We brought our vehicle to People's Auto for a couple issues before taking a long road trip, one of which was a spongy brake pedal. The mechanics bled the brake system, and it felt somewhat better, so we assumed the issue was fixed and went on our way. This vehicle was new to us at the time, so we weren't sure what the brakes should normally feel like. During the trip we noticed pulsating when braking, so when we got home we brought it to another local shop closer to our home to change the pads and rotors. We were then informed that the rotors needed to be changed as expected, and also that our caloper bolts were loose and that some washers were missing, to the point where brake fluid was squirting out all over 1 of the wheels. This definitely should have been caught by People's Auto when they were diagnosing the issue of the spongy brake pedal. Since they did not fix the issue the money we paid them was a waste, and we had to pay another shop to fix the same issue. Due to their location it was not convenient for us to return to People's Auto to try to have them resolve the issue, but even if we did the wait time for our initial appointment was 2 weeks. read more

I was at wits and wallets end when I came accross People's Auto. The 1999 Jetta I bought in college has had some problems over the years. The worst of it was when I first got the car. At one point it would randomly turn off, and not turn back on for a couple of minutes. Sometimes it just wouldn't start. The engine started to become shakey and hesitant. I tried a variety of shops; some would get it running for a little while, but the problems would return. They all charged a lot, and did very little. After the VW dealer wanted hundreds just for the parts to replace my oil tray (not including oil, oil change, labor or 'glue') I started really digging in to find speciality VW shops. Arriving at People's auto, I was skeptic to say the least. The garage is in the woods (fairly inconvenient) and may lack 'curb appeal'. My hesitation flew out the window when I started to describe some of my problems. "Oh, I know exactly waht that is" was the response (as opposed to the blank stares I had been growing used to in mechanics) turns out, it was just an adjustment to my 02 sensor, and new spark plugs. He replaced the oil tray, gave me a tune up and a once over, all for less than buying the tray at the VW dealership. I picked up the car the next day, and it was running better than the day I bought it. I went to people's auto for the better part of a year every time my car had a slight problem, or needed an oil change (after going there, my car had very few problems... excpet the ones that were clearly my fault). They guys are funny, friendly, fair and most importantly they know what they're doing. While I'm happy at Luis Lein's in somerville... I still day dream about dropping off my car at People's Auto, knowing it would get a once over to prevent future problems. I thought about knocking off a star for the location. I almost got killed by a speeding truck the last time I was there... but honestly, if this place operated at their prices any closer to hartford, I never would have been able to get an appointment. read more

I own a 2002 Diesel Jetta. People's has been my "go to" shop for years. I tried to deal with Langen but just could not afford them. I also felt like a second class citizen since I didn't have a "new" car I went to other independent shops but they knew next to nothing about diesels. As .a single mom I know nothing about cars. Jim listened to all the issues and symptoms (as best as I could describe them) of the car. He is able to pick up small clues that enable him to decipher what the problem might be before he even opens the hood. I am taking my daughters Golf to him next week Wouldn't go anywhere else! Laura read more

I've been singing their praises ever since they fixed my car. Highly recommended! You don't need to know anything about cars, these people will simply take good care of you. They have this rare combination of experience, patience, knowledge and most importantly, integrity. I own a 2004 Jetta TDI... Went to people's auto after trying to fix my car myself but couldn't; I know I had an issue with my air intake cycle and the last part that was left for me was the turbo. Unfortunately, I lacked the tools, and confidence, to open up the turbo to inspect it. Taking it to People's Auto, Jim (a mechanic with 30 years of experience) was very helpful; at first, he didn't seemed to be bothered the least by the fact that my car wouldn't start. I, on the other hand, was terrified. He simply asked me about what had happened, I explained, he asked a few questions and said he'll take a look at it later in the day. By end of day, he called, saying that one of my fuel pumps was dead (my car has 2, something I knew before giving him the car); he ordered a new one from the dealer's. Then he started looking at my intake cycle for 3 days; Later, he called me to tell me the news that my turbo had 'eaten itself up'. All my car needed was a new turbo. Before giving them the car, I had been doing a lot of research and knew I had several turbos to choose from; explaining the numerous types of turbos that were available for my car, he patiently listened to me and recommended the original turbo. An option that I chose to go with. A day later, I recieved a call to tell me that he had the car ready for me to pick up; he made sure I could pick it up on a Friday so I don't spend the weekend without a car (very thoughtful, given the fact that this was my first time dealing with them) They really are a dying breed of mechanics, excellent excellent people. I would not hesitate taking my car back to them for anything. read more

We had heard wonderful things about People's Auto from a friend that has a Volkswagen. When our daughter's car went from full to empty as she was driving on the highway, she got off and called us from East Windsor. Remembering the good things we heard about them, we had it towed to their shop. Mike called me the next morning to get some feedback on what was happening, figured out the problem, quoted a price, and when he received the fuel pump, he replaced it. When all was said and done, it was less than what he quoted. He is very kind and personable and what I liked the most is that he didn't try to scare us into spending more than what was needed like the dealership, Langan, does. I know that if he saw any other issues with her car, he would have let us know. I would highly recommend People's Auto, and will continue to use them in the future for all our Volkswagen needs!! read more

They do know their "stuff", but will hang onto your car for as long as they feel like it. They do always seems busy, so at times I've dropped my car off and they've had it for days. Not very communicative; I usually have to call them to get a status of what's going on vs. them calling me. So you just have to make sure you're not in a hurry to get your car back. read more

like other reviewers, i trust them and they know their stuff and do a great job. their price is usually pretty good. but time wise...... ehhh could be tons better. they've done 2 jobs for me so far, both very very major repairs. 1: 1998 subaru foretser 150,000 mile headgasket replacement. 3 years and going strong. cost: ~$1600. work time: 3.5 weeks. 2: 2007 subaru outback 120,000 miles. valve guide failure (and new head gaskets). i get it back tomorrow (hopefully) cost: ~$2100 work time: 5 weeks it's a good thing my wife and i work similar hours near each other otherwise car pooling would be hell. but it's worth the wait and lack of communication, because i know it'll be done right. read more