Manhattan East Auto Repair Service Inc

I don’t usually write scathing reviews on Unilocal because I always feel there is a bias, people that had a negative experience are generally more vocal. But I have to warn others on this experience. Even if I can persuade a single Unilocaler from giving them business, I have done my duty.
Full disclosure, I do have a good understanding of vehicles; although it is not my profession, it is my hobby to work on cars.
Act I: Foreplay
My wife’s car was stranded off the bridge on her way to work because the alternator died. She called me at 6AM frantic because the car suddenly just died flat out. She told me the battery light stayed lit but ignored it and kept driving. I told her she will need a tow because the alternator died, there is nothing I could do at the moment, even if I picked her up.
So she finds a tow truck service on Google and a guy name Paul shows up. He wanted $ 90 to tow to this specific shop, or $ 243 to bring it to a local shop that I am familiar with. Already, its a red flag. She had to hurry to work, and made a quick decision to go with Paul and Active Auto. Boy did the fun begin here.
Act II: Bend Over
So after a couple of hours, wife calls me from work saying they’re quoting $ 500 to change out an alternator. What in God’s name?! A quick search of Autozone, says it cost $ 183 for the alternator, so its a $ 300/​hr labor charge. I quickly called the manager, Josh, and asked for an explanation. He goes on telling me, «listen its a $ 500 part alternator is burned out, and the best I can do for you is $ 450 cash, its the best». I asked if I could pick up the car instead but Josh said theres a $ 125 diagnostics fee, and $ 75 storage. I said it was the same day, actually something that happened few hours ago what exactly is he storing. He said $ 200 take it or leave it; basically taking the car hostage. So I reluctantly agreed to the $ 450 charge, boy was that a mistake to haggle.
Act III: Deeper Penetration
About an hour or so later I get another call, he wants ANOTHER $ 250 for a ‘broken pulley’. It’s amazing how a burned out alternator also means pulley is ‘completely broken’. I asked how did a broken alternator become $ 700 job, he responded with another rude tone «listen buddy, pulley is broken do you want to do the job or not». I offered to take a look first hand look, and he started yelling at me «there is nothing to look at, either you want me to fix the car or not, $ 650 is the best price cash for you».
Okay. he knew it doesn’t make sense to pay for another towing fee to another shop because he can have me for the $ 200 for doing nothing since I diagnosed the car myself by just hearing about the symptoms. I agreed.
Final Act: Money Shot
An hour later Josh tells me the car is ready and I owe $ 650. Okay. I agreed that I would go to get the money because the ATM will probably not allow for a withdrawal that large. He said he will close up shop and have the original tow truck guy open the door for when I arrive (kinda working together now aren’t they?) I arrive to the city, and proceed to call him but another partner picks up. He said that tow truck person will be there soon… 15 minutes nothing. I said that I was waiting outside and cold, his partner proceeds to berates me with «listen, stop rushing me now, I told you the tow truck guy is coming so wait!». About an hour later Paul arrives to release the car.
Basically after getting butt hurt, AND waiting to pay for it I still get berated by these guys. Guess I am doing THEM a favor by giving them business.
TL;DR: Got highway robbed by Active Auto Repair, get AAA premier insurance if you have a crappy car. They will tow you 100 miles to any destination of your choosing.
If you’re ever stranded in the city and a guy named Paul with with a flatbed is going to tow your car to Active Auto Repair. Think about a dropped soap in prison, run don’t walk away.

If there were negative stars, they would get NEGATIVE 5.
I have had dozens of phone calls, several no shows to install a part which regrettably was paid for in advance.
They are liars & do not know how to run a business. Run for your life. You cannot trust these people. This shop should be closed.

My brakes gave out just as I was about to make a trip out to the island. I brought my car here after a quick google search, and the employees couldn’t be more helpful. They were very accommodating to my schedule and their quotes were fair and trustworthy. I would definitely use them again.

Had been going there for almost 15 years, but noticed that once one of the brothers left repairs weren’t done — although fees were charged; also, as good as the workers are, there is a strong sense of do the least possible. So, I’ve gone back to having the dealer do the work that I need done — I can’t afford to defer maintenance.

I’ve actually been using this mechanic for 3 or 4 years. They are consistently reliable and trustworthy and I’d recommend them to anyone on the Upper East Side that needs car repairs, or just a check up.

DON’T TRUST THIS COMPANY WITH YOUR CAR!!!
They tell you –you need services and parts that you dont need. When your car is done they dont even call you, you have to call them to follow up– Lou is a scammer. My shifter kept jamming and I was told all i needed by another mechanic was to fix one little part, No LOU instead made me pay for a whole new shifter because he broke my shifter more. Which was unnessary. My last straw was when my anti freeze was leaking and the car was never fixed he made me replace a whole bottle jug (I dont know what its call) I picked up my car it was still leaking. Then I was told it was the water pump. I finally realized that he was taking advantage of me because I was a woman and I didnt know anything about cars. My husband use to work for him and thats the reasaon why I started going to MAnahattan East. Lou scams his workers as well. He doesnt pay them with good checks. This place should be exposed!!! They are lucky I didnt protest at their gargage. Last which hurt me is that they have a 85 year old man doing 5,000 dollars worth of work to his car and he doesnt even need it. They have no heart… I wont go back if they were the last mechanic company on earth. Its a shame because some of the mechanics that work for LOU are good working men that are forced to do wrong things to people. What a BOSS! DONT GO THERE IM TELLING U THEY WILL GET UR MONEY! ALL THESE PEOPLE GIVING THEM GOOD REVIEWS ARE PROBABLY GETTING SCAMMED AND DONT EVEN KNOW IT.

amazing, trustworthy, family run. been going to them for 10 years & have never looked back. Have a friend who’s been going for 40! (She recommended them to me.) I can’t recommend highly enough.