After relocating to New England, I sought a trustworthy auto repair shop and discovered Brakeman's Auto Repair in Jamaica Plain, MA. Their numerous 5-star Yelp reviews highlighting exceptional service, quality, and professionalism caught my attention. Upon visiting their website, I was impressed by their rich family history in mechanics, which prompted me to schedule an appointment. Surprisingly, securing a slot was easy despite their stellar reputation. Using the Waze app for navigation, I encountered minor inaccuracies; however, locating the shop became straightforward once I realized it's situated across from the gas station on the corner, housed in a distinctive green building. The owner, Ray, was both kind and courteous. He thoroughly examined my brakes and rotors, informed me that he would order the necessary parts, and mentioned there might be a wait. He suggested I consider taking an Uber, but I opted to spend time at a nearby library. Unfortunately, the library was a small branch that didn't open until noon that day, so I utilized the adjacent Curtis Hall Community Center to catch up on some work. Throughout the service, I received timely updates from the shop. The brake and rotor repairs were completed efficiently, and Ray's dedication to customer satisfaction was evident. He checked in later that day to ensure my car was performing well post-service and followed up the next day to confirm my continued satisfaction. This level of personalized service reminded me of the local mechanics back in the South. The most important thing besides the service, and the quality, the VALUE!!! I saved 50% of what I was quoted by the dealership just for brakes!! It goes to show that there are still businesses like Brakeman's Auto Repair that aren't trying to get over on people that provide GENUINE SERVICE in a timely manner. In summary, Brakeman's Auto Repair offers a blend of professional expertise and genuine customer care. For anyone in the New England area seeking reliable auto service, I wholeheartedly recommend them. read more

Brakeman's Auto Repair - Showing the location since Waze and Google Maps provide the wrong location. - Auto Repair Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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My wife has her company supplied Subaru serviced here. She's fussy..really like the place..I n and out quickly

Brakesman's replaced the brakes on our daughter's Toyota and adjusted the calipers. The brake pedal has come up and the car stops much better. We received excellent service and couldn't be happier. read more

Thorough and courteous service. Price was fair considering the work I had to get done.

Brake Man's Auto Repair is the best--wonderful quality and value. If you need muffler or brake work done, definitely come see Ray rather than going to the dealer. He does great work at fair prices. Can't recommend highly enough! read more

Its hard to find a good mechanic and my guy at Hondaa King closes his shop so I had to look around. Brakemans is wicked cheap, great service, timely, and does great work! I had my brakes and rotors replaced same day and for under $400 (I provided my own brakes and rotors).... This is my new guy! read more

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Fast and simple with an honest price. I'll recommend Ray to all my friends. I dropped my car off in the morning and was expecting a few days of work. Ray replaced my front and rare breaks same day. Thank you Ray! These 5 star reviews are genuine and I'm glad I went to Brakeman's Auto Repair read more

Raymond, the owner/mechanic (along with his son) of Brakeman's, replaced my rear pads and rotors. He charged a good price, did the job in a few hours, and had me return in a week (no appointment, "just come by") to make sure the calipers weren't leaking. He's honest, kind and affordable. And for the women reading this who are tired of being talked down to at auto repair shops, have no fear, that's not his way. I only wish Raymond offered all auto services so he could be my go-to mechanic for everything! But I will definitely go see him for any future brake, muffler or suspension issues. Highly recommended! read more

I went to Brakeman's because I needed to get my back brakes fixed. I actually checked out the good reviews for this auto repair shop before making a request. All of the reviews were definitely spot on! Ray, and his son, exhibited great customer service, was knowledgeable about the service, and gave a better estimate than their competitors. I would suggest making an appointment at Brakeman's Auto Repair and support a Black business too! read more

Extremely honest and competent repair guy, friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend for brake jobs.

I meant to write this review a couple of months ago. I came across his business from reading these reviews. I was not disappointed! As a woman, I did not feel I was taken advantage of or givin an outrageous price. He is kind and up front on process. My front brakes needed serious changing and it was amazing braking smooth again and two months later the same! I will definitely go back for future services and highly recommend! read more

I have been sitting on these new set of rotors, brake pads and rear calipers for a little while and after looking around I settled on Ray at Brakeman's and all I can say is 10/10. Brought my car 8am and I get a call around noon "cars ready"! Lexus dealership quoted me almost 2k parts and labor, I left brakeman's only paid 400 labor (my own parts only 500 lol). Amazing service and my new go to one too . read more

Went to Brakeman's based on reviews and I was not disappointed. I drive a 2007 Toyota Landcruiser that had a seized caliper and some "play" in the right front. Ray got me in quick and was great to work with. Parts for my truck are somewhat limited but Ray was able to get them quick enough. He kept me informed along the way. He even found an issue that the dealer caused and was the reason for the play in right front (worn wheel baring due to bad install at dealership a few years ago). Truck is now driving great. Customer service and quality of work were top notch. Value was great as well. I would not hesitate recommending to anyone that needs breaks - go see Ray at Brakeman's Auto. read more

Great service! One of my passenger-side tires was making a noise when I drove and I was experiencing wobbling in the pedal when I braked. I called Ray on a Friday morning to schedule an appointment and he told me to come right over. After explaining my situation, he said he would look at both the front and back brakes, and I returned home. Within an hour he called me and explained that my front rotors definitely needed to be replaced. He explained that the wobbling in the pedal was likely the back brakes and that fixing all four was the safest option. However, he gave me the option to only fix the front brakes which would be cheaper, but I would have to return if the problem persisted. I opted to fix all 4 brakes and received another call to pick up my car about 3 hours after that. Parts and labor were very affordable. Will definitely return! read more

Was quoted an exorbitant price by a dealership, brought my car to Ray. Took my car the next day, he was so kind, great price, did the repairs quickly. was extremely thorough, and followed up the same day to see how my car felt, and then followed up to ensure I knew what repairs he did on my car and what might need to be done in the future. Highly, highly reccomend him- great pricing, incredible service, and and a wonderfully kind person to work with!!! will only use Ray from now on! read more

Ray at Brakeman's Auto Repair is phenomenal, and I recommend anyone and everyone go see him. I went to Ray after having a number of disappointing interactions with other auto mechanics who had done work on my car, a 2008 Corolla (replaced struts and wheel bearing) but were unable to help fix a grinding noise that began after the work was done. Whereas other mechanics said the issues were "standard and just how it was," Ray was detail-oriented and very knowledgeable, taking the time to examine my car and diagnose the actual issues (defective wheel bearing and lack of washers on the back of bolts, leading to scraping on my brake rotor). None of the other mechanics I went to noticed or took the time and care to look into these potentially dangerous problems. Ray ended up replacing my brake rotors and pads, all same-day service, maintaining professional and prompt communication, and also showing me what issues were impacting my car (which components were impacted and what needed fixing). He recommended I go back to my original mechanic for a new wheel bearing, because my defective one was still covered under warranty, to help me save money, despite doing wheel bearing replacement work himself. Ray's transparency, honesty, and stellar character are so hard to find these days, and I am so grateful to him for fixing my car and keeping it in safe, working order! He charges very reasonable rates for his good work, and was also incredibly thoughtful in having me go back for a pro-bono re-check to make sure my car was working properly after the issues were finally fixed (and he noticed some bolts that needed tightening then, too!). I will be taking my car back to him for any future issues and highly recommend that people stop by to see him if they have brake, suspension, or muffler issues. read more

I had read about Brakeman's in a local FB group. Raymond was really nice and able to fit me in the next day! He fixed my brakes quickly and the cost was very reasonable, I definitely recommend! Small shop, mechanic is the owner. Support local Black-owned businesses! read more

I needed all four of my brake pads and rotors changed. Ray and his son are absolutely the best mechanics and did an awesome job on my car. Ray made sure to keep me updated on the progress of the job and was extremely knowledgeable. His son is also an excellent mechanic. I would definitely recommend Brakeman to anyone that needs their cars brakes seen to. read more

I've never had an easier, quicker, or more cost effective trip to the mechanic. I dropped my car off last Friday at 11:30a and had new front brakes by 2:15p. It was so great because I thought I might not get it done until Monday. I would highly recommend heading here for any brake issues you have. read more

It's rear that you find an honest and fair mechanic that performs quality work on your vehicle: Roy is one of those individuals. He changed the rotors and pads on vehicle in a timely manner and charged a more than reasonable and fair rate. I would highly recommend his business, Brake's Auto Repair. read more

My car has not been repaired yet and I already trust Raymond. I called about 5 mechanics about an axel repair. They all charged me twice as much as Ray did. My car has not even been repaired and I already will be coming back. I don't usually write reviews but Raymond is worth it! Thank you in advance! Recommend 100% read more

My car lost 80% of its brake function and I needed help fast. Ray was able to take me the same day. He provided a very fair estimate, and got the work done that day. Thanks Ray! read more

I honestly don't even do reviews, but Ray is the man! A kind and helpful soul. Fixed my brakes in a jiffy before the Fourth of July and helped fix another problem for me. If you need your brakes done or hesitant to go somewhere, he's your guy. Thanks again Ray! read more

If you need some work done on your car, do yourself a favor and talk to this man first. Even though it wasn't his normal area of work, Ray replaced the manifold converter on my 2004 Camry a couple years back. Another local shop quoted me something insane - over $1000 for parts that were not even OE. Ray did the job for less than half of that. Next time I need work done on my brakes, I'll be coming through here. You should too. read more

Ray at Brakeman's Auto Repair was a so great to work with, especially when it comes to being a woman trying to get her darn car fixed, which can be intimidating! From the start, Ray was so kind and had a great sense of humor, which put me at ease and I immediately trusted that I was in good hands. I was getting my entire muffler system replaced, and Ray went through the trouble to take a thorough and detailed video of the damage underneath my car and text it to me so I knew exactly what needed replacing, and what each part does for the car. He was very straightforward about pricing and helped me save some money! What happened a few days after his initial look at my car was what proves Ray is such an amazing person: I had to drive my car one last time with the muffler that needed replacing, and it ended up being the moment that my muffler fell half out of my car on the highway, and started dragging, ah! After calling AAA, I called Ray and he went out of his way to come to the shop (on a Sunday evening) to put my car in the garage when I got there! He was extremely easy to reach, primarily communicating via text, with a casual trustworthy nature, and I appreciated that so much. Like I said, sometimes it can be frustrating having a car in Boston, and needing service as a woman can feel like you're always about to be swindled out of money for services you don't need, but I never felt that way with Ray! :) read more

Ray is a very professional & nice guy. He does excellent work in a timely manner, and charges a fair price. I would give more than 5 stars if I could. read more

Ray is a life saver! I could hear something was not right in my Envoy and I gave the business a call after reading some other great reviews about Ray. He answered right away and told me to come in. He recognized I needed new brakes and rotors and that it was urgent; I should not have been driving! He got the parts installed quickly and I was back on the road in a couple hours. Ray is friendly and offers a more than fair price. Anytime I need undercarriage work I will always go to Ray first. Call him now ! read more

Ray replaced some sway bar end links for a very reasonable price and charges about half what I would have paid in Newton. Why go anywhere else when you can support an independent shop like this? I would definitely recommend. read more

I found Ray to take a look at my loud old car. He is kind, patient, calm, careful, and honest. Ultimately he referred me to another repair service to do the work as it wasn't in his scope. Refused to take any $ despite spending time over two days looking at my car. Will be back soon for Ray to do my brakes. A true gem! read more

I've seen Ray twice now. Both occasions have been a welcomed break from the stresses of seeing your average mechanic. The first time, I heard a consistent scraping noise coming from the rear of my car. Turns out NE weather had completely eaten away at some part of the brake system that necessitated replacement. Ray diagnosed the issue and made the necessary (not optional!) replacements for a price I found to be more than fair, given the comparisons for similar work around the city. The second time, my brakes seized and were emanating a white smoke and awful smell each time I drove. I quickly went back to Ray to have it checked out. This is where I realized I'd finally found an honest and knowledgable guy to come to. Turns out there are two common issues that caused my problem: a broken line or faulty calipers. Faulty calipers are way more expensive. Ray took his time to investigate - raised the car and took apart everything behind the wheel - to figure out what was wrong. When he came back to me, he told me the line had failed and needed to be replace, while the caliper was intact. He then gave me a price for the job min $100 less than I'd have gotten otherwise, did the work, and rebuilt my caliper for free because it "didn't look right" to him, and he wanted to make sure everything was in order. As a student, I'm always looking for the best bang for my buck, and with mechanics, it always feels like a coin flip. Finally found an honest guy who genuinely knows what he's doing. Don't hesitate to come through! Strongly endorse. Edit: Forgot to mention that each time I came, Ray was able to get the parts and do the work right away. Huge bonus. read more

My brakes started screeching halfway between Agawam and Boston, not a sound you want to hear at 65mph on the pike! I came by Ray's at 8:30 the next morning to drop my car off and he had it ready the same afternoon (all four brakes replaced and rotors checked) for way less money than I'd be charged somewhere else. Ray is straightforward and thorough - he explained what he wanted to do and why, and his work is impeccable. I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

I brought my car to Ray to have pads and rotors replaced. He had open availability and a fast turn around, and also did the job for $200 less than another shop estimated. Ray is a super nice guy in a small independent shop. I am happy to support him. He also took care of a small problem with my emergency brake while he was working on the car, just because he happened to notice it. Super wonderful experience! read more

Ray at Brakeman is a jewel. He does excellent work at a very good price. And he is quick, taking a customer that shows up at his door with an urgent situation and having them in tip-top shape by afternoon. A dealer would have charged at least twice as much! He guarantees his work and will put anything right if needed. However I doubt that happens very often. They've been in business since 1957 and have built a network of trust. It is a cash-based business, although he will try to accommodate someone in financial stress. I needed all 4 brakes totally replaced, and with the excellent job he did I don't expect that I will need to be back for quite a while. But I know where I'll go again when something else comes up! read more

Ray was so incredibly kind and helpful. He not only gave me a fair price for a ton of work (and even did a bit without even charging me), but got it done super quickly too. What I really appreciated was him showing me the work that he did and teaching me about how all the parts work together afterwards. He's a very honest and hard worker and I will 100% be using him in the future and recommend him to anyone looking for repairs! It's truly rare to find such an honest business and can be stressful to find new mechanics, so it's definitely a gem in JP! read more

As a Women, I often feel intimidated when going to get my car repaired. I was taken to this old time garage by a friend who has gone there for years. No name on the building, no phone number posted. They open at 8:00. I got there at 8:00, and the mechanic introduced himself as Ray. He put it on the lift, and told me what was needed. I had gotten a quote from one of those famous muffler companies who quoted me over $1600. I was given the option of repairing the existing muffler by installing new flanges or a new muffler. I opted for the replacement since both flanges were bad and he had indicated that there was additional rusty areas and I plan to drive this 13 year old Toyota for a few more years.. Replacement parts and labor was under $450. Their business card says Quality Friendly Service with a Smile and I agree completely. I understand that they do specialty repairs limited to brakes, mufflers and suspensions (I think that is what you call it..).but you should call and ask. read more

So, usually I walk into an auto shop and people want to walk all over me like I have no idea what I am talking about. When I went to Ray, he was super honest and straightforward. He told me exactly what I needed and didn't try to get me to buy anything I didn't need. He is wonderful. The service was VERY quick and very precise. He explained to me exactly what was going on and precisely explained what he had fixed. I strongly recommend going here. read more

I had a good experience here. The staff was very friendly, knowledgable, and kept me informed through out the whole process. I appreciated the professionalism and look for forward to using this service station in the future. read more

What can I say about Ray? Not enough good things. He ALWAYS shoots me straight. It's refreshing to be around character like this. I'm glad my car doesn't break down a lot but if it did, Ray is my go to. HIGH recommendation. read more

My brakes were a bit squeaky, so I took my car in for Ray to check out. He told me that they were fine and didn't need to be replaced, and that the brake pads themselves were causing the squeak. He also tightened my tires, all free of charge. He was super friendly and I'll definitely return. read more

I had a problem with my brakes. Ray was very communicative the whole time that my car was in the garage, and he even drew me a picture of the car's brake system to explain exactly what the problem was and which parts he had replaced. read more