Your favorite Cleveland auto garages
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When we asked Axios Cleveland readers last week about their favorite local garages and mechanics, we received an outpouring of responses almost immediately.
Why it matters: In an era of scams, slop and enshittification, people sure seem to value their relationships with neighborhood mom-and-pop businesses more than ever.
State of play: And with dealerships often charging hundreds of dollars just to look under the hood, a trusted local mechanic feels like a cheat code.
- Even more than low prices, though, our readers praised honesty, transparency and quality work.
👍 Bob's Automotive (Cleveland, Old Brooklyn)
- 💬 Jared L.: "I have gone for years, and I feel like he is always clear about what needs to be done, what can wait, and what doesn't need it."
⚡️ Thunderbolt Auto Care (Cleveland Heights)
- 💬 Mary Anne D.: "Jose is a wizard at diagnostics and is fair and clear on his charges. He is also kind and funny!"
🛞 Bruce's Automotive (Lakewood)
- 💬 Kevin M.: "Absolute legends. They've plugged a few different leaky tires, free of charge, are no-nonsense about repairs needed, and efficient."
🏎️ Leo Luck's Auto Repair (Rocky River)
- 💬 Kathleen E.: "The business specializes in foreign vehicles but will work on any cars. Recently, a friend was told that a repair would cost $2000 at the dealership. Sean looked at it and managed to repair it for less than $20…The words that come to mind are TRUSTWORTHY and COMPETENT!!!!!!"
🛻 Mooney & Sons (Beachwood)
- 💬 Polly K.: "Mr. Mooney is still there, along with his son Michael, RP and Austin. It's worth the wait to get in to see RP. They tow also!"
🤩 George's Auto Center (Cleveland, Kamm's Corners)
- 💬 Sarah O.: "George consistently gets 5 star ratings, and if there were more stars he would get those too! Most honest mechanic I've ever worked with...and as a woman, that's very important."
🔧 Bay Auto Care (Westlake)
- 💬 Donna F.: "The best — reasonable prices and honest work."
🔎 Aurora Car Care (Aurora)
- 💬 Dave B.: "Pat is the kind of guy who will tell you what needs to be fixed now and what can wait. He will also evaluate used vehicles and let you know if they are worth the money. When I took in a 2007 Dodge Dakota that I was looking to buy, he told me he's seen the same vehicle half as good going for three times the price. He said I am a fool if I don't buy it."