Jones Automotive Accessories

I am an auto enthusiast and collector with three personal friends that own auto repair garages. None of my friends work with R12 refrigerant. One of them remembered that Jones’ has worked with it for many years and still does. So I took my car there specifically because I wanted to use R12. Jones’ said the car needed the hose assembly replaced plus a couple of small parts. He said the system would be warrantied for 90 days, but not the R12 gas, for which he charges an absurd $ 500 flat fee. My car takes 3 pounds of gas which means he’s selling it to me for $ 167 per pound. It sells on eBay for $ 30 per pound, but you need a license to buy it. I don’t mind paying for good work, so I agreed. I asked to use only dealer parts, but was told that the hoses weren’t available from the dealer. So I had to pay ~$ 250 for them to be rebuilt. I later found out that they were available new for ~$ 250 from the dealer. The bill was $ 1600 and I had A/​C for less than 30 days. When I took it back he said that I needed a seal on the compressor. I said the compressor was in his hand before, why didn’t he reseal it then? He said I’d have to pay to remove and reinstall the compressor a second time and pay again the $ 500 for the gas, for a total of $ 930. I’m glad I didn’t because when I took it to my friend’s garage and used an R12 leak detector (
) I found out that the hoses Jones’ rebuilt were leaking as well and I would have lost another $ 500 in R12 gas. He also lied about the compressor being no longer available new — he even knew the parts guy’s name at the dealer when he told me it wasn’t available. I ended up buying the new hoses and compressor from the dealer and doing the job at my friend’s. I even bought R12 hoses and used my own gas I’ve had for years. To add insult, Jones’ slaps marketing stickers in the engine compartment and then spams your email. Jones’ is what gives mechanics a poor reputation.

Honest, straightforward garage. I’ve brought my car here quite a few times and have not been disappointed or felt ripped off. Glad to have found a trustworthy place to bring my car.

Truck’s air conditioning system was unable to provide heat to driver and passenger seating areas. Located Jones Automotive and spoke with owner to learn more about their long-​term work experiences with air conditioners and heaters. Ron provided quotation, which was substantially less than local dealer/​franchise estimate. Work performed according to estimate and stated expectations, which included having to pull dashboard and disassemble perfectly working air conditioning system (this was important concern to me due to having to repair it few years ago). A/​C and heating components now working perfectly. Just experienced several 30+ degree days. Driver and passengers remain warm and toasty as we enter New England’s next winter season. Will consider Jones for next maintenance needs. Thanks to Ron and staff.

It would be very hard to find a place better than this, and the Hartford Advocate has given it first place for a reason. They will quote you a price and stick to it; show you what’s wrong, and pull no surprises. This is an old school garage with a real Jones behind the counter (they’ve been there like, since the stone age), and the waiting room is incredibly cool, with an antique electric car, car seats to sit on, and enough reading material to stock a library. Enough gushing. Go and get your car fixed, and your confidence in service restored. What a find!