A1 Precision Auto Werks

As always Matt took care of our beloved truck as if it was his own. Everything is check– detailed list of issues including what can wait and what must be done now along with prices. If you want it done right the first time– go see Matt. If you want it repaired after someone else screws it up– Matt is that man too. Honest– Fair– Competent– and always straight up with every visit. Great place to bring a car you are thinking of buying too. Can’t say enough good stuff about A1 Precision Auto Werks. Plus– a great place to check out some Vintage Cars that he has coming in– always a cool vintage car somewhere at his shop!
A+

As a fan of NPR’s «Car Talk» radio program (Saturdays, 9−10am WBEZ) and a recent transplant from Boston, I was certain there would not be a mechanic who could diagnose my old car’s health problems.
Asking the locals in the area, all pointed to Matt at A-​1 as The Guy. I decided to test out his expertise before committing time/​money. WOW!
I told him of some of the issues I was facing, and he questioned me right back: so you have a Chevy… it must be either an Impala or (?). These are both known issues with older models. And so it went with several lines of inquiry.
Turns out Matt has worked on cars all of his life, and at many of the major dealerships. He also races cars on the weekends, so he understands maintenance, prevention, and effective repairs.
He also spent about three hours (while his partner worked on my car) explaining about how great cars are engineered for performance but not for mechanics. Thus the BMW I coveted in the stall next to me was beautiful but expensive to repair due to the poor placement of normal parts which wear out. I even through out some ideas about a potential replacement car and he told me what would be labor-​intensive to repair and which would be more efficient. He also charges about $ 80 for a pre-​purchase inspection which I know will be well worth the short money when the time comes.
In short, if you are anywhere near the south end of the Chicagoland suburbs or the north end of Kankakee SKIP the dealerships and head over to this place. It is hard to find initially but you will be so relieved to find someone trustworthy.