I'm selling my Subaru Impreza to a friend, and I needed to take it in for a pre-purchase inspection. I called on a Wednesday to make an appointment and was told to come in on Friday morning. I showed up and the mechanic looked at me like I had two heads! He had no knowledge of me or my car and was incredibly rude and dismissive - and he kept insulting my car! I mentioned that I had called, and he told me that I probably spoke to his partner, who wasn't in today. It was a complete waste of time - and a terrible experience. I wouldn't recommend them to ANYONE based on the way that I was treated - and it's not like their prices are great, either (they quoted me $90 for a pre-purchase inspection, which is on par with the other shops in the area). Save your money and go ANYWHERE else. read more

I was quoted for getting my front pads and rotors replaced by Ted last week. He told me it will be around $400-450. He told me they don't have parts but if I can bring the car in next week, they can get it done in 3-4 hours. I brought it in on the day we agreed. I dropped the car off with Jimmy as Ted was out and he told me he will call me when he is done with checking at the car and figuring whether only front or both front & rear brakes need to be done. He did in an hour or so and told me only front pads and rotors should be replaced and it will cost me $570, which was almost 50% more than what Ted quoted me a week earlier. Make sure you ask them to confirm the quote you are given unless you don't mind paying 40-50% more than what you were previously told. read more

Needed to get a tire replaced and this was in my area. They replaced my tire the same day, gave me a good price, and were friendly and professional. There's so much mistrust of car repair shops and sometimes the fear that they might be cheating you but not here. Highly recommend it! They specialise in foreign cars -Asian and European read more

I've been going there forever - Nick and Jimmy are the greatest. The last honest men. BMW and Mercedes and Audi are Nick's specialty - Jimmy does Japanese cars. So don't bring your Galaxy 500 but if you want to pay a 1/3rd of the dealer price, wait a 1/3 rd of the time, these are your guys - with all the sophisticated toys to service the computers... of the new age cars. read more

Found Nick online when I was looking to buy a used VW. Soooo glad I did; the $80 diagnostic gave me real peace of mind in making such a big purchse. This shop is great! Runs on an accurate time clock and the staff is really nice. He told me I had a very good car on my hands and suggested one thing to fix which was a $40 procedure (no parts necessary). I bought the Bug and have been driving with the top down ever sense. Thanks Nick. I'll be back for my oil change soon. Beware the numbers on the street don't really go in order. The shop is past the Hampshire/Cambridge street intersection. read more

I brought in my Subaru to have the brakes/rotors replaced, and they did a great job. I paid $560 for all four brake pads and rotors, which was a good price. I brought the car over in the morning, and they were finished by the afternoon. Highly recommended. read more

Got a side mirror cover there and also fixed my steering fluid leakage problem. Nick is a straight-up, no-BS kinda guy. He was honest and his prices were very reasonable. Their shop seems very busy all the time but their turn around time is still very quick. I wish I had discovered this shop sooner. read more

Foreign Auto definitely lives up to its great reputation and gets it done right the first time. I do most of my own auto maintenance and repairs including brakes, oil, cooling, belt driven components, and electrical but when it comes to internal engine work I don't have the right setup and experience to do it right. They were very open and honest about what my car needed and didn't need, and I am pleased with the job they did rebuilding my engine head and replacing some aging parts. Since they were popping my engine open anyways, I had them replace a few extra parts such as the timing chain tensioner, knock sensor, and some other preventative maintenance parts like the fuel filter that I know are normally a complete pain to get to. They also took the time when I picked up my car to show me the old parts and how each of them was near its end of life, preventing some costly future repairs. It's refreshing to find a repair shop that has the right philosophy and will tell you flat out if you don't need really something done, and suggest appropriate preventative maintenance when it will truly save your time and money in the long run. read more

Quick and friendly service! They checked out my check engine light and got everything squared away quickly, and avoided any unnecessary work during the process. read more

After 3 years of getting service from the dealership for my 2006 Honda Civic, it was time to enter the world of independent auto repair shops. I looked around on Yelp to see the ratings (as you do) and came across Foreign Auto Center. I called a couple of days ago to schedule an appointment (for services that were recommended by my dealership) and had no trouble being fit in. When I went in today, I had a great experience. Jimmy, the man I spoke to on the phone, was super nice. The car was ready quicker than I had expected, and the cost was almost half as much as my dealer estimated ($115 instead of $194). Amazing! They also noticed that I need a couple new wheels, and came with me to the car to show me the cracks and wearing in mine. I have to get my oil changed in a few weeks, and I'm planning to head back to FAC for that and tires. From what I understand about car repair (which isn't much) it usually takes a while before potential issues with the repair start popping up. To be fair, I'll just say 5 stars until further notice! read more

Brought my car here based on the yelp review of others. Based on their survey of my car, I didn't actually need any mechanical fixes and they didn't charge me anything to take a look. I'll definitely bring my car back in the future when it does need fixing. read more

Nick and his crew do excellent work, consistently undercut their costs to make a deal with this repeat customer and are an exemplary local business. I've been back a half dozen times for issues with my 2001 VW and every time, Nick has bent over backwards to get me parts, taken the extra time to explain his work, justify costs and even once allowed me to take my car to pass inspection before paying an $80 tab! This is a rare, great, trustworthy local shop. I'd take a VW, Audi, BMW, or Benz here over a dealership anytime! read more

I have had my VW Cabrio for 10 years...... although I haven't put a ton of miles on her, she's old and tired. I had a bunch of work done at another place in Boston last year that left me feeling sort of screwed out of a lot of money- I didn't really even know what they did (aside from new brakes) that cost almost 1,000 bucks. After the check engine light went on a couple of weeks ago, I decided to try a new place and found Foreign Auto Center on here... Before doing any work on the car, Foreign Auto did a check-up and provided a very thorough list of things that NEEDED to be done and things that could wait. The price of the necessary things was far less than the optional. I was very surprised at the level of detail that was provided. I decided to go ahead and do everything to keep the car running and in OK shape.. The car took about a day and a half to complete- When we returned to get the car, Nick brought us over to a box of the parts he replaced, so we could see the old stuff we had removed. He made us thoroughly understand what the parts were and what the line items on the bill meant. His bill was divided by part and then labor was separate. I left feeling totally empowered- I KNEW what I had just paid for! As I pulled out of the lot, I heard Nick yelling at me - He was chasing us out of his lot because he thought my inspection sticker had expired!!!! It turned out he just didn't see that the number was a 10.... but I really appreciated that little last bit. Thanks to Foreign Auto Center, my 10 year old VW Cabrio runs like a dream! read more

4 stars because the workers are great, fixed everything fast and with no complaints from me. But! The management should treat people as people, we are customers and come to get YOUR service, so be more respectful to people who are mot mechanics! Yes, I need to know what happened to my car and how to heal it, so be patient to describe and explain things. Thanks! read more

This is far and away the best Auto repair shop in Massachusetts! It's a family run business and they are just honest and hardworking. I've been here a few times and have been so impressed by their workmanship, but also how they explain the costs ( and they really try to minimize costs ) I don't usually write reviews but this place just rocks! read more

These guys were exceptional! They took our VW toureg when no one else would look at it. They figured out the problem and it was fixed in a day. They are honest, smart and kind. We will be back! read more

Nick is the man!!! My car failed inspection because of a broken oxygen sensor. After being overquoted by $1,000+ by one mechanic, and then turned away by another mechanic because they were too busy (after they previously assured me that they could take care of my car that particular day), Nick saw me immediately after I called, took time answer all my questions (he went so far as to put a car up on a lift and show me the entire exhaust system and explain the oxygen sensor's purpose) and gave me a reasonable quote. He fixed the car that day, as promised, and promptly called me once the car was ready. He even kept the broken part to show me after the repairs were made. For me, FAC's professionalism and outstanding customer service warrant a five star rating. The high ratings on Yelp attracted me to FAC and I' m glad that I relied on them. I now have a mechanic that I can trust will do the right thing , which, after my previor experiences, is very important. I understand that replacing an oxygen sensor is a fairly routine and easy task, as far as car repairs go, but it took me three times to find someone that gave me peace of mind and could actually get the job done. Having a car with higher mileage, I feel comfortable knowing that FAC is around to handle my car repairs. read more

Came in to address a check engine light on our Corolla. They charged $50, which in retrospect seems reasonable. They correctly told me what the problem was, while the mechanic I visited previously got it wrong. Ultimately got the car fixed with Toyota under warranty, but I'd return to Foreign Auto again if needed. read more

I read yelp reviews and took a chance with my Saab which I was told needed a starter and SAI pump and took it to Foreign Auto Center. I said I was told it needed a starter and can you replace it. Nick said "let me look at it first". Nick was extremely professional and honest and said "no, it's just a relay and the starter is fine." Nick also confirmed my need for the SAI pump without over charging for me for the analysis. I haven't felt more comfortable with a shop in a long time like I do with this place. I have a Saab so I'll definately will be taking it back for confident repairs. Highly recommend this shop for honest, fast, very reasonably priced quality work. read more

I've been going to Foreign Auto Center for about 10 years; just love both Jimmy and Ted. Incredibly honest, reasonable, friendly, and extremely skilled. Latest problem: my brake lines snapped (almost killed myself and others), had it towed to a local mechanic in Billerica where the accident almost happened. They quoted a price of $1,500 to $2,200 to lay new brake lines. I called Ted for a second opinion and he said that they charged $500 for the same job. You can't get any better service or pricing than Foreign Auto Center!! read more

I've been using Jimmy and Ted and their small staff for about five years. I've always found them to be professional, knowledgable, helpful, friendly and highly skilled. Their rates seem extremely fair (they've even done a couple of small jobs for me at no charge) and they don't suggest repairs that don't need to be made. They've always been willing to book me on short notice and my car is ready when they say it will be. I really can't think of anything negatives. read more

If you're in the Boston area, and need work done on your car, look no further. This is the best place in the area for service - bar none. I have had work done at several local shops, but none are comparable to the quality, price, and expertise offered at Foreign Auto Center. Ted, one of the managers in-charge, provided free consultation when I recently sold my car. He gave me honest advice, even when it meant less work for him and his team. They went out of their way to give me the best possible experience and maintained an unparalleled level of integrity. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I highly recommend their business. read more

Excellent service. I brought all my VW cars here including my new VW toureg. I trust them. I can rarely say this about a mechanic. Nick is a nice guy and try to make you to save if he can, not pushing. Price is very competitive in comparison to dealer, ripoff. The only comment from my last visit, be more careful with rims while working on breaks. I noticed the 2 front ones with dents as if a tool hit them. Otherwise, everything was ok. read more

I'm glad that you all had such a great experience (if you indeed exist and are not just a bunch of friends of Nick's). I had very mixed experience, where Nick estimated a $2500 repair for replacing the catalytic converters after an engine check light WITHOUT DOING ANY DIAGNOSTICS WHATSOEVER. Going to the dealership, I found out that (1) they are under warranty in most cases, and (2) they're fine - the engine needed decarb ($400). 6 months later the car is fine. I published a review in November 2009 to that effect that HAS BEEN DELETED FROM YELP. I guess that if the Yelp people delete all negative reviews, you're left with an average of 5 star reviews. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Sorry to spoil the party... read more

I am thrilled with the mechanical service at FAC, however, my car smelled like an ashtray! This was a non-smoking car, no cigarettes had been smoked in this car since i bought it new in 2003! very annoyed. the work was under the hood, so the mechanics must have designated my car as the smoking lounge and have spend hours sitting in the car smoking on a cold day. The windshield was blurred by a layer of condensed smoke and was nauseating driving to and from worcester. i spent half of saturday cleaning glass and hard surfaces, placed boxes of arm & hammer, and a day later the car was somewhat improved, but the headliner and carpeting are difficult to clean without shampooing the fabrics. If you use the Foreign Auto Center, insist that your car is non-smoking and a cleaning fee will be charged if cigarettes were smoked in the car! read more

Took my VW Golf 07 to get an oil change: lost my air intake cover. Not a big deal but clearly lied about it and claimed it was no big deal. Another time, an alignment. Car kept pulling to the right. Nick took a ride with me, said he noticed nothing. Come on! NEVER GOING BACK. read more

These guys seem nice but they do not stand behind their work, they replaced the control arm on my BMW and it crapped out again in a few months, they refused to replace it again, other shops will give you a one year warranty on parts, they give nothing on parts and charge you for labor again. They also over charge for parts. In short go someplace else unless you are rich read more

This place was fabulous! I brought my car in, with what turned out to be a minor problem, and was able to pick it up the same day. And the repair was cheap. They could have made something up and gauged me but they were honest and fast. I will definitely come back here for any future car issues! read more

I take my 1984 Mercedes 300D diesel to Nick. He's hands down the best mechanic I've ever had. Prompt, honest, helps prioritize repairs. The Merc can be an expensive car to maintain - sometimes the work is costly, sometimes it's next to nothing - but Nick always takes the time to explain what is wrong, obtain my approval on repairs, and show me what he did when I pick up the car. read more

Jimmy (he works on my Honda) has been my mechanic for years. He is fantastic, honest, happy and polite. They always call me first to okay the estimate, they try their best to give me clear options and keep costs down and they are very knowledgeable about foreign cars. they are not, however, opened on weekends. Jimmy has spent years building this great business, if he can't fix my car on Saturday and Sunday because he wants to spend time with his family- I can wait. read more

I am resting assured that I have finally found an amazing and trustworthy auto center. The service here was absolutely undeniably genuine. they really care about giving people and cars what they deserve. After many years of frustrations and at times driving an unsafe car due to poor experiences in the past i am truly grateful for foreign auto center ! Family values and honest care!!!!! read more

I have a 1987 BMW 325is that I will only take to Nick at Foreign Auto Center. As someone who has worked as a mechanic in the past I can vouch for Foreign Auto's quality of service. Nick is great about fitting me in when I have an emergency and working repair costs around my budget. I love that he shows me broken parts and where they failed before throwing them away. Favorite mechanic ever! read more

I took my car here for the third time. I needed brakes all the way around, I was given a quote of $780 for everything. When I went to pick the car up the price was $670 (my brakes were a mess and I had let them go way too long, which is why it was so high to begin with). Anyway, these guys are the best. They also turned it around in a day. The other thing that's great is that their shop is within walking distance from the Central Square T, which is great if you live in the city. read more

SAVED ME!! I drove my 1984 Mercedes 300td up from New York to attend a conference in Cambridge. When I went to leave (the day before the three day weekend of July 4th) the car would not start. I googled "German Auto Repair" and Foreign Auto Clinic came up. Being in Cambridge I also checked the "Car Talk" site and found the shop listed there as well. Great reviews, so I gave them a call. They could not have been nicer. I described the problem over the phone and he told me it sounded like a fuel problem. I called AAA and they flat-bedded the car to his shop. Within 5 minutes he had the hood up and, like a surgeon, called his assistant to bring him an assortment of tools. I stepped away to grab a coffee and upon my return, he had fixed the problem. He didn't even charge me for the service. He suggested what may have caused it, and showed me how to do a roadside repair if it happened on the drive back to New York. What appeared to be a huge setback was solved and I could not have been more pleased with the speed, honesty and professionalism I experienced at this shop. If I lived in Cambridge, this would be my mechanic of choice. read more

These guys are fast, but they are a bit sketchy. I took my car there for a repair (alternator). When I came to pick it up, it was back on the rack, because they 'noticed' a very squeaky pulley after their repair, which they did not notice when they check out the car before the repair (indeed, the noise is very noticeable now). I never noticed this before I brought it to them/it did not have this problem, and they wanted to charge me to fix it. In fact, they had already started work on without even asking me. I really believe it was something they caused. I am never going back. read more

The peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about being taken advantage of is rare, but an honest mechanic who actually knows your car inside and out is priceless. I drive a 2004 Audi S4, and I read horror stories online about costly repair and replace projects on older model Audis, but Nick and Spiro keep it driving as smooth as a new car on my tight budget. They always have options if something does come up, and I trust what they say for what I pay. read more

They gave me an estimate more than $100 less than a place down the street for an exhaust repair, and their garage is extremely professional. The owner, Nick, is very nice, didn't talk down to me, and he found used parts for hundreds of dollars less than new ones would have cost. (Which is perfect for me because my car is from 1992- doesn't really warrant brand new shiny parts.) read more

The spousie and I both drive german diesels (and old Benz and and a new VW, both running on biodiesel) and have taken both to Nick at Foreign Auto Center. Both times, he has been down to earth, honest, and quick. What more can you ask for in a mechanic? Oh, yeah, affordability. No car mechanic is cheap, but Nick is the kind of guy who will tell you when you are better off fixing something yourself (as was the case when the old Benz needed a stick poked in something that was clogged up and letting water into the car) or do you a favor on the cheap (as was the case when he spotted a light out on the VW and fixed it and just charged for the bulb). We like the guy and will keep going back. Drivers of VW's, Benz's, Audis, and other European cars, check him out! read more

I highly recommend this garage especially if you have a foreign car. They have a lot of experience working with German cars. Nick set me up with a new wheel bearing on my Audi A4. I needed the car for the weekend and he worked late on Friday to get it done for me. They are friendly, honest, experienced and reasonably priced. They are also not the type of mechanics who LOOK for problems with your car if you know what I mean. read more

Nick took care of receiving and giving me a quote on my repair, and he was both extensively knowledgeable and friendly. I really appreciated him explaining the details and implications of the service needed. 2009 BMW 335i (E90) N54 needed a new water pump, thermostat, and oil filter housing. read more