People who are new to Indianapolis often ask for help finding the same things: dentists, doctors and mechanics.
A mechanic is one of the most important relationships in your adult life. A good one is trustworthy, explains car maintenance in a kind and clear way and doesn’t charge you too much. We asked Mirror Indy readers to share their favorite mechanics and shops, and we got 15 enthusiastic responses.
You told us about the shops you’ve been going to for years, the adorable cat that will curl up on your lap in one shop’s waiting room and the mechanics who stay honest, even when it means they make less money for repairs.
“Bob. He owns Tune Tech on the Far Eastside. I’ve known him and used/sought his services for 30 years. All of his people are experts and he charges a reasonable rate.”
Recommended by Steve Goodroad.
A & A Tire and Auto Service
“A & A Auto on Lafayette Road. The guy is fair, affordable and tells you what is really going on with the car.”
Recommended by Amy Guzman.
“Luis has been working on my car for about two years. As a woman who knows very little about cars, I have had bad experiences with mechanics where I felt belittled or taken advantage of. Luis greets you with a smile, communicates clearly and directly, pricing is very fair, and I have complete trust in his work.”
Recommended by Mary Grace Mantica.
“As much as I would like to gatekeep, I know I shouldn’t. Brooks Auto in Beech Grove is the best. Rick Brooks is the owner and is often the one answering the phones. I was having trouble with my oil leaking, and they said it could be an easy fix or I might need a replacement. They could have easily said it needed replaced, and I wouldn’t have known. But they did the simple fix and saved me a couple hundred dollars.
“Most importantly they have a sweet, friendly shop cat who will come curl up in your lap.”
Recommended by Melinda Kashner.
“You asked for great car mechanics and I’d like to enthusiastically nominate Jeff Hopkins of Hopkins Automotive! We’ve been using Hopkins Automotive for more than 20 years. They’re fair and honest. They do only the work that needs to be done — and do it well every time!
Recommended by Jennifer Young Dzwonar.
“My grandma Helen swore by Hopkins Automotive. She would bake them her signature chocolate chip cookies and say they were ‘really nice guys.’ I trusted my grandma’s opinion, and I’ve gone to Hopkins for car repairs since my dad gave me his old car, my first car, in 2011.
“Hopkins Automotive is no nonsense. They don’t overcharge. They don’t fix things that aren’t broken. They treated my grandma with kindness, patience and respect through her 90s and have done the same for me as a young woman. It’s hard to be a woman going to the mechanic!”
Recommended by Megan Day.
“Carl (dad), Justin and Josh (sons). They have done all my work for nearly 25 years, and they are impeccably honest.”
Recommended by Charles Hanson.
Roland Auto Repair
📍 Far Eastside
Ask for: Kyle
“I cannot recommend Roland Auto Repair enough! I’ve known Kyle for over a decade. I started going to him when he worked at a dealership service center, but he has recently started his own shop. His work is top-notch, fast and honest. I recently went to him for some strange noises coming from my wheel, and he found a missing part and multiple other major issues with a repair that had been done by a different mechanic at the dealership six months prior. I will only be going to Kyle from now on.
“He runs his shop out of his garage in Fountaintown, but he also makes house calls all over the Far Eastside and Hancock County.”
Recommended by Kaytlin Eastes.
“For general repairs, go to Ty’s Automotive. Ty is always there, always professional, always friendly. I started taking my car there in 2021. I’ve never felt like any of the employees were trying to trick me into work I didn’t need, and they are really good at explaining things in layman’s terms so I actually understand what I’m paying for.”
Recommended by Shea Stapley.
Cangany Auto
“I don’t have one specific mechanic, but for 30 plus years, I’ve entrusted my vehicles to Cangany Auto Repair on the corner of 10th Street and Mitthoeffer Road. I’ve never felt less than comfortable. They go above and beyond, always recognize me even if I haven’t been there for a while and I’ve never felt ‘mansplained.’ I have friends and family members who have had similar experiences there. Highly recommend Cangany!”
Recommended by Georgia Impicciche.
“Chris, owner of Sharp’s Automotive at 30th Street and Guion Road, will keep your vehicle running for a reasonable price. He’ll also let you know when you’re throwing good money after bad.”
Recommended by Damon Richards.
Kevin’s Auto Repair
“Kevin’s Auto Repair is fairly priced, honest and does not inflate what needs to be done with your vehicle. We have been faithful clients of his for about 20 years.”
Recommended by Chip Zapp.
“I highly recommend Glendale Automotive. I’ve used this shop for 20 years. Fred is honest and looks out for the customer, not just the money. I find the prices reasonable. Good luck wherever you go.”
Recommended by Barbara Ralston.
Downtown Car Care Center
“Here’s a vote for Downtown Auto. They do great work, don’t upsell (probably to their detriment) and Kathy at the front desk is fantastic, organized and friendly. Love them.”
Recommended by Carrie Miannan.
J & F Auto Repair
“I had a neighbor and former coworker recommend them to me after they had a service done. They told me that they could have easily upsold her on the service, but they offered a very fair price. I went to them for an oil change and tire rotation, and I had an appointment scheduled. They had some vehicles in the works … and did not have enough room in the bays.
“Since they could not get me in that day, they rescheduled me and performed the services free of charge. The owner took pride in giving me a fair price and explained why work is needed and does not upsell. As a woman, I’ve had several mechanics act inappropriately or upsell me. He does not do that, and I have never had a mechanic give a free service for a scheduling error.”
Recommended by Jaclyn Fries.
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Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
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