I made the error of putting petrol in my diesel engine on an off day. Steve licked his lips at the…read moreopportunity to exploit a customer. The fee to drain the tank of petrol ... wait for it ... $500. He charged 3.5 hours at $120 / hr. Scum of the earth.

I have taken both my cars to Steve at STL for the last 5 years and have had a good experience. When…read morei needed urgent repairs they helped and also squeezed me in for services. I will continue to support this local business

I had a problem with the rear brakes on my Ford BA Falcon, the parking brake didnt work. I had…read moreasked the dealer to fix it but they did a pretty poor job, and just adjusted or tightened a screw or something....... I rang around a few places, and the people I spoke to just didn't know that much, said that i would need to bring it in etc.... Speaking to these guys they knew the problem, and suggested a reasonably priced solution. When I took it in they took care of it, and did a great job, and told me what to watch out for to prevent it happening again. They are in an old school garage near lane cove national park, and its not too bad as you can walk up to Chatswood while its being serviced. I would highly recommend these guys as they are specialists, and care about the work that they do.

The Suba, bless its auto soul, went for 385,000 km with one engine, one gearbox and one mechanic…read more Bruce knew that car well. It needed more than just Brakes and it didn't have a Clutch. Anyway, it just kept going - way past the point at which Bruce told me that every time I filled it with fuel I had overcapitalised it. Keeno first stopped driving it, then refused to be seen in it. If a client saw it the rule was to deny any knowledge of it. Didn't seem to matter that it was always parked in one one of the firm's marked spots. At the end nearly everything was broken, mostly by me, but Binga helped from time to time - he took care of the radio. The upholstery on the roof came away so that all that was holding it up was the interior light. It was like driving around in an Arabian tent. The suspension collapsed. "Fully lowered!" said Binga, impressed. Chatswood Brake and Clutch always took it in - I never got told "we're all booked up till next Tuesday". Bruce just said "Bring her in". He would find cheaper parts, but if it was important he would explain why they had to be genuine. He showed me what needed to be done and if it was too much we would prioritise it. I never once thought he was ripping me off. I hate to think what would have happened if I had taken it to a dealer, assuming they would let it on the premises. My guess is the business plan, vision, mission statement, values pledge and parts and labour guarantee would have been nice to read but the bill wouldn't. I could usually get a loaner for the day from Bruce - try that at a "Dealer Authorised Service Centre". Chatswood Brake & Clutch work on more prestigious cars than the Suba (like Keeno's) but I reckon they had a soft spot for it. Bruce understood it didn't need too much spent on it - that it had a pretty good self fixer that only failed at the very end - when then steering gave way ...and I sold it for $500. Highly recommended mechanic - and not just for brakes and clutches.