston winter, and basically went crazy on me mid-spring. Herbie not only explained every step of the repairs, but did everything he could to get me the best deals on all the parts. Alex (the owner's son) went through my car's past paperwork to figure out exactly what it needed.
I've had unfortunate car repair experience before which has left me with a few "trust issues", but I can assure you that aris can give you expert advice and service at an extremely reasonable price.
I'll be going back for a long time now (but hopefully not too often). : ) -
Review from Talal K.
Cambridge, MA
10/26/2010
I came here for an oil change about a week ago. They were super busy, but managed to squeeze me in. The mechanic finished the oil change in about 20 mins, and inspected my suspension for worn parts (My car is a 97) . He noticed that my driver side inner tie rod was shot, and was very dangerous to drive in that condition. He recommended that I get it done ASAP. I told him I couldn't afford it that week but would try to come in the following week. He understood and told me to be careful in the mean time and not to go over 60mph on the highway or take sharp turns. I felt he was genuinely worried about my safety, Well went in today to get it done, It took only about an hour and feels like new!! The best part, cost me a measley $132 parts and labor. (I compared other places and they were charging $160-$180 for the same repair.) Very friendly and funny bunch of guys and will definitely go to again for my auto repairs in the future!
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Review from Lauren K.
Medford, MA
12/30/2010
I LOVE Aris Auto! As a woman I think that it can be tricky to find trustworthy, dependable mechanics, but I completely lucked out when I found Aris. Their hourly rate is lower than nearby auto shops, they are open an honest with me about which services I need to have done vs. which services can wait/don't need to be done, and I feel completely safe and secure trusting them to take care of my car. I made the mistake of taking my car to another shop for an oil change this morning (I got a Groupon for a $10 change), and after that shop tried to screw me over I've learned my lesson - I will NEVER take my car anywhere else!
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Review from Allison A.
Boston, MA
11/29/2009
It seems that the mechanics at Aris really care about you. They took a long time to explain the issue with my car and how I can address the issue in the most cost effective manner. It seems that I have found a mechanic that I can finally trust and I have already recommended Aris to my Dad. I will certainly be back to Aris.
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Review from Robina B.
Cambridge, MA
3/12/2010
I had a really great experience with these guys. Herbie, the manager, is a good, honest guy and his mechanics were able to find a rather obscure problem with my car. I definitely plan to continue taking my car to them for all kinds of service.
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Review from Jim C.
Lebanon, NH
10/13/2007
if you are looking for good, smart, honest mechanics who not only don't try to rip you off, but actually try to save you money, look no further. These guys are tops! Herbie, Rafa, Carlos... What a crew. The place also feels like the backdrop for a sitcom. They are very entertaining. No pretentions, just people who are good at what they do and enjoy doing it. And they don't make you feel vulnerable just because you don't know much about cars. Herbie once diagnosed a problem I was having that two dealers couldn't solve over three months and 7 visits; on another occasion when I took my car in for something else, they discovered that oil was leaking and remembered that they had changed the timing belt three months earlier and so they took full responsibility for this leak (!), took the whole thing apart for no charge over the next two days and replaced the defective belt two more times until they could get it to stop leaking -- all for no charge; they have soldered parts together for me at no charge; they fixed a friend's tire rim for $20 when another shop had told her she needed a new tire and wheel for over $200. I have called Herbie for advice and referrals (car dealers, body shops, towing companies, car detailing, etc.) I haven't lived in Somerville for 4 years, but I still refer all my Boston friends there and I think I'm up to about eight or nine people who have become loyal customers and have thanked me from the bottom of their hearts for telling them about this place.
