I just moved back to the neighborhood and my car had troubles turning on and staying on. I was stressed out and did not want to be stuck at the dealership all day, but luckily I found Cumberland Ave Garage! AAA came to jump my car, and when that didn't solve the problem they towed me here. I didn't know what to expect, but I was so pleased by the kindness and promptness of the team here. I had no appointment and understood I could be without a car for a few days. But within 48 hours my car was working and back to me again. Things that stood out-their team is direct and goes above and beyond for you! They told me everything that I needed to know about my car troubles (ultimately a new battery) and things that I should look into (due for oil change and state inspection). They did all of this work for a reasonable price and I know I'll be coming back here in the future (hopefully with a scheduled appointment and not a breakdown). I highly recommend getting your car serviced here :) The do a great job, and it's walking distance to many great coffee and breakfast options if you have time to kill. read more

Quality of the staff and service. My only regret is that you really need to plan ahead as they book up quickly

This place is a scam. Driving to work one day, my car started shaking, sputtering, and the engine light started flashing. Talk about scary. I hobbled it to work and called my regular garage - Hamilton's - and they didn't have an opening for over a month. I asked them for recommendations - they gave me a few- but all of those were booked for a month out too. Desperate, I hit up Google and found Cumberland Ave Garage. They have great reviews, and they had an opening a week away, so I went for it. These guys said my spark plugs were bad, so they fixed them and charged me around $600. Annoying, but at least it was fixed. Right? No. I drove the car home and noticed the key was really sticking in the ignition. I tried to start it and yank it out and it was giving me a lot of hell. Had never had this problem before, why was it NOW just happening after I got it back from these guys? The morning after I got the car back - less than 12 hours - I started to drive to work again and the SAME. THING. HAPPENED. Sputtering, making weird noises - only this time, more lights came on on the dashboard. I called the garage. They said, "What? Oops. Bring it in." Hours later, they told me they somehow had "missed" the ignition coils, that that was the actual problem. They wouldn't tell me if the actual problem had been spark plugs or ignition coils, but that they fixed both. And thankfully, they didn't charge me for the ignition coils - the one good thing here. Got my car back, and this time the key wouldn't come OUT of the ignition. It was literally stuck in the ignition for hours while I YouTubed tricks of how to get a key out, one of which finally worked. Now, my key will not turn in the ignition at ALL and I can't get my car started. I have now called the garage and asked them for help with fixing the issue. They instead are taking no responsibility and have referred me to another contractor, who is charging $600 to fix it, and that's apparently on the "cheap end." Do I know anything about cars? Not a ton. Is there a chance that the ignition getting weird is a coincidence? Yes. Does it seem likely? No. I feel pretty scammed. The manager is nice, but two major strikes and yer out. Sorry lads! read more

Glad to have found a friendly and reliable neighborhood business! They got my car through my first Maine inspection, and then I went back for a tune-up and fluid check and a mirror replacement. They were great about getting me in for appointments quickly, and once you do the morning drop-off they're on target with getting back to you as soon as possible. Fair prices and a very nice staff to deal with too. Highly recommend! read more

All the stars and appreciation for Cumberland Ave Garage! We had an appointment with them to bring in our car for a full inspection, but a few days before that appt. our vehicle's battery died. After jump starting it, we called Cumberland Ave Garage and they told us to bring the car in earlier, that they'd find a way to fit it on their schedule. From the drop off to the pick up and everything else in between -- they were extremely communicative and service was just simply the best. They called us back quickly with a very honest and fair quote before proceeding with any repairs to the car. When we picked up the vehicle, which was done much sooner than what we anticipated, they walked us through what was fixed. We usually hate dealing with car shops, but we seriously just had the most pleasant experience with Cumberland Ave Garage. They care about the customer, and about what they do, and that's rare to find. read more

These guys were very helpful when I got a flat tire or leak when I was sightseeing. They didn't have what was needed to to lift my Tesla but was able to lift my car when I wen to the Sports shop and got my tire fixed so I can still make it out of town as we originally planned. . read more

Excellent value - a reasonably priced high quality operation. They were very responsive to the issues. Quick.

I have been a customer of the Cumberland Garaage for the past 25 years, through about 3 cars. I have found them efficient and honest through out that time. Nick and Mark are the latest folks on whom I depend. They are good at trouble shooting, honest in their pricing and clear about what needs repair and what doesn't. They always go the extra mile. I recommend them to anyone I know, with no exceptions! Carol Jenkins read more

They've done a super nice job on both of our cars. We initially started doing business with them when the cars needed inspections. One turned up a lot of issues, and we were instantly skeptical, but after doing a little research, it turned out that it was all very reasonable. Recognizing that we were a little put off, this garage gifted us some basic cleaning items so that we could address one of the issues on our own. They also recommended a used tire shop when we said that we were planning on getting rid of our car soon and didn't want to spend money on brand new tires. The work they have done for us has been of excellent quality and reasonable cost. The employees are super polite, friendly, and helpful. Our most recent experience was when we had trouble getting an old, rusted license plate off--we swung by the garage and they used a power tool to help (free of charge). read more

We were optimistic reading the reviews and the proximity to our house. We had done a self read on the computer at an Advanced Auto, so we knew the problem we were looking for. We took our car in and explained the issue. They told us they'd still have to run diagnostics, fine. They called and said our brakes were squeaky, and replaced a headlight without asking first (we asked them to call with issues, and I have spare lights in my glovebox and can change them as needed). They then told us the brakes were working ok. We decided not to have the original issue fixed there (oxygen sensors), and for the diagnostics and a taillight, we were charged $250. Will never recommend this place. read more

Thank you for the safe set-up during COVID, you competence, efficiency, competence, and wonderful notes about the vehicle on the invoice. I received this recommendation from a friend, and I'll drive a very long way to get service here. I drive a Prius, and finding quality care for my vehicle isn't always easy. Thanks to Mark and the crew. read more

While traveling to Maine from New York it seems that we hit a string of bad luck when it came to our car. First it was hitting a deer halfway into the trip then it became that our car wouldn't start on Sunday afternoon. Being that it was a Sunday all mechanics were closed and it was nearly impossible to get a tow. Early Monday morning we called almost every mechanic shop that was recommended to us. Being that we own a foreign car (BMW) no one wanted to see us or they were all booked into the following week. Luckily I stumbled across Cumberland St Garage on Yelp and I'm so happy I did, I honestly don't know how I overlooked them. The garage was about a 6 minute walking distance from our hotel. As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted by Mark. We explained to him our situation, at first he was booked up with appointments but he had a few spots clear up and was able to see up. Because our car wouldn't even start he gave us suggestions on calling our credit card company to use the AAA service that we didn't know we had. Good thing he did, that saved us about 50 bucks on towing service. We dropped the car off on Monday morning as a walk in and was able to drive it home by Wednesday afternoon. Everyone at the shop was super friendly and gave us phone calls to update us on the status of our car. It did take a little bit longer than expected, because they had so many appointments booked, but we were so grateful they were able to take us in the first place. Picking up they car they gave the full rundown of the work done on our car. I would recommend Cumberland Garage to everyone and would like to thank the team again for working on our car and taking care of us at such short notice. read more

For dependable, honest car repairs where the mechanics are on your side, this is the place to go. I've had four cars I've trusted to Salem, Nick and their crew and they've kept them all running in fine shape, helping me out with some exotic issues here and there and generally acting like my automotive advisors. In the close to 10 years we've been using them, I've never had a complaint and they always take the time to walk through the diagnosis to you understand why and what's needed. When stuff is worse than expected or hoped, they're always gentle, and when something NEEDS to get done RIGHT NOW, they're not afraid to put down the tough love. It's clear that this is a shop that takes their customers' safety seriously. read more

This is the best mechanic I've ever been to. Twice I've come by looking for minor repairs/guidance - both times they did the work for free. More importantly, the team at Cumberland is honest and has integrity. You don't need to worry about getting taking advantage of. Look out for Tom in particular - great guy! read more

I didn't have the best experience here today, the staff were very friendly and kind, but as with any garage visit it was full of extra expenses. I was having a seasonal tire swap, I keep summer tires and winter tires on their own rims, and that cost me $92 ! The mechanics stripped my lug nuts and then charged me for new ones. I could have had this service done for free at a place like Town Fair tire, but I wanted to support local business, my mistake. Also the apt took more than an hour, for 4 tires on their own rims... I was told the apt. would take 30 mins, I was there for more than an hour and 15 mins... Disappointing. read more

A love note of appreciation and respect to everyone at Cumberland Ave Garage: CAG has been my go to for almost 3 years. When I first moved here and needed a specific tool to complete a DIY brake repair, CAG lent it to us without having ever met us before. Everyone at this shop is fair and honest. Labor fees are not through the roof and the work is diligent and warrantied. CAG uses quality parts that may be slightly more expensive than the cheapest option, but won't start breaking down at half the mileage you were expecting and thus costing double. They take the time to thoroughly explain any and all needed repairs and are happy to answer any questions or go over estimates again as necessary. The whole team goes above and beyond to make sure you are confident in the money you are spending. Most recently, I got the unfortunate diagnosis of a car needing more repairs than it is worth. Looking for a newer, quality car instead of a beater is new territory for me. Nick, the owner, has spent time on the phone with me, in person when I popped by unannounced and then subsequently also to look over a possible purchase. He has done all of this as a courtesy and because he and this shop cares genuinely about their customers. To Nick, Mark, Salem and the whole crew - thank you for being the exemplary small business you are. It is greatly appreciated and recognized by your client base!!! read more

Great people, fine work, excellent communications, quality and convenience near the west end. They've also got tires at fair prices. I've brought my Ford transit van to them and plan to bring my Subaru when it next needs service. read more

This place is amazing! Under new ownership (since the one star review), they got me in same day both times I needed something. The first time was when buying a car, they got me right in to get it checked out. The second time was prior to driving cross-country and I had an error code going off. I was told about them from my neighbors who are from Portland and have been around. The Cumberland people are so nice and helpful, reasonable and honest. To top it off, they just looked at and fixed my mother in-laws car without charging her anything. These people are very nice! read more

Came in for an inspection ended up with a $62 bill... They found two bulbs that were burnt out one break light and another parking light both were under $1.00 at the local auto parts store. Without asking me if I wanted them to install the bulbs I was charged $36.00 in LABOR ALONE. Had I known I would have done it myself. If you take your car here for an inspection BEWARE OF THE HIDDEN CHARGES. read more

Some of the best techs I have ever known work at Cumberland Avenue Garage. Owned by Bruce Brown who had some connection to the radio show Car Talk on WGAN for many years as I understand it. They are always very thorough. (Sometimes to my dismay as they may uncover underlying problems) They always try to give me 2 repair choices. The best and just what is necessary. They seem to have access to lots of info about a wide variety of automobiles on the computer and were always happy to answer my dumb questions. They are not the cheapest but if your safety is a concern and you care about your car you could do much worse than go to Cumberland Avenue Garage. They also have a fenced in parking lot and a key drop slot which you can get the combination to so you can drop a car off safely the night before. I have used themquite a bit over 10 years to work on a variety of vehicles and had only rarely taken a vehicle somewhere else until I moved a ways away. A previous reviewer dissed them for not being able to fix a junker for nothing. I agree , if you have a junker, you can probably find a cheaper place to get it bandaided temporarily than these guys. If , however, you value quality work and skilled auto techs to stand behind it and want to save money over going to a Dealer yet still ger dealer quaility work, check these guys out. Michael read more

Mechanics, HVAC techs, and dentists.... these are the people I have to trust are doing right by me. Cumberland Ave Garage has proven to be a worthwhile place for our cars and I feel good taking our CR-V there. It's a nice garage, clean, and helpful people working the desk. Salem, the woman who always helps me, is quick with her dry humor but also knowledgeable. The other staff members are equally nice, both offering to drive me somewhere (I couldn't because I had a baby in a car seat) and offered me an umbrella because it was raining when I walked home. The hours are a wee bit tough for pick up and drop off, but some other reviewers mentioned a drop box for keys etc? Haven't look into that one. Look down at the 31 (holy crap, Yelp, really? your filtered *31* reviews? seems odd) filtered reviews. Most of them are positive... The reason Yelp filters these is because they are concerned about businesses essentially stuffing their page with fake high reviews, but most of these seem genuine. They've likely only been filtered out because most of these people only do one or two reviews. So, read through those and make your own assessment. It seems as though the one star review from 2007 (again... come on Yelp) is an anomaly and Peter Brown's is under different management now. read more

Berlin city Honda was going to charge me over $3000 for my car to pass inspection. The guys at Cumberland Ave. Garage suggested that I get my muffler fixed at Lou's Custom Exhaust-- they fixed it for $100. Then Cumberland Ave. Garage inspected my car and found nothing that would make it fail inspection. I've been going there for over 25 years. They are incredibly competent, thorough and honest. They go above and beyond to make sure that my wheels are safe and they're always very fair in their pricing. They also done a lot of diagnostic work for me for free. I am beyond grateful for them. read more

One of the hardest part of being a parent is knowing your kids are taken care of. Being as though I live in Illinois and my Daughter started hearing a knocking noise coming from her car. She took it to the dealer whom she thought would give her a legitimate diagnosis this ended up being the wrong choice. It was diagnosed as an engine and after some searching I found Cumberland Ave Garage. They brought the car in and after spending some time diagnosing the car they found the catalytic converter was coming apart creating the knocking noise. They ordered the part and were able to get it taken care of it in short order. Nissan Dealer Quote $4500 Cumberland Ave Garage out the door $750. Please before you or anyone in your family spends there hard earned money on incorrect diagnosis at the dealer. Give Cumberland Avenue Garage a try you will not be disappointed. read more

They seem, fair, quick & honest. I'm one of those people who don't know shit about cars other than I hate having to own one and pay for it. We use CAG because I'd rather give cash to a family business then a big ass dealership. read more

Excellent service and very honest. Would recommend without hesitation. We were visiting from out of town and they fixed our problem and diagnosed some other issues that they suggested we take care of back home. read more

I rarely write reviews, but the last one written for these guys was back in 2007 and they certainly deserve an updated one. I've been to many garages in the area and without a doubt these guys are the best (I am guessing there is a new owner or something). They are professional, cool, personable, and very serious about what they do. They know each of their customers by name, explain everything in as much detail as you want to know, and always consider the most economic way to fix your problem. While waiting, I slyly listened in on their dealing with other customers and repeatedly heard them explain how, for example, "instead of replacing the whole part, we were just able to put a new spring in there" or "we saved you some money by just straightening it out, instead of getting a whole new unit" (this is all paraphrasing of course). They also work efficiently, get you in an out as quickly as you need, and you can tell by how they communicate with each other that they all get along and are team players. From a quality of work perspective, let's put it this way: I've got a mint 1989 GMC, that I treat as if it my only child. I completely trust these guys and without hesitate bring my vehicle to them instead of the dealership. I even bring my snazzy BMW to these guys as well! In short, the folks at Cumberland Avenue Garage know there is enough honest work out there that they do not need to rip anyone off to earn a buck - yet they go way beyond that. The dig cars, they are kind to their customers, and once you work with them you will only want to bring your automobile here. read more

Excellent garage. Very friendly staff. Always professional, and they know their stuff. As honest as they come. Highly recommended

Of all the auto repair places I have ever been to, these guys were by far the worse. I chose them as I thought they were the closest to my house. I explained that I was working during the time they were open and they would call my cell constantly anyway. There were problems with my transmission and the mechanic looking at it said, without inspecting it, that it was not going to be worth the bother. I was given an estimate of at least $1,500 (the car was maybe worth half that) and I asked if I could have 3 or four days to decide. They began calling me as often as 14 times a day within that requested time. They stated they could not have the car there as they could not afford the room (they had 5 cars in a lot that fit at least 15). Within 4 days they threatened legal action if I did not make a decision despite me leaving a message EVERY DAY my car was there and then charged me about $70 for the estimate. I ended up bringing the car to Three G's tire who only charge me $300 for the repair. UPDATE: I was contacted by the new owners of the garage asking if I would reconsider redoing my review. Were I not 3,000+ miles away now, I would consider trying them again for a new review. read more

Under new ownership, this garage is full service and excellent! Not many people can say that a garage really looks to provide you with the most cost effective way to repair your vehicle but this one actually does. The folks working their are very friendly and professional. I highly recommend them! read more

Love this friendly neighborhood garage. They got me in last minute for an inspection. Great staff too - Salem was extremely helpful and nice. read more

These guys are great. Fantastic customer service as well. Everyone makes it feel as though your problem is their problem. I will be back, and will certainly recommend them to friends. read more

Not cheap, but good at what they do! My alternator started to burn out as I was driving by. My dad loves this place and had me get there ASAP. They could not fix it that day ( a Thursday on Memorial Day weekend) but found me a shop that could. Then they showed me how to conserve power and get there by mostly going downhill. I am happy to bring my car back to them anytime. read more

Got a flat tire and they were able to replace it quickly. I felt like I could trust them, rare for a girl who knows nothing about cars going to the mechanic by herself. I am selling the car soon, and they weren't at all pushy when I asked for it to be done as inexpensively as possible. They literally called a nearby garage, found a cheap tire, and ventured out in the snow to get it for me. Also, fantastic magazine selection while you wait! read more

These guys go out of their way to explain what my car needs and how they plan on completing the repair. Pricing is upfront and fair. If I had to send my mother to a garage by herself this would be the one! read more

I was in Portland for a couple of days on vacation. Only a couple of hours into my stay, I managed to pop a tire. I frantically Googled where I could bring my car and stumbled on Cumberland Ave. Garage. I got the car to them and within 20 minutes my tire was plugged and I was only charged $20 for the fix. It was honestly the best service I could have ever asked for. I highly recommend this garage and now I know that if I ever wind up in the Portland area again I know who to call. read more

Nick and Salem are the BEST! Windshield wipers fell victim to this morning's sleet and frozen rain. Called the garage at 9am. Salem ordered and received new wipers before 10; I was in the shop at 10:15; Nick had the new wipers installed by 10:30! For auto repair and/or upgrade I will never go anywhere else in Portland. read more

I had my Jeep break down way up in Deer Isle over a Labor Day Weekend. Rather than spoil my weekend sorting through troubles with local garages, I had AAA tow the car to Cumberland Ave Garage at the quick suggestion of a good friend from the Portland area. It was after business hours by the time the Jeep arrived there, and I was out of cell service to check up on it. "Drop the long face, they take real 'propah' care" quipped my Mainer acquaintance. Sure enough, a few days later I retrieved a voicemail from the folks at Cumberland Ave Garage telling me they went ahead and ordered the replacement parts and the car could be ready in half a day's notice as soon as I give them the go-ahead, for a fraction of my expected repair price. Proud to recommend Cumberland Ave Garage to anyone in the area or passing through. read more

Shortly after I moved to Portland, as I was driving home from work, I discovered that both of the rear tires on my car were flat. In a panic, I quickly googled the closest garage and I'm glad I did, because otherwise I wouldn't have found this place. The people here are all super nice and really seem to know their stuff. I brought my car in in the morning and by that afternoon they had found some used tires for my car at a discount (which is great because my tires are $300 each new). I then returned about a week later because I had been having problems with my airbag light and driver's side window motor, and these guys fixed both of them in one day for significantly less than what the dealer had quoted me. This is a great neighborhood garage and it is definitely where I'll be bringing my cars in the future. read more

The only people i trust with my kia soul, jeep Cherokee, and bmw z4. All excellent honest people- true standouts in a fickle i industry.

I've taken my older Mercedes SUV to the Cumberland Garage a few times in the last few months. They are always willing to clearly explain what is needed, what the cost will be and when the work will be completed. They are fair, come in under the cost estimate (and explain why) and are fun to deal with. They are my garage!! read more