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Fresh Pond Mobil
Rating Details »
17 reviews for Fresh Pond Mobil
I've had Eli and co work on my car now for almost four years - they're fast, very reasonably priced (the same tires at Sear's priced out at $150 each, Eli gets them for $80) and Eli always asks me how things are going. I do my own oil, filter and brake changes (thanks Rich!), but I go to FPM for the hard stuff- things that you really need a lift for, or specialized gear...
I really don't get the negative reviews here - many people who don't understand their cars feel ripped off by ANY mechanic. I hope that people who see this give FPM a chance- if you can, make a point to see Eli, put a personal face on your repair work!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/22/2008
Let's just say that if you don't know anything about cars, you have a much better opportunity to… Read more »
it's hard to give this place a review, because it's not spectacular, but it wasn't horrible either...the only reason i am reviewing is because i was referred to this place by another car guy in my hometown (Rumford, ME) who knows Eli, and i read the reviews here on Yelp before going which made me kinda nervous (since a lot of them are not that great.....).
i came to Fresh Pond because i needed to replace my timing belt. so i took it in last Saturday and they did exactly that, and also replaced a couple of my fan belts which were dying. Eli also pointed out that i need to replace my brakes, but otherwise said my car was in tip-top shape. he was very nice on the phone, but the guy i actually spoke to while i was there definitely needs some customer service skills. they gave me a good deal; Eli was very good about staying within my budget with the repairs.
but, unfortunately, there was an issue. after i had left the gas station, every time i started my car and began to turn my wheel, a loud squeal came from under my hood. my bf, who knows a bit about cars, said they didn't tighten the fan belt for the power steering enough, therefore making it squeal. so i did have to take it back on Monday. but i actually did meet Eli that afternoon who said he would take care of me, and he did. within 15 minutes my car was back to normal and he had me on my way.
all in all, my experience wasn't horrible. they did what i asked them to do, as well as pointing out what i need to get done. not sure i'll go back again, because i have other car guys whom i actually trust (but don't do timing belts, which is why i didn't go to them), but they did their job and i'm satisfied with their work.
Eli's Fresh Pond Mobil did a superior, speedy "pit stop quality" job fixing my car. I really don't think that his business would have expanded to the extent that is had by "ripping people off." The harsh reality is that I brought my used 1997 Honda in with 104,000 miles on it and with a very loud rusted out muffler system that needed immediate repair. And, I am not surprised that with the vast number of miles on the car, that my car had other repair issues with the number of miles on my car. Eli and his crew found "a host of other problems" that needed repairs and I gave him the "green light" to go forward.
After the job was completed my exhaust system was fixed! (I could have a conversation in my car). My bushings, struts and shocks were replaced! (I had a more than noticeably smoother ride). My leaking rusted out oil pan reservoir was replaced. (Had I not replaced it, my engine could have seized and I might have had major timing belt issues in the future). All these issues were honestly explained prior to the repairs.
The great part is that my car was finally repaired at a reasonable and competitive rate. Although I am no expert on cars (as most Yelp reviewers), it does not take a rocket scientist to realize the "harsh reality" of car repairs. I know that to most of the Yelp reviewers that it is a painful reality to spend money on their cars.
My suggestion to Eli as a business owner is to turn away customers that "believe" that they are going to have any unnecessary repairs. Or, tell them to buy a new car.
Ok, this place is badder than Michel Jackson..and he's bad.
About five years ago I was in Belmont and my altinator went. Got a local tow truck to come and they were either from or took it to Fresh Pond Mobile. I told them to fix it. I figured that its a altinator, its a pretty easy part to replace and its not like I could drive it to my regular mechanic.
The bill was wicked high. Like $500. Oh well. But then a few days later when I stepped on it on the higway, it skipped. On farther inspection, I finaly opened the hood. There were originaly 3 bolts holding the altinator in place. They only put in one and it wasnt in there solid. The engine skipping came from the fact that (and I dont know why) one of the spark plug wires was electrical taped onto the spark plug. And I was always getting an engine light. My mechabnic found that they had broke the censor right off but i didn't mind paying for fixing that. So this place is terrible. Dont go there
Last year, they passed my car for an inspection. With an oil change and a timing belt replacement; for both of which, the car was due.
Here's the thing I liked: last year, my horn didn't work. And they passed me anyway. Was it because I agreed to the extra work? Dunno.
So, I went back this year, hoping for a repeat. Alas, it was not to be. They cited the horn and told me explicitly what needed to be repaired. And they're right (I already know exactly what's wrong with the horn).
What I didn't like today is that, as others have said, I received two new bulbs for the inspection. They should have asked me first before replacing the bulbs (I can do that myself). And their offer of a transmission flushing service is extremely high-priced - plus, it's debatable that certain transmissions need to be flushed.
As with any car repair work, it helps to get a number of estimates for both the problem and the price for the work. If you know what you want, and can rebuff the offers of "adds", then this is a fast inspection station.
The mechanics' attitude toward me was respectful, with the exception of one mechanic who was was openly flirtatious ("I like your earrings!" Seriously, dude?). Perhaps so because I am going back to them for the horn repair - only because of their accurate diagnosis and that their price is in line with other estimates I have received.
I should also add that I drive an American-made car - perhaps these mechanics are more familiar with American cars than foreign? Also, FWIW, they said nothing to me about my wipers, one of which is visibly half-off the blade.
EDIT: I am docking one star because the car took over a day and a half to fix, whereas I was told the repair would be about two hours. It's clear the charming mechanic has no idea what he was talking about. After my whining about cost-overruns, they did do the quickest and cheapest fix for my horn. But I won't be going back to them for service of any kind.
I took my car here for inspection when I first moved to town. The place was close to my apartment and the guys seemed nice enough. Hell, the mechanic took me (a woman) under the car to show me something- I was impressed.
A few months later I was having some car problems and decided I'd support my local business and bring my car to Fresh Pond Mobil. After them having my car for 3 weeks, over $700 of charges, and my car not being fixed, I have to say they suck.
Listen: never, ever take your car to these guys for anything, especially not an inspection. Every single everloving person I know (including myself) who has ever used them has regretted it. They are the masters of turning a $29 state inspection into a hefty repair bill, a phenomenon that I have not seen repeated at any other local mechanic.
The best story I know comes from one of my co-workers. He took his car in for an inspection, and was told it needed new front struts. Over $1000 later, he had his car back. The next year, he goes back for another inspection, and is told his struts need replacement AGAIN. When he pointed out that they had replaced them just 12 months before, they said that the units might just have been defective, and that they would be glad to replace them again (at full price).
DO NOT GO HERE. DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE A DIME OF YOUR MONEY. I went to them for an inspection because they were near-by, little did I know that they would take advantage like none other.
I passed inspection, which they failed to tell me before telling me I needed new brakes. Then, for some reason, they felt the need to check all of these random things out on my car. About $900 later, my car still isn't perfect and these guys are SNEAKY and STINGY and they SUCK.
I don't know if I have to warn ppl against these guys b/c of all the negative reviews already and crappy service.
Here's my story about these guys: My distributor blew and after calling about 5 or 6 places, Fresh Pond was the only ones who were open and willing to come out and give me a tow to my mechanic. My insurance assured be about the $50 cap on the tow, which at 11pm, I was coo with.
After an hour of waiting around, I get a call directly from the tow company and said that I was 'out of range' and that my mechanic was too far and I'd be charged $35 bucks more. I laughed b/c it was a matter btw 5 miles and, maybe 5.5. He then said that if I got it tow to their shop, he'd waive the 35 fee, but that I would need to get it repaired there (that was a huge red flag). I told him I'd discuss it with the tow guy when he got to my car. Even tho, there was no way I was gonna go there.
I got tow to my mechanic and despite the tow being within the 5 mile radius, Fresh Pond insisted I pay b/c the '5 mile radius' started from their shop. Freakin' cons. At any rate, I essentially told him no and that he should take it up with my insurance since they were the ones who referred his swindling ass. I eventually gave the guy 10 bucks only b/c the tow driver rec'd a restaurant in Cambridge to me.
In the end, the tow driver told me that the guy on the phone was always trying to get a few bucks out of customers. I can't imagine if I had my non-starting car in his garage. Good luck finding a good shop. Monro on Comm Ave is descent and you can print coupons off their site.
Other than that please let me know if you find one that's good for HONDAs.
I've had the "attempted ripoff over unnecessary repairs and hugely marked-up parts" problem here. I've had a friend who had the same. She went there to get an inspection, they claimed her car had failed and would need hundreds of dollars of service, she declined to get it done there...and they ripped the existing (and still valid) inspection sticker off her windshield. Try as you may, you're not gonna be able to characterize that as anything but dishonest scumbag behavior.
Despite all the extremely negative reviews, I actually just had a great experience with Elie and Joseph. The transmission on my Saturn completely went, literally, with a bang, and all my fluid leaked out of the huge crack in the case. It was Sunday afternoon, and AAA gave me a free tow to a place near my house that was actually open: Fresh Pond Mobil.
I gave them the quick scoop, and then went home. Monday morning, Elie gave me a call and told me I needed a new transmission. OK, I knew that. But then he gave me three options at three different prices all which were below what I had expected from researching online. He then ran a 14-pt check on the car. He pointed out that my fan belt was going--which I knew--and my battery terminals were corroded--which I also knew. He quoted prices which I knew were market-rate--and well below what the dealership would charge--and I approved the repairs. He also pointed out on the test drive that my struts were feeling soft, which I also knew, but I refused this repair since they're fine enough for me. I also needed an oil change--I knew that--and he topped off my gas tank. And the whole thing took three days.
The entire bill ended up being less than I had expected after I realized my transmission was totally shot. And labor was included on all the prices.
I suppose I'm just different than the other reviewers. I appreciate it when they point out things that need to be fixed. And I feel comfortable having them taken care of if they need it and not if they don't. Now my car runs great, there's a warranty on the repairs, and I know that I don't (or shouldn't) have to worry about things. I can see how people see Elie's recommendations as upsells, but you can always refuse them.
This place rips you off. Don't even think about bringing your car here to get an inspection sticker - you won't leave without at huge bill. Stay away!
A few years ago I was in a hurry on a Saturday afternoon and this place was open later than most for inspections. They had the gall to look me in the eye and tell me I would fail if I didn't buy a new pair of wipers from them for $25 (cost at K-Mart for similar pair of cheap wipers, which snap on in five seconds, is $7). What was I supposed to do? I paid the extortion and passed. Never again.
I'm on the fence about this gas station. Cons: the owner (who's also named Eli) is stingy and rips customers off. Pros: the late night attendant used to sell me cigarettes and blunts when I was in high school and remains a dear friend and confidant. You be the judge.
Believe the majority of reviews here. This place is a den of thieves. I cannot believe the better business bureau has not shut them down.
Fresh Pond Mobil is dishonest! And incompetent!! Bringing my car there was the worst thing ever! They unrolled my window and left my window down over night and it rained in my car. The seat is wet, the floor is wet, everything on the driver side got wet. They try to start up the car in the morning and smoke comes from the dash and Eli calls me and tells me something is wrong with my car and tries to explain that there seems to be an electrical problem. I get there and literally see a puddle on the floor, he says the window was up when he got there and takes no responsibility for what happened. The car no longer starts. It is going to cost thousands to fix there mistake. They were only going to do $60 of work (put in transmission oil). To make a long story short don't ever go there if you want your car fixed. And of course when he tells me over the phone my car isn't working he tries to sell me those 25$ windshield wipers. This guy is crazy! Hopefully my lawyer can hit them where it hurts.
Well, it looks like I have had a different experience than the other reviewers. I brought my SUV in to have some tires changed and to have the brakes looked at. The brakes did need new pads and I was offered either generic or original equipment (at twice the price). I chose generic but then noted that they sqeaked. The station owner said bring it back and he had them changed for simply the cost of the price difference in parts. They also diagnosed an electrical problem as a faulty brake switch and fixed it for about $20. That was notable as the Mercedes dealer was all set to replace a $1500 component to "fix" the same problem. The consumer is always at some disadvantage in dealing with gas station mechanical services but I honestly have not had any problem with these guys. They are much cheaper than dealerships and while their mechanics are not as highly trained or certified as you'd find in a dealer, they did competent and fast work for me.
