In my initial review I found the work performed to be ok. However I had noted that on my other car repair (they freed up a locking latch for my hard top) which was done nicely. In finding my car as being done I found that an issue not of the initial repair (my radio kept cutting on and off) was now needing repair. I told the garage to fix the problem. Now they did a piece meal repair and charged me for it. However the repair lasted 10 minutes and this time I told the garage to make sure it was totally repaired. The garage stated the part I need is no longer available (wiring harness in trunk) however I pointed out the series of wires can be replaced in the harness and fixed but was told it was not possible. In the old days of auto garages they would have made parts to replace if they were not available. This left a series of doubts as to just what repairs are needed or necessary since I had to go back more than once to get a piecemeal repair. The other issue that actually pissed me off was when my wife's car went in for an inspection and it ended up being a emergency brake cable repair and rear brakes (they were needed) however when she complained of a gas smell they said she needed a new gas tank and assorted parts for the job. It was then a tid bit of a service stating there was rust on the filler neck. (This was repaired under extended warranty by dealer) there is no rust on the plastic and rubber filler neck in that the hose clamps are also stainless steel. This raised red flags in my mind. Brand new filler neck, new gas tank and assorted parts that go with gas tank all brand new. Then she smelled gas fumes again. This time I insisted on a leak test and I made sure the code we spoke to them about was actually present. Last time they did no smoke test. Then after the test they said it needed vapor canisters and another part in the exhaust system. Then on the inspection it said the emissions was not ready. Well when you unhook a battery it needs to be driven etc to set the pcm to pass inspection. And yep they drove the vehicle until it could pass inspection but it was another charge to pay on invoice. Don't get me wrong the staff are very friendly and they do the best they can. But be careful on any work being considered and if need be let another garage verify the work as being necessary. read more

to me This was the first time I brought my car to Whalen's. Based on Yelp reviews, it was worth a chance. I am happy to say the Yelp reviews are accurate, you always question if they are real or not. My Yelp is real. I have an older convertible in great shape, but with older cars you are going to need repairs from time to time. When I dropped my car off, the first 3 people I met were extremely friendly. When I received the call about the estimate of repairs and what was needed, although a little shocked, John went over every item, explained the why and the cost. One item was a loose heat shield, not only did John and his team fix that, they fixed a few other loose items they discovered. When I picked up my car the same day, it felt like I was driving a new car. I hope I don't have to go back but if I do, I know I found my new mechanic team. I suggest you give them a try. Thanks Whalen's Automotive!!!! read more

Every time I've had an urgent problem, I've never had trouble getting same-day service from Whalen's. Scheduling regular appointments is always at my convenience, and I can wait while work is being done. I like the coupons & reminders that they send, and they also fill in my service record so that I can track & document what's been done, in case the dealership ever questions it. I trust their judgment, mechanical skills, and explanations of what might be causing a problem -- including one that even the dealership ultimately had difficulty fixing! Having owned & maintained at least 6 cars in the past, and having dealt with many mechanics/service centers, I can say that they're among the very best -- courteous, thorough, and never condescending or less than honest. read more

My car broke a timing belt on the highway. I was on my way from Boston to Michigan. I was towed to Whalen. They evaluated my car and repaired it quickly. I was at their mercy but they treated me fairly and professionally. My car was repaired and back on the road the next day. I drove it back to Michigan without any problem. John Whalen explained everything going on with my engine including recommendations for work to be done at home. The young woman at the desk was very pleasant and helpful. Overall I was treated very well, they seemed very knowledgable and they would be my mechanic if I lived in the Albany area. read more

If you are going to own a car you'd better have a team like Whalen Automotive to make your car operate at top performance for as many years as possible! At today's visit the team at Whalen's Automotive were able to totally upgrade the 20 year old headlight system on my car! It was like getting cataract surgery on my own eyes! Everything comes into view and colors are enhanced for optimal safety! WOW!!! Thanks to everyone on the team at John Whalen Automotive for everything you do to keep me safe and my car running GREAT for over 225,000 miles! read more

The 1st truck I bought to them for repair was a bit rough , after looking at vehicle they suggested I look into another vehicle before putting more money into it, I thought this was very respectful and showed true character of this automotive shop . Of course since then I have returned with a newer truck for inspection which passed and again they were very professional and kind people. Most shops will find some reason your vehicle needed a part just to make money . Whalen Automotive is my go to shop, you will not be disappointed . Keith read more

A couple years ago, I traded in my 2010 Hyundai Elantra for a new vehicle. Since it had over 240,000 miles on it, the dealer declined offering anything in exchange. However, the salesman said he would personally purchase the custom floor mats for my new car in exchange. He was going to give it to the daughter of a recently deceased friend. He had the mechanic at the dealership go over the car. The mechanic told him that someone had taken excellent care of the Hyundai. I was glad to tell them that Whalen Automotive was my mechanic! read more

I've been their customer for more than 10 years. it's kind of like the "Cheers" of auto mechanics -- they always remember me, had bailed my previous car out of a couple of real emergencies in the same day, & manage to schedule my regular services quickly & conveniently. I know I can count on them. My current car is 10 years old, but is in great shape because John believes in the value of regular maintenance. I originally found Whalen in the MechanX file on the Car Talk website, and am glad that I did. read more

Whalen Automotive has been my mechanic since the early 2000s. They have seen me through several cars, and I am continually impressed by their professional staff. Each year, I can count on knowing ahead of time what may need servicing in the coming year. I have recommended them to several friends and family. Their service is quick, complete, and always on point. I have never needed to have anything done more than once, and I find their prices equal to or a bit lower than other mechanics. read more

All of the reviews speak about the quality of service and the friendliness of everyone. I agree. And yes, it is expensive (what isn't these days?), but you can be sure of quality care for your vehicle from the tires up that ensures that you are riding in a safe vehicle that won't leave you at the side of the road at some point in the future. I have been doing business with John Whalen for over thirty years. He hasn't let me down. read more

I always am pleasantly impressed with my experience with John Whalen's Automotive. I was looking for reassurance that my car could handle a big trip, and not only did I get seen right away on a Friday afternoon, but I got a nail removed from a tire that had a slow leak...they also topped off my oil for me...they think of everything!! I am on my trip and feel quite secure with my vehicle's performance...thankyou!! read more

I have doing business with Whalen's with my BMW and now with my Lexus. I've had great service including work on my brakes, replacing struts and doing all my required maintenance. Recently, I had a slow leak in a tire and they managed to fit me in fix the tire and rebalance, in an hour. They treat their customers like family and are much less expensive than the for both Lexus and the BMW. read more

WHALEN'S IS THE BEST OF THE BEST!!! Top notch facility, Professional & Knowledgeable. We relocated to CMCH from North Jersey and are so pleased to have found Whalen's!!! Beth is the quarterback of Whalen's when you call there Beth answers the phone and makes you feel comfortable & secure with Whalen's. I have referred several personal friends there who feel the same way I do. read more

Went in for general maintenance and some other things that needed to get done (tires, brakes, etc). They have an early drop off with key drop off which the envelope goes into detail what you need done, an area to have them call you if they go over a set amount of money. Overall a pleasant experience. Mr. Whalen on the phone was very pleasant to speak too and his staff was great. read more

All aspects of my service at Whalen Automotive are superior! I am a long time customer who appreciates knowing that I can count on getting all of my car's repair and maintenance needs taken care of under one roof with truly expert-level skill and state-of-the-art equipment. Always super-informative, helpful, reliable and willing to go the extra mile. Thank you!!! read more

I have taken my car here twice. Once after, it wasn't starting in the freezing cold and, again, for an oil change and inspection. They are very friendly and up front with pricing. They show you what's wrong and don't do unnecessary things. Be warned, they do have strict policies regarding rust. If your car is too rusted, they won't risk putting it on a lift. read more

There are two thing we all need in life, a good spouse and a great mechanic! While John is married, his operation and kindness are above all I have taken my vehicles to. Whalen's online set up is amazing and worth the look. This is Albany's best kept secret, so don't tell everyone, but those you do will thank you. read more

On two occasions there was a problem with my truck that needed immediate attention. Whalen's made time in their busy schedule, unlike so many large auto repair centers, to diagnose the problem and do a repair. All work completed by Whalen's personnel, whether on my truck or car, has always been first-rate. read more

Whalen Automotive does amazing work. John and Donna are always very detailed in their explanations on the issues with my car, pricing is great, always a very quick turn around on everything I have ever gotten done there . I appreciate having a mechanic to go to that I can 100% trust. I highly recommend . read more