Daniels Chris Auto Repair

Salvaged parts. He sorted my lights out in 30 minutes. He knows Volkswagens.

I was referred to Chris Daniels by a coworker who has a Volkswagen Jetta. I knew that he specialized in Volkswagens, but needed to get my car inspected ASAP (sometimes I’m a little last-​minute with these things!), and had a really negative experience the last time I made a visit to my local, West Philly garage. I also a few other mechanics, as well, but nobody had an appointment that worked with my schedule.
Even though he specializes in Volkswagens, Chris told me that he could take care of a routine state inspection and basic maintenance for a 2006 Hyundai Elantra. He told me to bring the car in at 7am the next morning.
When I got there, Chris waved me in (it’s a little hard to find because the sign is missing and it’s nestled behind P&J Auto Body). He was driving another customer home, but was back in less than 10 minutes.
The shop is nothing fancy; it isn’t like car dealerships where they have an air conditioned waiting room with televisions, magazines, and an espresso machine. I waited in the shop while he completed the inspection, which took about an hour. He talked to me while he worked, and told me about his hobby of collecting Civil War, WWI, and WWII artifacts. When he saw that I was reading, he told me about a few late 19^th century books he had lying around, handed me a box to look through, and told me to take whatever I wanted.
He charged $ 70 for the inspection, $ 15 to replace 3 lights, and $ 3 to replace the fluids.
When I arrived, I told him I thought the car needed new brakes. After the inspection, he told me that I didn’t need new brakes and explained the cause of the noise I had been hearing. He then said, «I can’t even sell you an oil change, because it still looks brand new.»
This is what I’ve been looking for in Philadelphia– a competent mechanic who isn’t trying to rip me off.
Thanks again, Mr. Daniels.