05/17/2023
My personal auto mechanic shop recommendations:
1) Kelly’s Automotive: 541-476-6964
This is a large shop at the north end of town. I have worked with several of their technicians and service advisors, and have met the manager. The technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable. The shop is very well equipped, and they can handle a large variety of cars and concerns. I have mostly used them in the past for advanced electrical/computer system diagnostics, and for some European cars that I couldn't work on.
They did tell me that they generally don’t work on cars older than 1997 and are limited on what they can do with European cars (but again, they’ve been able to do everything I have sent to them).
Pro’s and Con’s: You’ll likely get a fast turnaround time here, and the technicians have been really good (in my experience) with diagnostics. They do a great job with documentation of concerns and making sound recommendations. The only downside I have really heard is that sometimes they make an overzealous recommendation without really explaining why.
Overall, I really like working with this shop, but there might be some circumstances where you should ask questions.
2) Autopro: 541-474-3323
Rick at the Autopro has set up a business similar in size and scale to what I have. He is a good and honest guy, he is accredited at the Better Business Bureau, and is very knowledgeable and experienced. I know that at times he gets real busy and can get booked out for fairly lengthy times, but he has done a good job of taking care of everyone I have sent over there.
Pro’s and Con’s: Working with Rick would be fairly similar to working with me. It’s a family run business, so when you call, you’ll either get Rick himself or one of his family at the front desk. I can’t say whether Rick is as “likable” as I am or not, but I like him just fine. 🙂 His prices are reasonable, and he does good work.
3) Grants Pass Tire Pros
This is the shop I recommend for anything tire, alignment, or suspension related. I have worked with them a lot over the years, and they are good people with the attitude of helping as best as they can.
I generally still use Les Schwab for my tire needs, just because they are everywhere, and I travel enough where that is a strong selling point for me. However, I don’t generally do anything else with Les Schwab; I take it to Tire Pros.
4) Grants Pass Transmissions: 541-476-2321
He is a VERY knowledgeable transmission specialist whom I have also sent differential work. He is a one man operation, so he is usually booked pretty far out, but everyone I have sent to him has had a good experience.
5) Rogue Valley Muffler & Hitch: 541-916-8600
I have worked with these guys a lot on exhaust work, and some random welding jobs. They are great! If you need catalytic converters, or have exhaust leaks or something like that, I’d go there.
I had 2 other shops to recommend, but both of them said they cannot keep up with their workload as it is, and asked not to be on this list.
Therefore, I will list a couple more shops that I have heard a lot of good things about- although I haven’t personally worked with them before.
1) The AutoSmith 541-474-2886
they are on 8th and J Street. They seem to be a very up to date and well trained crew. I have seen the owner of that shop often at technical trainings in the past, and I have heard good things about them.
2) City Automotive (They are also just down the road from my shop, here on Redwood Ave). I have called them a couple times in the past, and had a good experience talking to the office personnel and the mechanical staff, although I have not personally worked with them, but they did seem quite helpful.
Beyond these recommendations, please ask your friends and neighbors where they go. I am a big fan of the personal recommendations.
Thank you.
