Need a Seacoast area mechanic recommendation

[PowerPenguin]

Hey all,

Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in the Seacoast area? My car is over 90K mi now, and could probably use some maintenance. There are a couple of Subaru dealerships on the US 1, but I try to avoid dealerships whenever possible, and the warranty long expired. I may also want to do the inspection thing at some point, but it's not a priority for me since I haven't yet and no one has noticed apparently. On this topic, what is the policy on inspection stickers? Are they good for 12 months beginning the month you have it done or do they screw you over by making you renew it in your birth month, as is the case with registration? As a final point of clarification, I paid about 85 bux for my '01 Forrester in September, which was about what I paid for an entire year in CA. Recently, someone suggested that this was a prorated fee, and the full year registration cost would be about 4x that, or about 250 bux. What is the real story on this?

Thanks,
Andrew

[Recumbent ReCycler]

I have had good experiences with J.A. Prince Auto on Main St., in Somersworth.  Inspection stickers expire on your birth month.

[neggy]

registrations are based on weight and age of the vehicle IIRC

I have 7 vehicles including a Porsche and a big ass ford truck.. want to know what it costs me a year?

[Recumbent ReCycler]

Actually, IIRC, it is based on what the state determines it was worth new and the age.  A new vehicle is taxed at a higher rate than an older vehicle.  IIRC, trailers are taxed based on carrying capacity.

[BaRbArIaN]

If you have to try a dealer, the Tri City Subaru one in Somersworth is better than most.  I've had the same car I bought from them for 11 years now ("97 Outback), the inspections are free for things you buy there (even used), and as far as I've been able to compare, the charges for the few things I've needed to fix are competitive.   I've never been ripped off at least.

For indy mechanics and body guys, R&J Automotive on 125 in Rochester has a good reputation.  I know one of the mechanics there he says they run a tight shop.

[Peacemaker]

just had my 2000 "rig"  (suv) tagged (my birth month was last month)...it cost me 87 at the city another 87 and change at the state and now I have 10 days to get inpection (36) at Pep boys..

i'll check back to see if you found a good place for inspection as I need to do that...after 10 days, I do not know happens if I don't get it...other than I'm sure it will cost me even more money (bastards....must be nice to be able to use a gun to get your paycheck)!

[bouncer]

PP

Are you still in Hampton ? I've always done well with Dave's garage on the beach although they do the town of Hampton's vehicle hostage program. Or Hampton Foreign auto between the center of town and Burger king on route 1.

[PowerPenguin]

Went to Ocean Subaru in Rye today. They did a good job, but it cost $550 (including 10 bux for the annoying NH inspection sticker blocking my view), and there are timing belts and additional seals that need to be replaced eventually for another 400-something FRN. It was expansive, but I went for it simply because my vehicle hasn't had any general maintenance at least since I bought it 1.5 yrs ago (and like 25k mi), assuming that the used car dealership I bought it from had done their job at that point.

Long story short, what does this mean? That Subarus are very durable, but their Achilles heel is gaskets for whatever reason.

[PowerPenguin]

Went back a while ago to have more seals replaced plus the timing belt. Again, these guys aren't cheap but they do a good job. I've also heard that the Exeter dealership is also good.

[cynthia]

The two VERY best, and I have used mechanics extensively, in Dover are 1. Dover Paint and Varnish, and 2. Dupont Auto.

trust me. 

[AntonLee]

Dave's Garage in Hampton likes to hose people on the tow. . . a lot of people do, but one guy wouldn't even take my friend's AAA card after they dropped the car off. . .

"no not going to take your card, don't care, pay me or it goes back to the shop, and all I have to do is say you didn't have your card at the time of dropoff."

would never bring my car there, and I have had a time when they've shown up to do a tow and I refused and ordered AAA to send another tow company.