Automotive Garage - Automechs (Jakkasandra, Bangalore)

[chirag]

Sharing my experience with Automechs:

My car (OHC 1.5exi) was due for service since sometime now. After the last service at Whitefield Honda, I did not want to go back there. The service was pathetic, and overpriced. Years ago, when the car used to come back from regular service, it used to feel quite "tight", and it was fun to rev up the engine once again. It wasn't the case anymore and I thought, it was because the car was getting pretty old (it turned 11 this month).

When the piping of my non-stock exhaust came off last week, I had to find a mechanic to weld it back, and service the car as well. After browsing through service directory on other automotive forum for 10 mins, I decided to give my car at Automechs at Jakkasandra. In addition to the welding and the regular service, I wanted to fix a dent on the passenger side door, and get a new set of rubber beading for the doors.

I called up Naveen at the phone number given, and fixed an appointment for the next day. The directions were easy to follow, and I reached the garage at 11 in the morning. I told him the problems, and also, mentioned that his garage was highly recommended by folks at team-bhp.com. His eyes lighted up at the mention. After telling him the problems, I asked him an rough estimate of how much it would cost. He said that he'll get back to me with the amount. I said okay, and left.

In the evening, I called him up, and asked about the estimate. He said that he has not been able to look at the car, and would do it soon, and he would get back to me with the estimate. I waited till next day evening, and called him up again. He had already started on the work! I got a feeling that the bugger fellow may do all the repairs, and then quote a high amount. He said that the car would be done by next day. He would tell me the total expenses then. I said okay.

The next day, I called him up, he said he is cleaning the alloy wheels with acid, and the car would be ready the next day morning. He told me that he has not added up the expenses, and would call me and let me know in half an hour. He did not call.

The next day, he called me up at 10:30 in the morning, and told me that the car was ready for delivery. I asked him the total expenses. He told me the amount. I heaved a sigh of relief. It was not that high. I told him that I would come around 12:30 and pick up the car.

The finish of the tinkering & painting done on the passenger door was unbelievably good. There was absolutely no sign of the dent. The exhaust pipe was welded back properly. But the biggest surprise was yet to come. The clutch judder while changing gears was almost gone. Earlier, I had to switch off the AC while starting the car from standstill to first gear, because of the clutch judder. Now, that's gone. The gear change is still not very smooth but smoother than before. The car felt quite "tight" finally!

Finally, there are small small things, like the rear view mirror on the passenger side had come loose after the last visit to ***. It used to shake whenever, the car went over a bump. Also, there was a small screw on the driver side right side arm rest which is on the door, which had gone missing during one of the visits to the ***. This was not really an issue, but the arm rest used to hang at a small angle which made it look wee bit ugly. The mirror was fixed properly, and doesn't shake anymore. The arm rest cover was aligned back, and the screw holding it, was back. I was very happy to note these things.

I am very happy with the "full service" that Naveen did on my car, and would recommend the place highly.

[mclaren1885]

Seems like a decent guy chirag. Thanks for sharing your experience. Does he work on all cars? Or does he do cars from only certain brands?

And what was the bill amount? Also, its about time you joined us on a drive with your car, its been a long time you know?

[camchennai]

Good to read a positive review about a garage in these days, nowadays its hard to find a good garage review

Why don't you tell us the cost and if possible with breakup so that our readers will have a idea on the service cost.

[chirag]

Does he work on all cars? Or does he do cars from only certain brands?

He told me he works on all cars, but on the other forum, somebody mentioned that he's good with Marutis and Hondas. The guys from Race Dynamics (which is just down the road), apparently, send their cars to him.

And what was the bill amount?

Included below (I don't know how to "consolidate" comments by camchennai and you).

Also, its about time you joined us on a drive with your car, its been a long time you know?

Will send you a PM.

Why don't you tell us the cost and if possible with breakup so that our readers will have a idea on the service cost.

The bill:

L.H. Front Door Tinkering and painting 2400/-
Rubber beading 2800/- (I think, this he overcharged a bit; some other place had quoted 1600/- for the same)
Exhaust pipe welding 350/-
Complete Service 850/-
------
Total 6400/-

[abhinaba]

They are totally overpriced. I have a dent in my car's(AStar VXI) rear bumper. I went there for a dent and paint job. I asked the guy over there about the cost. He said 3800. I have already asked Maruti ASS guy in Green Cars, where I do my servicing and they quoted 2200 for the same.
I asked them I expect a quote around 1500, the guy said, "no sir, aap jao, nahi hoga."

If a local garage charges more than ASS, why should anyone go there (and you cant claim insurance also)?

Finally I gave my car today to Green Cars, after claiming insurance the cost comes to 500 only (they take some charge for insurance claim).

[hummer]

He told me he works on all cars, but on the other forum, somebody mentioned that he's good with Marutis and Hondas

hmm .. i was looking for a mechanic close to HSR/Koramangala area who does Honda service/repairs. Glad you mentioned a garage that you are happy with. will check it out soon when my car is due for service.

I have a query here. The engine oil sold by Honda might not be available outside. I was told that they have their own brand for engine oil and it is not available outside by the guys at Dakshin Honda.

Has anyone tried any other oil brand other than what is provided by the authorized service center. IMO, Mobil 5w20 should do.