Kingston Garage

I have been going to Kingston Garage for 15 years for service on all my cars (Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and Subaru) and have received consistent, outstanding service at a fair price. This is a family owned business that values relationships with loyal customers. I’ve been told a few times by Pete, the service manager, that I don’t need to do a requested repair yet because he thought it would be a waste of money. Other times, he has been a genius in diagnosing funky problems with the old Mercedes and fixing them at half the price the dealership wanted. Many a time they have dropped my car off in my driveway at home when it was done. Frankly, if you are a «drive by» customer from out of the area, they may tell you that they cannot help you. They have a very small lot and cannot handle many cars at any one time. If you are looking for a long term real relationship with a trustworthy, highly competent and «human» outfit (yes, things can get busy and Dianne can be a bit quick on the phone — but she’s the ONLY one manning the phones!), then Kingston Garage is for you. If you want smiley, happy faces, your backside kissed, fancy waiting rooms and expensive service, then move on and go to a dealership.

This is a third generation local business run by a husband and wife team, Rich and Dianne Stewart. I’ve been taking cars to them since 1987 and found that they have high integrity and only do work that is needed, unlike dealerships. They will never try to gouge you for unnecessary repairs and they do solid work.

The only reason I went here was because my car needed to be towed because my battery was dead, and my insurance policy stated that it would tow my car to the nearest garage. So I read the reviews and hoped the place wasn’t as bad as people claimed. Everything in my car was working except for the battery before going here. They did a decent job fixing the battery and charged a somewhat fair price. Just after installing the battery, they called and told me that my trunk latch had broke. I expected them to fix it without a charge considering that they broke it when fixing the battery (the battery in my car was in the trunk). They first objected saying that I broke it and then they said that it was going to cost me twice as much as the battery itself, plus labor. Do yourself a favor, don’t go here, ever.

THE best garage in this area. They care, do great work and have enormous integrity. We trust them completely!

Stay away from this place!!! The woman who answered hung up on me while I was describing the problem with my car. Union Line Garage is farther from where I live but I take my 2 BMW’s there rather than be treated rudely. They have excellent service go there instead.

Horrendous experience– I won’t ever go back to this place!!!
I had been going to this garage for a few years despite not always being kept up to date on progress of my car (and actually being scolded that I don’t answer the phone?! Really?) I took my car in early one day and waited until the afternoon for an update. Had to call many times to get through. Finally got through and was told a part was needed and it would be there the next morning. Called mid-​morning the next day and was told they were still waiting the part. Still waiting come 4 pm and was told the dealer never brought the part and the two places could not agree on what was needed, so Kingston Garage was washing their hands of it. Complete waste of 2 days as well as money for a rental car. In my 20 plus years of driving I have never experienced or heard of a garage returning an unrepaired car to a customer!
Also, my car had been in the shop 2 weeks before for service and to have a warning light checked. I dropped it off the night before and was told the car would not start when they went to look at it. They asked if I left something on and I said I didn’t think so. Obviously my car wasn’t checked very carefully because 2 weeks later I was having related issues,
Their prices are good, customer service not so much. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I wish them luck– they lost a customer today and furthermore, I would never recommend them. I plan to try Union Line Garage.

Rude receptionist, very short with me on the phone. I was told that she couldnt help me. Even after telling her i was new to the area. If I am telling you I am new to the area, and have no way of just dropping my car off and leaving that is not your que to tell me you cant help me!!! Are you serious!!! New Jersey customer service sucks!!!

One of the most honest places in the area. I trust them fully. All of the customers are loyal because the service there is the best. Thanks again

I’ve trusted my cars to them for 20 years. The work is very good. I never need to go back. We keep our cars for many years and when issues come up they analyze if correctly. They have always charged what they quoted me and gotten the work done when they told me (usually same day). When an emergency comes up they get me in that day. The customer service is very good for setting appointments, drop-​off, pickup and calling me to explain what needs to be done. My car is returned cleanly and they will let me know if I am getting close to needing something done soon (tires, brakes, etc). After 20 years I am still there with my car, my wife’s and daughter’s.

Have taken both of our cars to them since we first moved to the area 3 years ago and we are very, very confident that we’re being taken care of.
For example: before a long haul to Maine, we took the SUV in for them to eyeball. That’d be a perfect opportunity to sell us something we didn’t need, right? I was resigned to paying a bit for the once-​over. Surprise! We were good to go and it didn’t cost a thing.
They can be a bit harried getting close to the weekend, or on holiday weekends. They’ve got a small lot and that makes it tough for them. But I’d rather have someone tell me there’s no room than take the car and not get to it for days…

If you have foreign car trouble, go to Kingston Garage. They are honest, reasonable and know their foreign cars. I’ve been taking my BMW and Mercedes there for years. I have not once been unhappy with their service or parts. In fact, they frequently surprise me by anticipating future problems. That’s exactly the kind of mechanic you want!

Great mechanics!
Friendly service, online system to request service which is great, they really helped me out with my car very last minute.