Dow’s Automotive Service

I brought in my wife’s Mazda since there was either an issue with the starter or the fuse that controls it, and the mechanic called to say that the issue was actually something we hadn’t heard of before and easy to fix. The price was much less than we expected, was done the same day, and was explained to us in a very pleasant manner. Having just moved here, we are glad we found a skilled, honest mechanic who isn’t going to try and upsell us. Great experience!

I’ll never use a dealership for service again. Our first trip (of many) to Dow over a year ago saved us over $ 2,000 vs what Portsmouth Ford told us we needed to pass inspection. The dealership told us we should consider trading in the six year old car with under 150k on the odometer, the very car they sold us. Louie Dow and company told us there was no need.
Recently, Dow was able to find the cause of this weird chirping (timing belt pulley) the dealership had been unable to remedy for years.
Dow Automotive is that very, life long «family» mechanic most of us are looking for. I should also disclose the fact that Dow is within walking distance of where I work which is an added bonus. Two other people in my office use them faithfully.
Oh and this should be 4.5 stars (nobody is perfect after all).

New to Portsmouth and a female, I was hesitant to get any service on my car. Dow has made me feel comfortable each and every visit. I feel respected each time I walk through their entry. Dependable and truthful, unique qualities of service, for which I am grateful.

Dow’s Automotive is hands down the best and most honest auto service center I have ever used. Louie is friendly, honest and capable and the work gets done quickly at a reasonable cost. I only wish I could take them with me when I travel away from NH.

I have taken my last four cars here on the recommendation of a coworker. Louis Dow has never up sold me on parts or labor, always has the car ready when he says he will (if not earlier), and works within my budget when costly repair is a hardship. (I also return for needed work when I can, so I guess it’s give & take and he’s not worried that I’ll sue.)
He treats old & new customers alike so if you’re new to town he’ll treat you fairly and professionally.

They do great work and have good prices. Definitely would recommend. Wish they were open on weekends.

On a trip from Boston to Maine it felt like our tires were gonna fall off. I looked up the nearest mechanic and gave them a call. Fortunately for us it was Dow’s Auto. We got extremely fortunate to find these guys. They immediately took us in and were very understanding of our time crunch to get back on the road (wedding that we were already cutting it close for). He explained thoroughly the issue with the tire and ordered us 2 new ones. We were safely back on the highway for the wedding in less than an hour. Wish I had a quality mechanic like these guys back in Boston. Not only that but he could have hit us over the head with the price since we will never be back here… But he was much cheaper than we expected. Maybe I’ll make the hour drive to use these guys in the future! Thanks again!

Last year, my boyfriend and I were told by Monroe’s auto shop that we would need to pay $ 1300 to fix our car. When we brought it to Dow’s, they fixed our car for $ 700!!! They are honest and not full of any bullshit. I got my car inspected there yesterday and they were speedy and really nice and friendly.

I have been taking my car to Dow’s for 18 years and I always recommend them to anyone asking for a trustworthy mechanic. Louie is awesome — he never talks you into repairs you don’t need, but always does a fantastic job on the ones you do. Even his wife Sue, who often answers the phone, can help diagnose issues! Lou’s staff is friendly and knowledgeable about every make and model. There are no dumb questions, and never ever any intimidation tactics (unlike dealers). They are, quite simply, the best. I can’t imagine going anywhere else. So stop looking for a good place to bring your car and just go there!

I highly recommend Dow Automotive, very trustworthy, competent, more than fairly priced and local community members who will do you right. I have brought my car here on several occasions and have always had a positive experience.

I started taking my car to Dow’s on the recommendation of my friend Annelise in 2001ish. This was around the time they moved from the corner of State & Maplewood (??) to their current location near the button factory.
They are BY FAR the most qualified, straight-​shooting, easy going garage I have EVER been to! Hands down! Louie is friendly and down to earth. He always took the time to communicate with me about what was going on and was clear about their recommendations. I never felt pressured, never felt I was asking stupid questions, never felt like an inconvenience, nothing weird and he was conscientious of my budget. These guys are great!
The only downer is that they are in NH and my wife and I are now in Berkeley CA. Every time my wife or I visit a garage out here we think of Dow’s and how simple it was.
Do yourself a favor and use them for everything.

Dow’s was exactly what I look for in a mechanic! This was recommended by locals. Dow’s actually understands that great service means great business. I went in expecting to replace my catalytic converter, and Mr. Dow said no, it wasn’t needed. He troubleshot the problem correctly first time, and saved me lots of money. He’s now got my business for life. If he looks out for me, I will stick with him. A trustworthy mechanic is a valuable thing.