What's going on, Albuquerque?

Does Anyone Know a Good Mechanic in Santa Fe?

I know that DCF is about Albuquerque, but I work in Santa Fe. And last week my car broke down in Santa Fe, on my way to work. I asked around the office for a good mechanic and had my car towed to one that was recommended to me. Bad idea - this mechanic apparently doesn't know anything about cars. He had his bubbly office assistant call me and inform me that 'I need a new engine'. When I asked for more details I was told by her that 'my engine was bad and I needed a new one'. So I asked to speak with the mechanic and when he called me back (a day later) he told me my engine was rattling. I asked what he used to diagnose and determine that I needed a new engine. He told me he tried to start the car, it turned over but didn't start (which I obviously knew), and he heard a lot of rattling in the engine - like my engine was loose. And that led him to the conclusion that I must need a new engine. Geeze, I think I went into the wrong profession.

So, anyway, my car is sitting at their shop and I need to find a new, smarter, honest, and ethical mechanic in Santa Fe. Can anyone help? I have a Ford Escort.

Tags: broken, car, mechanic, santafe

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Permalink Reply by A. on January 28, 2009 at 11:39am

I've had great luck with Auto Angel. If it wasn't such a hassle, I'd still take my car there (hassle because I live in ABQ now). http://www.theautoangel.com/

Gabriel is the owner, and last I knew, his daughter, Amanda was the one answering phones and scheduling appointments. I'm not sure if he works on Ford cars, but my guess is that he does.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on January 28, 2009 at 11:48am

Funny you say that. Auto Angel is where it is at right now and they were highly recommended to me, but apparently things have changed or he just didn't feel like actually dealing with my car.

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Permalink Reply by A. on January 28, 2009 at 11:58am

Terrible! I'm so sorry. How strange, I had been taking my car to him for years (like...8 or so) before I moved to ABQ and my engine certainly has a few rattles, but he was always really good. I know my parents had their cars taken to a place call Alex Safety Lane for many years. I think it's just off of Pacheco unless they've moved. Could try them.

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Permalink Reply by PABLODIABLO on January 28, 2009 at 11:57am

I live in Santa Fe and always take my car to AutoCare 2000. It is a woman owned shop, her name is Mary Anne and they are very friendly and reasonable. It is located on Cerrillos, near the intersection with Siler.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on January 28, 2009 at 12:23pm

Thanks for the advice!
Both AutoCare 2000 and Alex Saftey Lanes were mentioned to me by other people as well, so I think I will try one of them. Its funny - I have asked many people for recommendations and these 3 are the ones that always come up. I just hope I have better luck this time. Having it towed all over the place is not cheap!