Trustworthy Mechanic / Shop in DE/PA/North East MD Area (1 Viewer)

[DailyTripper18]

Hi All, first time Toyota LC owner.
I just bought a 1999 Toyota LC (single owner - family friend) 127k original miles! The car has spent its life in North, Delaware and is staying in the area for the foreseeable future... I'm trying to find a trustworthy mechanic/shop in the area preferably within 1hr +/- radius from the Wilmington, DE area. Any locations in PA, DE, North East MD would be greatly appreciated. I just spoke to the OTRAMM shop owner in Southwest, DC looking for shop recommendations in my area. Unfortunately, OTRAMM is at least 3.5 hr drive from my location. Anyhow, I'm excited to join this North East Community and finding a trustworthy shop / mechanic. THANK YOU ALL! - Trip.

 

[tdiantonio]

Hi All, first time Toyota LC owner.
I just bought a 1999 Toyota LC (single owner - family friend) 127k original miles! The car has spent its life in North, Delaware and is staying in the area for the foreseeable future... I'm trying to find a trustworthy mechanic/shop in the area preferably within 1hr +/- radius from the Wilmington, DE area. Any locations in PA, DE, North East MD would be greatly appreciated. I just spoke to the OTRAMM shop owner in Southwest, DC looking for shop recommendations in my area. Unfortunately, OTRAMM is at least 3.5 hr drive from my location. Anyhow, I'm excited to join this North East Community and finding a trustworthy shop / mechanic. THANK YOU ALL! - Trip.

I use Ogden Service Center in Ogden PA on Nammans Creek Road. My parents and I have used them for decades. Great multi-generational, family owned business. Matt Clark is the current owner and it was his parents business originally. I grew up just over the PA/DE border in Boothwyn. They do all my regular routine work and light fixes for my older Tundra, Acura TL-Type S, and Honda Accord. They also do a lot truck work. I live between West Chester and Downingtown now but still drive the 45 min to take my cars there. I take my LX570 to the dealer mainly so the maintenance history regular service intervals are recorded. As far as a MD goes for a shop... I use Daisy Auto in Woodbine and trust them fully. They do all my speciality and/or rebuild work when needed. They just did a major overhaul on my TL and my NSX. It's probably two hours or more for me to get there and have them pick up my cars. The owner (Ben) is a true car nut and is something of perfectionist. They are the only two shops that I would use between in this area. Hope that helps.

 

[Crusha]

@dci blair works at a shop in West Chester Pa, about 40 minutes from Wilmington, right up 202.

He's worked on quite a few club member's trucks, and the shop regularly sees a lot of other local Toyota 4x4's.

 

[DailyTripper18]

I use Ogden Service Center in Ogden PA on Nammans Creek Road. My parents and I have used them for decades. Great multi-generational, family owned business. Matt Clark is the current owner and it was his parents business originally. I grew up just over the PA/DE border in Boothwyn. They do all my regular routine work and light fixes for my older Tundra, Acura TL-Type S, and Honda Accord. They also do a lot truck work. I live between West Chester and Downingtown now but still drive the 45 min to take my cars there. I take my LX570 to the dealer mainly so the maintenance history regular service intervals are recorded. As far as a MD goes for a shop... I use Daisy Auto in Woodbine and trust them fully. They do all my speciality and/or rebuild work when needed. They just did a major overhaul on my TL and my NSX. It's probably two hours or more for me to get there and have them pick up my cars. The owner (Ben) is a true car nut and is something of perfectionist. They are the only two shops that I would use between in this area. Hope that helps.

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I sincerely appreciate it. I'm going to keep waiting for other members on the forum to answer to see if people have any other answers. Would you use Ogden for basic service and mantenaince and use MD for all serious services (sway bar suspension, brakes, muffler, body work)? Thanks again.

 

[DailyTripper18]

@dci blair works at a shop in West Chester Pa, about 40 minutes from Wilmington, right up 202.

He's worked on quite a few club member's trucks, and the shop regularly sees a lot of other local Toyota 4x4's.

Thank you for your advice. West Chester is only about a 25-minute ride from where I'm located. Do you remember the name of the shop? If not, I will reach out to @dci blair directly. I really appreciate your recommendation. Cheers.

 

[Crusha]

Thank you for your advice. West Chester is only about a 25-minute ride from where I'm located. Do you remember the name of the shop? If not, I will reach out to @dci blair directly. I really appreciate your recommendation. Cheers.

Tommy's automotive. I would suggest you PM Blair first.

Auto Repair Shop in West Chester l Tommy's Automotive

Call Tommy's Auto Repair Shop in West Chester PA for quality car repair services for brakes, transmissions, electrical issues, fleets, trucks, & more.

www.tommysautomotive.com

 

[shmukster]

I can add a recommendation for Blair at Tommy's. Good work at a fair price don by an fellow Toyota enthusiast!!!!!

 

[tdiantonio]

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I sincerely appreciate it. I'm going to keep waiting for other members on the forum to answer to see if people have any other answers. Would you use Ogden for basic service and maintenance and use MD for all serious services (sway bar suspension, brakes, muffler, body work)? Thanks again.

Yes. I use Ogden for brakes, alternator, mufflers, inspections, emissions and other work. I have taken my NSX there for state inspection also. Last year he fixed an issue with the 4wd staying engaged on my 01 Tundra.

I use Daisy for the performance work, modifications and when I need to get several large things done at once. They will come get my car and I can leave it with them for several days or weeks at a time. I used to travel quite a bit and their flexibility allows me to not have to worry about having to pick the car up by a certain time and date. FWIW, I originally choose Daisy because they are one of the few NSX specialists left on the East Coast and one of the best (if not the best) in the country. They are also specialists with imports.

As far as body work, I only use Russo Collision in Aston, PA. I know the family that owns the business personally and they have done amazing (and award winning) muscle car restoration for us in addition to fixing our daily drivers when needed. I did not know the family when we first choose them to do our work. We selected them based on the quality of their work and reputation. They let us speak with several of their clients who all allowed us to inspect their cars. They have also gone to bat for me with my insurance company and successfully got me more reimbursement money for the repairs. I am sure there are many great options in our area for bodywork such as Cavallo on Rt 202. I haven't used them personally, but I know people that rave about them as well.

 

[tdiantonio]

Tommy's automotive. I would suggest you PM Blair first.

Auto Repair Shop in West Chester l Tommy's Automotive

Call Tommy's Auto Repair Shop in West Chester PA for quality car repair services for brakes, transmissions, electrical issues, fleets, trucks, & more.

www.tommysautomotive.com

Thank you for sharing this...I am only about 10 min from West Chester and will check them out as well. Would be good to have a closer option for the LX.

 

[LowDown]

Foreign Automotive Experts in Elkridge, Maryland are fantastic. The owners - Brian and Steve - employ some great folks, are as straight-up as can be, and will never over-sell you. They're the one and only shop I'd take my vehicles to.

Address: 6350 S Hanover Rd C, Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone: (410) 796-4418