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October 2024 by M Bass
I was recently at J&A as my friend recommended it for me. I came there with a clear misfire in my engine. But my car was inspected completely and they found that besides the misfire which was caused by the leaking valve cover, my front brakes also were in a bad shape. On the phone I told Gus that I want to repair ONLY the misfire and that's it. On that I was told that I wouldn't be able to drive my car from him and I'd had to tow it from his garage - he wouldn't allow to drive my unsafe car. Gus said that in brakes a metal part was touching metal without pads but I was just driving this car and did not hear that grinding sound, and the car felt pretty fine while driving. I started arguing that it was my car and he couldn't just decide it instead of me how and where to drive, but he offered to call the police.
I saw that negative review here about the police and was just shocked that the same was happening with me. The policeman came and firstly said that he was not a mechanic and didn't understand whether the car is drivable or not, but then just took a look with me and Gus on the lifted car and nodded that is unsafe to drive and that's it. Apparently, Highland Park is a small town.
I was still trying to argue and asking why I couldn't just drive away and Gus told me that I would sue him if I drove like that from his service and hit someone. I offered to sign a paper that he wouldn't be responsible for that, he ignored that. Then Gus told me that he was in a fatal car crash and that allowing me to be on the road with those brakes would bother his conscience. That is why I had to tow my car. I still don't really understand how the process of towing could relieve his conscience.
I don't doubt Gus's mechanic skills, I have heard good reviews about the repair and his car inspection was fair. But his behavior was extremely unprofessional. Before we called police, he was rude and sarcastic, raising his voice. I am a foreign student, I can't afford to repair everything immediately and he absolutely did not want to see things from my side. Towing could put even an additional cost but thankfully it was covered by insurance company. I sincerely believe it is wrong to treat customers like that and impose your opinion with this attitude. As the previous review said, my car was also in a hostage there and I was not allowed by Gus (!) to take it without towing. Just what's happening there?!
Be careful with this place. I lost there several hours, wasted much energy and was "lucky" to have a conversation with a policeman. If you are not ready to repair the car as Gus wants - he will not consider your opinion further and you will need a towing truck if he just thinks so.
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August 2024 by Raul Rodriguez
As usual, Gus and staff saved the day again for me. Thank you all al always!
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June 2024 by Kory Simon
I was recently at J&A service center when my A/C didn't work properly. My vehicle was promptly attended to I was finished with my repair in about an hour. Which was great. However the same day my mother's vehicle had a problem with her brakes. After I called the shop he had the car towed to him. My mother was so happy with her experience. She felt comfortable at his place which for me is huge. I'm writing this review because it is rare to find a place that not only does great service but makes you feel at home. The quality of work was great and a good price compared to other places I have been. We are now customers for life.
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June 2024 by pjcarbonari
J&A Service Center is a quality repair shop. I have been taking my vehicles to J & A for the past 15 years. Gus is a caring , thorough, honest, and most knowledgeable mechanic/owner. Gus takes pride in his work and always has fixed my vehicles right the first time. I have taken my 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser for the past 15 years. Gus has kept my car running in tip top shop! Gus and his J& A Shop has my highest recommendation!
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June 2024 by Rich Ruff
Gus & his guys are outstanding. Fair and honest.
Had a “gremlin” problem that 3 other shop$ were unable to correctly diagnose. One day with Gus and problem solved. He certainly knows his stuff. I will be back!
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June 2024 by Raj Das
I had the worst experience at this so-called repair shop. I should have gotten the idea ahead of time based on his merely 37 reviews, which I know now for sure they were fraudulent. I spoke with Nikko and Gus(owner) on the telephone prior to leaving my car at his shop and never did any one of them mentioned payment of any sort. The next day, Gus calls me and tells me my repairs are over 1k. I declined the repair, and upon pick up of my vehicle, a fee for $176.00 was requested. Of course, I inquired about the fee because I was never informed about any fees during our discussion. Since i disputed the fee amount, Gus took my vehicle as hostage and put my vehicle inside his shop. When asked where my car was being taken, Nikko said for an oil inspection, which I never even mentioned to be done at his establishment. He is a scam artist and not be trusted. I have attached a photo of his business with the police present. This guy really made what should've been a seamless process a very stressful one. Nothing in my invoice states what specific part needs to be replaced, so what are you charging me for? I didn't even receive a diagnostic for my AC issues. Nothing in his establishment states anything about fees associated with diagnostic or anything of that sort. In addition, no documents were signed by me, and you still held my car hostage. If you were a man of integrity doing honest work, you would have been transparent about the fees upfront. People be forewarned about this monster. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way, but I guess this is why we have reviews so we can learn from other people's mistakes. All of a sudden, after my negative review, GUS had no choice but to post FAKE reviews! Don't be fooled, folks. Look at the person posting. They only provided a review once. This man is desperate.
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June 2024 by Bob Silverman
Best auto repair shop I’ve worked with in decades. Gus is an excellent mechanic and problem solver, fair and honest. My family had a range of cars - some newer, others 100K miles+; Gus and the team do a great job on all of them. We’ve also used J&A to check out a couple used cars before purchasing them (“almost” purchased in one instance, thanks to issues Gus discovered). In addition we have ‘53 Chevy that Gus helps to keep on the road. I fully recommend J&A.
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January 2024 by samantha williams
I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE OWNER HIS FAMILY HIS WORKERS. THEY GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE YOU FEEL AT EASE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR VEHICLE AND DO NOT CHARGE FOR EXTRA THINGS OR UNNECESSARY ITEMS. THEY ARE VERY HONEST. I AM A TRAVEL NURSE FROM TEXAS AND STARTED USING THIS MECHANIC BACK IN 2020. HE MADE ME FEEL AT HOME THE FIRST TIME TOLD ME HE WOULD LOOK AT MY CAR AND DIAGNOSE IT FIRST. HE HAS NEVER CHARGED ME FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE REPAIRS AND PARTS ARE ALWAYS AT A FAIR PRICE AND WELL BELOW ANYBODY IN TOWN. HE IS VERY KNOWLEDGABLE AND ASKS IF YOU ARE OK WITH THE PRICE BEFORE EVEN STARTING THE REPAIRS. HE AND HIS MOM ALSO GAVE ME A RIDE TO MY APARTMENT AS A COURTESY FROM THE SHOP WITHOUT ME ASKING SINCE I WAS IN THE AREA. I FELT AS IF I WERE IN TEXAS AGAIN. THANK YOU GUS YOU AND YOUR WORKERS ARE ALWAYS KIND TO ME AND THE WORK AND REPAIRS ARE ABOVE SATISFACTORY. DONT GO ANYWHERE ELSE PEOPLE HE’S THE BEST IN CENTRAL JERSEY HANDS DOWN!!!!!
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January 2024 by Karen Logothetis Karandrikas
Very kind people they don't lie to you they tell you the truth I found somebody I could trust with my vehicle
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September 2023 by Patricia Killpack
Wonderful first time experience. Friendly, profession and most of all very speedy. Car wad diagnosed in 5 minutes and fixed in 1.5 hours. Ourstanding!!
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September 2023 by Gail McKenzie
Gus is amazing! Go see him to get your cars repaired and ready for the road. Fair and honest. Winning combination.
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September 2023 by Stacey Haines
Love J & A! Takes care of my entire families fleet of card. Great work!
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May 2023 by Rebecca Bergknoff
Short review - Gus is brilliant. He's a once in a lifetime mechanic whose quality is unmatched. This is only the second review I've ever written. I felt compelled to write this review because my experience with Gus and J & A was beyond exceptional.Long review - 16yr old Sienna, 278k miles when I brought it in. I've gone about 6k miles since my car was with Gus and his boys. Every single mile has been a dream! I knew my car needed some attention and I happened to read these other reviews and took it to J & A and Gus for the first time ever. I am thanking the day he got his hands on my car. For waaaay less than a used/new car, he brought my car to like new condition. He's the only mechanic I've ever had that was able to diagnose an engine code I had for years and fix it. I came in just asking for a timing belt, but instead, he saved my car and more importantly, my life (my wheels were one bump from falling off and I do a lot of highway driving....). If you are serious about your car, give it to Gus and prepare to be shocked with joy when you get it back. Thank you Gus from the bottom of my heart!
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April 2023 by Diane Algava
Gus did an absolutely amazing job fixing my car, it drives like new again. He walked me through all the problems it was having and took the time to show me the damaged parts so I knew what I was paying for. He and his team worked really hard to get the car done quickly for me; it was fixed within a day. His prices were really fair and reasonable. He takes care to source quality parts that will last based on his experience in the business. Overall he was extremely pleasant to work with and very kind. I would hands down recommend this mechanic to anyone.
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May 2022 by Bless Tone
I finally pass my nj inspection after 3 mechanics and reasonable prices; the best mechanic in this decade.!Services: Auto engine diagnostic
