If you own a vintage car this is the place. They helped me restore and now maintain my 1971 SS EL Camino. Fair good prices and awesome staff. A+ read more

I just want to say I was so happy with this place!! Fixed my husband's truck in a few hours!! Air conditioning problem. Ben the owner found out what was happening right away. Thank you very much Ben. I can say I will be back to have things done there for my cars read more

I had brought my car here in the past on a recommendation from my normal mechanic (which I love and is super trustworthy) to get my air up and running on my older (but new to me) vehicle. All was ok that time (over 5 years ago). Recently, the lever that controls the temperature broke and was no longer able to change the temp from hot to cold or cold to hot. I took it to these guys and although they were busy, they were able to manually switch my air back to cold from the heat that it was stuck on. He said to bring it back Monday or Tuesday and they would take off the dash to see what the problem was. He quoted the dash removal at about $80 bucks and then any repair after that would be additional. I was impressed with this and was eager to return. I returned that Tuesday to leave my car all day. I filled out the intake form distinctly stating the issue with the lever but mentioned nothing about my air not being cold enough as it worked well enough for me to get the job done. The guys went straight to work under my hood (which I thought was strange since I told them the problem was the lever located in the dash...but hey what did I know). They called me about an hour later to say they needed to repair a couple hoses and do yadda yadda additional for a total of $440. I asked well is that going to fix the lever?? And the guy goes "Oh! You're the girl from the weekend! I have to call you back. But do you want the other work done?" This is where I made my mistake. Being that I don't understand cars, I said "I guess if it has to done??" I authorized the "repairs." He calls me back like 5 hours later to say they took the dash off and the part I need to fix the temp lever is no longer manufactured but he might have found one for $150. This cost would be additional and he didn't know if it was actually the right one for my car (mind you, I've since found the full A/C dash unit containing the part I need on ebay for $70-$80). He said we could order it another time and fix it then on a later date. RESULT: I spent nearly FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS for repairs I didn't need nor did I come in for and STILL HAVE NO CONTROL OF TEMPERATURE. The shop blatantly disregarded the repair I wanted and just went to town to find "other issues" that they could get me on knowing that I wouldn't know what they are talking about and would probably just approve it. I'm sorry this is so long but I want others, especially females, to be weary of using their services without a presence of a male that knows something about cars (sad to say, but at this place it's true)! These people took advantage of me and I will not be returning. read more

Was just recommending Burbank Auto Doctor to someone and went over to Yelp to grab the link to their page and couldn't believe I hadn't yet written a review! So I'm going to correct that right now, because these guys are the BEST. I always tell friends/people I recommend the shop to the story of how years ago I was told by the dealer that my car needed $3500 worth of repairs. I took it to Ben (who was still at Midas at the time) for a second opinion and he examined it and said all I needed was an alignment and new tires. The grand total for that was like $350, a tenth of the dealer's estimate! When I had to get a new car, they also inspected it *several* times and discovered an oil leak which of course Carmax hadn't noted. I took the car back and had to fight with Carmax to get it fixed. In short, Ben and Jason and the guys who work for them are far and away the best, and completely honest. I've sent tons of people to them and everyone has been so happy with them. They also have great hours... they open at 8am so that you can get your car in before work. read more

Omg! What a Blessing to find this place Burbank Auto Doctor. My air conditioner went out a week ago and I didn't know where to take it. I decided to go on yelp and BINGO I found them. It turned out that one of the previous repair shops I had taken my car to in the past Mickey Mouse my wires and the wires were fried. My car could of started on Fire. These guys are my go to repair shop till death do is part. They are honest and reasonable and friendly too. read more

Burbank Auto Doctor - My fried wires - Auto Repair Near Me - Burbank, California

I just moved to the Burbank area and I needed to have some immediate work done on my car. I looked online and saw that Burbank Auto Doctor had some great reviews... and there is a reason why. I was warmly welcomed when I first walked in the door. The place was clean and very inviting with all the historic artifacts and Hot Wheels. I need my car because I use it for my business. They got my car done ahead of what was expected and I was back on the road in no time. Great place and I will gladly be bringing my car back. read more

Finding an honest mechanic, well, sucks. Burbank Auto Doctor was so awesome in getting my AC fixed without any runaround. This is for a 2005 BMW X3, which other mechanics seem to think is a sign that I should be overcharged. Not with the Auto Doctor! They fixed the problem in a few hours and the price ended up being an hour or so of labor and a couple belts (few dollars each). Highly recommend these guys! read more

Went to get my oil changed at Burbank Auto Doctor for the first time today and saw this little kitten under a car. Turns out the guys working had been trying to lure her out but weren't having much luck. Since I work for a pet food company, there is rarely a day I don't have pet food in my car, so I grabbed a can of cat food which distracted her enough for one of the guys to grab her. They think she arrived in one of the old cars that they had been working on. She's pretty feral and feisty but is now in good hands with one of the sweet guys who works there. Glad to find a nice place to get car stuff done that does good work, has friendly service, and are good people too. read more

Burbank Auto Doctor - This kitten was rescued by the guys at Burbank Auto Doctor! - Auto Repair Near Me - Burbank, California

I went in with a broken AC. I had refilled my system twice myself (A/C PRO) and it kept going warm eventually. One would assume there is a leak since it blows cold air when there is refrigerant in the system. Im not an AC mechanic though, I fix corporate information systems (servers) for a living. Anyhow, they said it would be 70 bucks for the diagnostics and when they found out what was wrong, they would apply that 70 bucks to the fix. Seemed fair. OK well they didn't give me a diagnosis. They couldnt find a leak. I was still charged 175 bucks so they could put dye in there (that is AFTER the $70 credit for the diag). Wait, if you need to put dye in the system to find out where the leak is, isn't that part of the diagnostics? What am I getting charged for? To help you do your job? Im supposed to go back in 2 weeks now so they can find out where the leak is. Problem is they already credited me 70 bucks for a diag test that was inconclusive. That's right folks, I got charged 245 - 70 = $175 to make it easier for them to find out what is actually wrong. NOTHING IS FIXED. You read that right, im 175 in the hole and no closer to knowing why my AC keeps going warm. 1 star for now. To be fair, he offered to not charge me for Freon when I took it back. That would be a 70 dollar credit when I get it fixed. But then I still paid 100 bucks to make it easier on them to find the leak basically. Ive never paid anyone to make a diagnosis easier. I usually pay once a problem is resolved. I feel like they are just going to tack on an extra 70 bucks to the "fix" and then "credit" me for the Freon. Kinda bummed I went to this place. Unfortunately, I wouldnt recommend going here to anyone. Ill update this post after I return from my "fix" and let you know the damage. On a side note, I also asked them to look at a loud noise from my front wheel when I turn left. They called me and said that they didn't hear any noises first. I drove all the way back there, and after a 2 minute ride with a tech, they understood what I was talking about. Not sure how you could miss that noise really. The diag on that? They couldn't find out what was wrong with that either. They said they could TRY and change the rotor (300 bucks) but cant guarantee that is whats making the noise. Yep, another 300 bucks to help them determine if that's the issue. Im taking the truck to Elegant Auto Sport who has fixed every single issue ive had for quite some time (with my Sentra which I no longer own, and our minivan). Insanely reasonable rates, and they are very fast. Unfortunately, they don't do AC. read more

I was burning up one April afternoon when I realized I would not be able to go another day with out freezing cold air blasting in my face! I turned to yelp to guild me to the ac shop to save me and sure enough Greg and the tech were quick to help me and quickly got to the bottom of my trucks air conditioning problems ! Fixed in under and hour and for a better price then I had been given else where ! I am type this while sipping a caramel frap in my cold AC ! Thanks everyone ! read more

These guys are amazing. They spent 5 hours almost on my car and didn't charge me one penny. I would refer them and I would go back without hesitation. I hope they stay in business for a very long time. Veery nice people and very cool office. read more

These guys are the best ever (next to good ol' Dad)! Ben and his team always take great care of my car and me. Highly, highly, recommend. read more

I'm sorry to hear about the 1-star reviewers experience My breaks were making an awful noise after I had to make an abrupt stop on the freeway. My Father would usually be the first person I would go to see, he's been rebuilding engines and working on cars of all makes and models for 40plus years, but this was an emergency and he lives an hour away. Some local businesses offer discounts to my companies employees, Burbank Auto Dr was on the list and they were close so I decided to give them a call. From my first call Jason was very patient and helpful. I took my car in and left it there again Jason and his team made me feel like they would care of my car as if it was their own. A couple of things from my experiences there 1) i like that they if they charge you a diagnostic fee, they subtract it from any service 2) they always tell you if an issue is critical, if it does not HAVE to be fixed right away but should be, they aren't pushy about it, they just want you to be informed. 3) they remember you! 4) they are pretty quick, and if they are backed up or can not get it done right away, they tell you 5) they are friendly and take their time answering questions I will and have recommended these guys to my friends and family read more

Nope I have a 89 F350 and in 94 they went through the entire system and charged me over $2400 with the claim the hoses and connections were now good "forever" and that Ford uses garbage. Sounds reasonable so I went for it to include a new pump. In 2013 they tell me the hoses and connections are shot and all need to be replaced again and a recharge on the system. Just over $4000 this time? When I showed the tech my bill from 94 he said that was not them and THEN any warranty has expired. From 94-13 the truck has 8,000 miles because it is an RV (Lance Camper) For $165 I had the system recharged again and it is all fine so they did what they were paid for in 94 read more

No stars! The shop is horrible. Be very leery of the positive glowing reviews here - sounds like shills, friends or family members. Here's my story, brace yourselves. I brought my car in for a repair, finally after days back & forth with them not knowing what was wrong they diagnosed it - again. First it was one thing, then another, ironically, all the problems they thought it could be were curiously MORE expensive each time than the original quote. Sure (sarcastic)! Then, a week later, another part on my car that was absolutely fine suddenly breaks. I could swear they damaged this part while it was in their shop. However, I give them the benefit of doubt but start to ask around about this guy - since I hear the shop has a new owner. Well am I glad I asked! I find out this shop's head mechanic and same guy who possibly broke a part in my car, is Ben, the same guy who worked at a Midas shop in Burbank who was let go. Years ago Ben did a break job on my car @ Midas that he royally botched. A brake job that nearly killed me, when twice the brakes failed because Ben didn't do a simple brake job correctly! At the time I have Ben install new brakes, I have to return next day to have the brakes re-fixed because they fail on me. Ben says he can't find anything wrong with them, tells me they are fine. So, I leave, figure it was a fluke or something, But no, AGAIN the very next day the brakes fail when I'm coming down the hill on Muholland. Great! REALLY Ben, the brakes are fine????? Wow! This Ben is a menace! What decent human being doesn't give a sh$@ about a customer with dangerously failing brakes?? Guess it's just not that important to him. Again, really? They are brakes, you need them to stop your car! I thought I was going to die that day. So, I finally get a decent mechanic to fix brakes, and they tell me all the air wasn't bleed outta the breaks and whoever did them was Incompetent. I also paid this mechanic on top of the first charge to Ben. To find out this same Ben is at this shop is such a Godsend, as I now know to absolutely, positively stay away from this shop! Also - besides shoddy work & long turnaround time, his prices are extremely sky high. Like I said, I was there to bring back my car for them to fix a part I am SURE they broke, and while I am there, I get a quote for a minor repair and they quote me $200 or so on a job that another shop later quotes me $65 for. Oh and don't wear flashy jewelry or expensive watches, I could swear they charged me extra because they saw me wearing an expensive watch. In my only two dealings with this man, I have had horrible and quite dangerous experiences. My advice BEWARE and STAY AWAY out of 1) a safety issue, and 2) thriftiness. Spend you hard-earned money elsewhere, this shop is bad news all around! read more

So, gotta say a couple of things about this place and this will be over the course of 2 different visits in 2 weeks. So I went initially because i recently started working in Burbank and it was right down the street from the WB lot where I work. What was originally quoted at being over 1,000 bucks went down to about 600 and I was very pleased. Changed my camshaft sensor, did some kind of flush (forgot what kind...), O2 sensor...and to my surprise my car ran like BRAND SPANKING NEW! The other problems that I had with my Trailblazer just melted away and I was super stoked that it ran as great as it was the day I got her off the lot. I ended up getting the boys some Del Taco as a token of my appreciation and saving me about $400 bucks. Fast Forward to a week later...my water pump fails. Can I fault them at this? No, just being honest...I mean I think it's kind of crappy that a week after I pick my car up from the shop that my water pump fails, but I cannot fault them on this, especially since my truck has 120K miles on it. So there I go back to the shop to drop it off...and it's another pretty penny about $600. One of the guys punctures my radiator (accidentally) and Ben calls me pretty embarrassed about the whole ordeal but assures me not to worry, that they will replace my radiator free of charge. I appreciated that he was honest...he could have said 'WELL YOU HAVE A RADIATOR LEAK TOO' but he didn't and I appreciated that. So...Chevy sends him the wrong radiator which keeps my truck there for an extra day. Not going to lie...that was kind of annoying, but I can't fault Burbank Auto Doctor on that. Sh!t happens, and I totally understand that. All in all, I appreciate how honest these guys were. Weren't trying to sell me stuff I didn't need...just fixed my ride to make it run as good as new, and it does. Sure I had some hiccups with my service like one of the technicians accidentally popping a hole in my radiator, and Chevy sending them the wrong part, but they did all that they could on their end to make sure that I left a satisfied customer, which I did. They definitely made me a fan and I do trust these guys to work on my truck going forward. Hopefully the next time I go in is just for an oil change, but if it happens to be more, then I know they'll take care of me :) Thank you boys! read more

Really good service! They are professionals. Work quickly and most importantly took care of my car. I recommend to everyone!

These guys did a great job repairing my air conditioner on my 96 chevy truck. They ordered the parts which came in super fast and before you knew it the job was done and the price was right. I will go to them again. read more

I would give them a five star. Might be too soon to say but they seem to have done a great job. I chose to take a chance and go through an independent garage as Volkswagen wanted to charge me close to $600 for my 40,000 mile service and they did it for $415 total w/taxes. So far so good. read more

Ben runs a great shop! Brought my car in for A/C repair, and Ben was straightforward when it came to the repair, telling me I could probably get by the winter with what's coming out now. And we can always reassess when Summer rolls around, saving me about $900 at the time. That kind of honesty from a mechanic is tough to find. So many try to scare you into costly repairs. Finding a genuinely GOOD shop can always be a challenge. Having someone like Ben is invaluable, and gives you piece of mind that if something needs to be done on your car, it really needs to be done. And he's going to do a good job and charge a fair price. read more

Best auto shop I've experienced in SoCal. Very nice crew, obviously experts at what they do. Did a quick and efficient fix when I needed it. Definitely coming back here first thing for anything vehicle-related. read more

It's hard to find a trust worthy auto mechanic. And I trust these guys 110%. They're honest, well knowledge in all cars, very friendly, AND do a great job at getting me reasonable prices for replacement parts. I've gotten anywhere from oil change to rebuild there. My wife goes there for her car, and so does many of my friends now. Let's put it this way, I live 20+ miles away... but I come here for oil change every time. I say for all you people out there with horror stories about auto mechanic shops charging and doing jobs on your car that you don't need.... bring your car here. They'll take care of you. read more

I've been going to Ben for car repairs for over 10 years...I have never once felt swindled or had a shoddy job done on any of my three vehicles. He, Jason and Lee are all competent, honest mechanics who notice and fix things before I ever know it's a problem, and don't attempt to repair anything that doesn't need it. No one is trying to sell me a radiator or engine flush on top of my oil change. I'm sorry that others have had bad experiences here - my guess is that it was a poor mechanic who is no longer employed there. I have recommended Burbank Auto Doctor to friends who were all highly satisfied. read more

I love this shop!! Ben and his workers have taken excellent care of my car, after accurately diagnosing my car issues. Literally diagnosing, as in taking out a stethoscope to listen to my engine lol. Ben is very very honest, tells me what needs to be done and what doesn't, or what can wait. And that information is worth its weight in gold. Thanks Ben and Car Doctors - you have saved me and your honesty is so appreciated! I will be back with all my car needs! read more

Best mechanics I've found !! I drove my beetle in for an inspection light issue and they WOWED me with their kindness & expertise!! Definitely will be using & recommending for all my car services! read more

I've been here three times - twice when my check engine light appeared, and once when my carburetor was backed up, causing dampness to the floor of my passenger side. For all three visits, I could not have been happier with the service. I am greeted and tended to right away, a diagnostic is performed, and an explanation as to the vehicle's problem is given. I'm so glad I found this shop, as having a mechanic you can trust is so important, especially here in L.A., where we practically live in our cars. read more

I own quirky cars. Parts are hard to find, and troubleshooting can get really expensive. I brought my 73 Triumph in to Auto Doctor, and had Ben repair the AC. One of the parts had a small leak, and that part is nearly impossible to find, yes even used. I have been trying all the car clubs, and so on. Ben took this on, and decided to repair the delicate part, and weld it himself. Leak fixed, AC components checked, filled, and Off I go. Super chilly , wicked cool AC in my quirky car. I have brought my other quirky cars to Burbank Auto Doctor, and they have done a great job, and I have never thought twice about the price. Super fair people, and dive in, and get the job done. If you happen to have an older car, they will take it on. read more

Definitely recommend the shop for all of your mechanical needs. Ben can work on your classic cars or your newer cars. They are very honest which is hard to find in a mechanic. I drive out of my way to always go to them read more

This place is great , Ben the owner is a stand up man , he is the best ,as far as the staff , they are all very friendly &helpful ... Thank you for all you did for Barney , my 2000 4 runner & me ........ read more

We've been coming to Burbank Auto Doctor for many years. Ben (the owner) runs an honest, tight ship of expert mechanics that have always done the best job possible on our vehicles. His staff, especially Mike, have always treated us with respect and a professional, friendly attitude. I highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for a good mechanic. They are the best in town! read more

I've been coming here for a year and half or so and this place is great. They're honest, affordable, pleasant to deal with, and they won't judge you for falling asleep in their waiting area. What more could you ask for? Come early, this place gets busy fast! read more

Ben & Jayson serviced my car for an oil change. I had some questions about my car, things I wanted price quotes on, etc. They both have excellent communication skills, which is incredible for a mechanic. They're just down to earth people who don't brush u off like other mechanics I know. I didn't leave w/ unanswered questions which is the first time ever for me, i'm an inquistive kind of guy. Excellent, expedient, really friendly service. These are the kind of people that u can build a customer- relationship with. I've already recommended friends and family to them. I'll be back soon. read more

I've been taking my cars to Ben and his crew for seven years now. Ben, Jason, that English chap whose name I can't remember, they're all great guys, and more importantly, HONEST. They've kept my cars running--sometimes many miles more than I expected. They have also let me know when I could hold off on a repair. As someone on a tight budget, I really appreciate that. They don't always have good news to impart (no car runs for free), but I always know I'm getting a fair shake at the Auto Doctor. I don't even live in Burbank anymore and yet I still bring my car across LA to these guys. Looking at the other postings, it seems that the 5-star reviews are all from loyal customers and the 1-stars are from one-timers. My advice to the 1-stars is to try other garages. Maybe you'll find someone better suited to your needs. But a word of warning: In the pond of auto mechanics, there are some real, genuine sharks (and I can assure you Ben is not one of them). My advice to someone who has never been to the Auto Doctor? Give these guys an honest chance. They always call you with the price before they fix anything, and in seven years, I have never seen Ben or Jason act rudely toward anyone (even when customers were rude to them). Frankly I would trust this crew to work on my grandmother's car. Give them a shot. Decide for yourself. read more

After having my a/c system worked on last year, wouldn't you know on a Friday afternoon on in the Mojave desert it stopped. So Saturday I pulled into the shop and the the Compressor had issues just after the warranty expired. Ben, worked with me and I have to say they were more than fair. Unfortunately parts were not available that day but luckily they adjusted the belts so i could drive the car till they came in. Thank guys. read more

I have a 1986 K5 Chevy Blazer that had an engine oil leak. I showed it to a bunch of people in town and all of them took a quick glance at it and said it is your rear main seal. Someone mechanics said they dont chase leaks other said don't waste your time with this leak. Pay us $3,800 and we will pop in a brand new crate motor, even though my current engine was running fine as was recently rebuilt. Ben at the Burbank Auto Doctor was the only one that was experienced enough to send me to a car wash and have the bottom on the truck detailed and everything around the bell housing cleaned so he could see exactly where the leak was coming from. He eventually identified the leak to be coming from the intake manifold and the oil pan gasket. Replaced everything and now I am bone dry under my truck and I can park in my driveway without a nasty embarrassing stain. Ben was not only kind and bold enough to take on the leak, he was honest with what was the source of the problem and charged me a very very reasonable fee. I can just imagine someone unethical mechanic to be out there that would of claimed it was the rear main seal, done exactly what Ben did and charged an arm and a leg. Moving forward I would not go elsewhere. Ben is the Best!!! read more

vehicle (1995 GMC Vandura G1500 ) was making terrible noise a cry / steering off.. Ben/Mike were recommended so i drove there - they kept it two days . Ben-Mike said there was NOthing wrong and charged me $67 to 'looksee' ~barely made it home. Called Ron Clark Lube Zone on Victory he said ROCKY'S COMMERCIAL AUTO was THE PLACE. Zach took and kept for two days : PS reservoir low/PS pressure hose leaking /PS return hose leaking / PS gear box leaking / PS pump leaking : Steering Gear Complete/ remove and replace G1500 Power Steering w/Stabilizer Bar - manual/Power Rack&Pinion, Worm & Ball Nut and Rack & Piston assemblies/ adjust Toe-in on Rack & Pinion models. THIS is the NOthing wrong to the white haired lady with the old vehicle that Ben/Mike said "Go home. There is NOthing wrong." NOW the vehicle drives as it did when new - smooth, soundless.. sad sad - perhaps the boys at BAD (burbank auto doctor) hadn't looked as all of this is HARD TO MISS ~ white haired - female - older vehicle - that they got. read more

Ben is a great guy that does great work. I met him when he was with Midas and I'm happy to see he's still around. Don't believe the negative reviews, give the shop a chance first! You won't be sorry! read more

Yo I love this place ! They always have the most enthusiastic employees and the best service ! I don't even look for another place to go because they make you feel welcomed and also educate you on what you need to know. Mike is a really cool dude too, everyone there loves their job. Respect to this place , come get your car fixed, this is the place guaranteed. read more

I have been a customer at Burbank Auto Doctor since 2010. I was referred by a friend when I moved to the valley and she had been going to see Ben and his mechanics for several years already. I need a place where I wouldn't feel taken advantage of, and where I could trust the people working on my car to diagnose whatever problem was arising and fix it with expertise and fair pricing for the parts and labor. I'm not a car expert by any stretch of the imagination, so it was a huge relief to find Ben and his shop be exactly the kind of place I wanted when I needed work done on my car. My car at the time was a 2000 VW New Beetle, which seemed to have problems every 8 months or so. I got to know Ben and his staff fairly well because of the regular maintenance required on that car, and the occasional major repair/fixes. Each time, with a smile and a jolly demeanor, Ben and his team were able to help me out, fix my wheels and get me back on the road as quickly as possible. Later, I bought a used Prius which had the occasional issue here and there. Ben was able to quickly discern what issues were in most need of repair and was able to effect those repairs just as quickly. They've also expanded into the building next door, now boasting a clean, comfortable, air-conditioned lobby and waiting area, complete with a big screen TV with Netflix and toys for the kids while you wait. In the California summer heat, this is a boon for sure, and most appreciated by me -- I can read my paperback in comfort while I wait for my regular oil change, or watch along with the Penguins of Madagascar with the other kids waiting with their parents. In short, I simply cannot recommend them highly enough (though I also likewise will not miss any opportunity to do so!) If you live in the valley or even if you don't, if you want a great repair shop led by a decent human being who will take care of you and not rip you off but instead treat you like a fellow human being, Burbank Auto Doctor is the place for you. I've given it five stars here but I'd give them a hundred if I could. read more

My beloved 1995 Ford Taurus started its life out in the wild and woolly climes of Long Island, and eventually migrated across the Sound to Connecticut, where it came into my possession. It suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous winters there -- salt, snow, sleet, and the dread grey slush. Bleh. We weren't terribly concerned that the air con didn't work, until we decided to up sticks and move 3,000 miles west to Burbank. In preparation for the drive, which started in late June, we decided to get the air con fixed back in New Haven. Ouch. We were told the condenser had cracked, and it would need to be replaced. On a '95 Taurus, this means the entire dashboard would need to be taken out, and would cost around $1,000. We were given a work-around tide-me-over fix of just putting some sealant in the lines, recharging the system and hoping for the best. It worked! Well, for 4 months it worked. In October, the charge finally petered out and when we tried to recharge it, it wouldn't hold. We kept putting off the inevitable, until we had a hot spell recently. I knew I needed to shell out at last, and cough up the requisite cabbages. My husband had asked around for recommendations for an air con specialist, and was told Salerno's was the place to go in Burbank. I gave them a call on Wednesday afternoon. I told Terry (the miracle-worker who has restored the cold in my car) what the CT mechanic had said; Terry said he found it hard to believe that my condenser had cracked, seeing as he had worked on many, many Tauruses of that vintage and had never seen a crack like that. He told me to bring it in -- diagnosis would cost $70 and that could be credited to any work I needed to have done. I showed up at 8am, when they opened. Terry had me fill in the paperwork, and reiterated his belief that my previous mechanic was wrong. He told me he'd call around lunchtime, and he did with some terrific news -- indeed, it was not the condenser, but a pipe that had corroded from the CT/LI winters. It did not require the dash to come out, could be fixed in a couple of hours and best of all, would only cost me $370. Oh Terry, keep talking like that. It makes a girl's head spin! The car was ready by 4pm, and we went down to collect it. Terry showed us the corroded pipe and all the holes in it -- no wonder it wouldn't keep a charge. For $370+tax, we got diagnosis, repair and recharge of the system. It is now ice cold in the Taurus, and we will hopefully survive another summer in the furnace we call Burbank. In short, Salerno's know what they are doing. They are 30-year air conditioning experts, and the quality of the work, the speed at which it was completed and the price are second to none. If you need to be cool this summer and your air con has gone tits up, go NOW to see Terry and Frank (who is apparently on vacation this week) at Salerno's. read more