musky_man Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Hi, Like many of you, I am always looking for an honest car mechanic. I was going to Owens Automotive, but they had to close up due to illness. Looks like I need a head gasket replaced on my 1996 Toyota Camry and I am loathed to get raked over the coals at the dealerships. So -- anyone got a mechanic they are real happy with in the east end of Toronto? Thanks, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggyj Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 De Groot in Ajax is good. De Groot Auto Service Ltd 355 Bayly St W Ajax, ON L1S 6M3 Phone: (905) 428-2801 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musky_man Posted January 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Clamp-it, No - not over heating yet. Why do you ask? Thanks to those who have replied thus far. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest skeeter99 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Clamp-it, No - not over heating yet. Why do you ask? Thanks to those who have replied thus far. Mark well if it aint overheating or antifreeze is not disappearing or the oil is not going light brown(mixing with antifreeze)then it is probably not a head gasket what makes u think u need a head gasket extremely...extremely rare in that year of car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoz Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 I've dealt with Sam Scala, who is now at 4015 Sheppard Avenue East at Kennedy Road, in Agincourt for going on 36 years. I started going to him in the summer of 1973 when he used to run a Fina station at Bellamy & Lawrence out near Cedarbrae Plaza. He bought a bigger place (Petro Canada) in about 1995 up at Huntingwood & McCowan, which his sons took over several years later, and Sam moved down to Agincourt about 3 or 4 years ago. The land owners wouldn't renew the lease on the property up on McCowan, so now Sam & both sons are all at Kennedy & Sheppard. This guy is the very best mechanic I've ever seen. If I run into a small problem, even that my new casr warranty covers, I'd rather go and have Sam fix it, PROPERLY, at MY cost, rather than go to the dealer! Except on a few rare occasions, NOBODY else has EVER touched ANY vehicle I've owned in the last 36 years. I go in, tell him what my vehicle is doing, he fixes it, I RARELY ever look at my bill . . . I just pay it, satisfied I got my money's worth. Sam & the boys can be reached at 416-299-6772 . . . they are as good as car care gets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Cliff Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Well, it is East of Toronto but this guy is HONEST, SMART, and an EXCELLENT mechanic. He doesn't need to advertise, his reputation is so good that his entire business is built on referrals and he is always busy! Karr's Cars on Snug Harbour Rd. just N of Lindsay. I have nothing but respect for this young man. I have referred several people to him and never been disapointed! If you are willing to travell this far, let me know and I'll get his phone # for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musky_man Posted January 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Clap-it, A toyota mechanic said it did and I can see it leaking. The oil still looks OK and it may be leaking outward only i.e., not going in to the cooling system. In my search around the internet, head gaskets were a weakness of this car. It may go years without leaking into the the colling system, but I donly like to take the chance. If anyone else had any other opinions, please le me know. Thanks for the other referrals, guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crabbs Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Kams Auto Oshawa 905 706 1849 works by himself and very good with the honda - toyotas will give you straight advive and low rates. Tell him Randy sent you he will know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chugger Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 I've been going to Spiros and Sons and they've been great everytime I've had to go. hoenst and fair prices. It's on the corner of Kingston and Courcelette. Just east of Victoria Park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anton Kanagasuntheri Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 I've dealt with Sam Scala, who is now at 4015 Sheppard Avenue East at Kennedy Road, in Agincourt for going on 36 years. I started going to him in the summer of 1973 when he used to run a Fina station at Bellamy & Lawrence out near Cedarbrae Plaza. He bought a bigger place (Petro Canada) in about 1995 up at Huntingwood & McCowan, which his sons took over several years later, and Sam moved down to Agincourt about 3 or 4 years ago. The land owners wouldn't renew the lease on the property up on McCowan, so now Sam & both sons are all at Kennedy & Sheppard. This guy is the very best mechanic I've ever seen. If I run into a small problem, even that my new casr warranty covers, I'd rather go and have Sam fix it, PROPERLY, at MY cost, rather than go to the dealer! Except on a few rare occasions, NOBODY else has EVER touched ANY vehicle I've owned in the last 36 years. I go in, tell him what my vehicle is doing, he fixes it, I RARELY ever look at my bill . . . I just pay it, satisfied I got my money's worth. Sam & the boys can be reached at 416-299-6772 . . . they are as good as car care gets! I second that... since I started driving and got my very first car.. Sam's the man for me.. he is a no bull guy and will tell you as it is... I am with him for 12 years now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecmilley Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Typical Toyota head gasket leak, usually around $1500 depending on parts required, I could help you out but i am a little busy to do any engine work for the next couple weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jer Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 usually around $1500 depending on parts required, ouch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 dohc is a lot of work. i'm guesstimating the 'book' says 5-6 hrs labour at least. a wknd job for the DIYer unless you've done it before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Is there such thing as an "honest mechanic" ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 (edited) Send Bernie an apology now Jamie... Edited January 13, 2009 by irishfield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 I hope there is, because I literally just took my Xtreme in last night to be looked at today about a very similar problem. My heater isnt working as well as it did last week....so I am HOPING it's not the head gasket! Still waiting for the call.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdotfisherman Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Vito at Danforth Auto, Woodbine & Danforth is my regular mechanic. he is a good guy, and always does quick and reliable service.. call him.. 416 690 7014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Well, mine turned out to be a "lower intake gasket". $490 + tax. I guess that's better than the $1200 + for a head gasket! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goteeboy Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 this is my mechanic. his name is James or his dad Lee. say Peter sent you. he will only fix what needs to be fixed. i guarantee. it's called city auto on eglinton (north side, across from and a little east of home depot, east of mccowan). very straight up guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musky_man Posted January 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks again to all for your replys -- much appreciated. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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