mechanic recomendation Baltimore MD

[luddite]

Hello
I recently sold my beloved 89 Colony Park wagon to a young couple in Baltimore.
Without going into details, I believe that they have an unscrupulous mechanic trying to work on their car.

First claim is that the exhaust is shot. I just replaced the cats 3 years ago. The pipes from the cat back were replaced 3 months ago.

I replaced intake manifold gaskets 4 years ago.

Their mechanic is claiming that will take $5000 to make it right. I think their mechanic guy is smokin' crack.

Please give me some recommendations for an honest mechanic to give these people.
Willy

[sly]

that guy is smoking crack.

There's a couple guys that either do or used to live in that area. I'll see if I can't get them on here to answer the question.

[L1011tristar17]

There are mechanics out there who see younger people with older cars and try to take them on a trip to the cleaners. If I were them I would get a second opinion.

[Lincolnmania]

how far are they willing to travel?
about 2 hrs ride from here.

[MrMarquis]

I used to live in the Westminster area. Do they need the car to pass State Inspection or is this just basic maintenance?

If they don't mind driving out of Baltimore to get work done, I'd direct them to Lee Wellers ( http://leewellerauto.com ) if they need it to pass inspection. Or just slap Historic tags on it and be done with it.

If they don't mind driving farther, then head up to Tremont and visit Lincolnmania. The work will get done much cheaper if anything needs to be done. My Marquis and truck have made multiple trips up there for service.

[BerniniCaCO3]

Oh man, I missed out!
I lived in baltimore until 2 years ago,
Bought both my colony park wagons from pennsylvania-- no one in baltimore had them :*(

shoot, there was a good exhaust shop by sparrows point can't remember it now.
But what you're saying is it might not be an exhaust problem, anyway. Might be a mechanic problem.

We (my family) always used hollenshades. Damn they were expensive, but, they were always honest to a T and never misdiagnosed a thing. They'll inspect and do a general diagnosis for free, and while they might screw you a bit on price they'll be upfront about what they're doing, why it's needed, and how much they charge for it. No overselling, and no funny business. Later of course I used myself as my mechanic. Dunno if they do state inspections, could call and ask.
They could take it there at least to get a real idea if it needs anything.

If they need a state inspection, Star Auto will treat them right, too (also in towson-- just where I lived). They won't nit pick the minor things, and they wont try to sell you. They won't lie FOR you, either, of course-- if your brakes are below spec they have to say so. But compare that to another shop where I first took my car, where my non-existent power steering leak (never fell a millimeter) 'failed' and I'd need a $100 uv dye test just as the appetizer to the main robbery, 'all my shocks were leaking' (they weren't) etc... there was a list. you get the picture. Star auto said I needed front brakes, rest passed. I brought it back after doing my brakes myself and i was done there.

Just for fun, mind posting a photo of the wagon you sold?

[luddite]

Hello
Thanks to All. All suggestions are welcome.
Here are some pictures just before I sold the car.

[miamibob]

If you can get the car to Scotty (Lincolnmania) - do so! He and Ivan know their "shit" and you WILL NOT get ripped off!!!