Kuno’s Independent Auto Service & Repair

I took my ’97 Honda CRV there for all my maintenance and repairs from 1998 when I bought it to 2011 when we moved to my hometown Niagara Falls, NY. Ray was my guy and I trusted him. He always told me what I needed as well as what I didn’t need. I insisted we continue to bring the car to him when we moved a couple of towns away. I wish he was here because we have a critical problem that a local guy here can’t find yet (after 200K trouble-​free miles in California under Ray’s care it’s still a great car). So I’m actually about to call him right now for his advice.

We’ve been taking all our cars to Kuno’s for around 20 years and constantly recommend them to anyone who asks. And a few who didn’t ask. My wife and I were talking about maybe getting a new car and I said that I was very impressed with the Ford Fusion and she said, «If Kuno’s doesn’t work on it, we’re not buying it». Guess that settles that …

Kuno’s came highly recommended from a friend. We used Kuno’s to service our SUV for a year or so with routine maintenance. Kuno’s was fine… Until…
Our SUV started making a noise from the left front tire. We took the car in and they called with the news… we needed a new transmission (about $ 5,000) and new front brakes (about $ 500). The car was worth about $ 12,000. We were crushed.
We drove to Kunos and spoke with them. We asked the right questions, I think:
– could it be anything else? (No.)
– are you sure? (Yes.)
– are there any other alternatives? (Sell it.)
– are you absolutely sure there’s nothing else it could be? (Yes. It is your transmission.)
Ugh. After much angst, we decided to call and get at least one competitive price quote to ensure the price quoted was fair. We called an auto service shop that we’d used years ago (and only stopped using due to geographic distance). So glad we did…
On the phone (on the phone!) our alternative shop said: «Well before I quote you, could you describe the problem?» (we did) «Say that again? No, no way that’s your transmission. I don’t even have to see the car, that’s not a transmission problem. I could give you a quote for it, but I don’t think that’s a transmission issue.» and «OK, let me think about this before you get upset. Let me look up that car, and call you back.» (call back) «I looked up that car and it does not have transmission issues or recalls. You have way, way too few miles on that car for it to be a transmission problem and the symptoms you describe don’t match. You should have another shop look at it.»
We drove across town, took it to the alternative shop. And…
It was a broken wheel bearing and new brakes. Total cost = $ 800.
Absolutely nothing wrong with our transmission. I waited over a month to write this review to ensure that the repair held. Our car is completely fine now.
After this experience I would never use Kuno’s again or recommend them to anyone.

The service at Kuno’s is as good as it gets. We are in the best hands and what a relief to know we have a great mechanic. We’ve been going to go to Kuno’s for about 7 years now for all of our service on our Honda. We found Ray at Kuno’s when we bought a 94′ used Honda at 66,000 miles. The owner used this mechanic so we stayed with him. We now have 169,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. We’ve received great advice and workmanship. We are always advised what/​when we need to do things to keep this car working towards the great miliage they get. The shop is clean, the people are terrific– Finding a good trustworthy, competent mechanic is so important. It helps keep our lives stress free in the car department. How great is that.

It can be intimidating to have you take car to get repaired as a female. Before moving out of town I needed a much needed clutch replacement. Before going into Kuno’s I called and talked to knowledgeable mechanic that made me feel at ease about process of repair. After bringing car in and meeting staff, I felt a lot more comfortable about everything. The main mechanic was able to explain answers to other questions I had about my car in understandable terms. I really felt like I was «getting it». Anyway, the repair was done by the end of the next day and I was pleased with the results. If I hadn’t moved, I would continue using their services. Great place, I would highly recommend!

Kuno’s came highly regarded from a friend who had used him for years. My friend blew a head gasket in Santa Cruz, took his car to the Subaru dealer and called Kuno’s to get a second opinion about the work that needed to be done. Long story short, Kuno’s helped him save a few hundred bucks for work done at another shop.
I’ve had nothing but fast, friendly courteous and professional service from Kuno’s, and it is a lot cheaper than the dealer.

A solid, reliable business that puts it all on the table. They stick to what is agreed to up front, including if you ask them to ‘take a look’ at anything. In the latter case, you’ll usually get a call letting you know everything is fine or yeah, you should get that done too (but no pressure, just the facts). I’ve been back several times and always feel like the car has been well treated, including them taking care of easy extras a few times (flushed the clutch along with the brakes, etc.). Pricewise, they are right on par with their repair quality. I made the mistake of going elsewhere for an axle job and came in to find my car on a cinderblock. After that, I stuck with Kunos for the extra 20 bucks it would have cost me, and haven’t been disappointed. I appreciate reliability, the low pressure sales attitude, and the fact that my car is getting worked on by actual mechanics.

My Accord needed a brake job so I went to a Honda Dealership for an estimate then
went to Kuno’s for a 2^nd estimate. Kuno’s estimate was almost $ 150 LESS than
the Dealership’s estimate. Kuno’s rules. There’s no reason to go anywhere else
for Honda service.

If you want a good, honest, and RELIABLE mechanic… look no further. I’ve been using Kuno’s for my Subaru for about 3 years now with absolutely NO complaints whatsoever. Ray is one of the chillest, most honest dudes out there running a legit business and I really respect him for it. Pricing is fair, and you don’t have to worry about them trying to nickel and dime you every time you walk through their doors. I’m very satisfied with their work and will continue to bring my car here until they give me reason not to!

After my passenger side window stopped working, I took it here to be told that everything in the window that could have broken, did break and it would cost $ 600 for repair, WAY too expensive. They did have it done within a day, though.
A few months later, I’m selling my car and the seller requests a car inspection so I take it here. He charges $ 300 and tells the seller that the car needs over $ 1600 in repairs. If this was actually the case, then ok, but the car is in very good condition and he made it seem like the car is about to fall apart in 3 months. In addition, he talked to the seller personally and convinced them to not purchase the car unless certain (expensive) repairs were made. That buyer walked and I ended up selling the car to someone else for $ 1000 less without any repairs. Thanks Kunos!
He will sound professional and caring, and seem like he knows what he’s doing and is doing it in your interest, but beware of his antics.

We’ve taken our Hondas and Toyotas here for twenty years and have always had excellent results. Recently we had trouble with a 10 year old car and had to take it in several times, but they worked with us to find the issue and didn’t charge us for the labor. They have kept our very old car working well and our newer car as well. They are fairly priced and flexible with drop-​off and pick-​ups. I also have never smelled a bad smell.

I got my clutch replaced here on my 97 Subaru outback and they did the job for the price they quoted and the clutch is working fine for me now.

Gulp. I look at the flaming reviews and wonder why I haven’t experienced the misdiagnosis and incompetence in the ten years I’ve taken my Honda to the shop. A friend who manages a local dealer’s parts told me about Kunos – he trusts their work – and so far, I’ve found the work well done. Recently, I simply called in a question and asked if I needed to bring the car in. The owner told me what to do, how to fix it myself, and saved me the trip and the money. (It was a repair he could have made some bucks on).
Yes, there is an odd smell of cigarette and b.o. Yes, the owner is quiet and not Mr. Gregarious. But he does the job well, at least for us, and I’d rather pay him than a big corporation. Local and experienced wins.

Short Answer: FAIL
Medium Answer: Misdiagnosed a problem twice and expects YOU to pay for their mistakes
Long Answer:
Although most people are intimidated by cars, it doesn’t take much to be a decent mechanic. You need a little logic. So many people could work on a lot of problems with their cars, but frankly don’t want to put in the time. Same way here.
Girlfriend’s car was having trouble starting. Took it to Kunos. Mechanic says its a bad relay, so they need to replace the relay, charge $$.
Car still has trouble starting. Do the mechanics admit to misdiagnosing the problem? NO. Instead, they assert that the fuel pump is ALSO bad (notice not instead of relay).
At this point, we realize that they are potentially incompetent. Who’s to say they don’t screw up again, and expect us to pay? So we take the car back home, look up a manual, and do some diagnostic tests to determine that it’s the car’s ECU that is the problem. We actually call to tell them that, and they argue with some illogical response.
To verify, we take the car to Honda dealership (more $$) who verify the ECU problem.
We then by a used ECU and put it in ourselves (15 min job). Fuel pump was fine.
Car works.
Kunos doesn’t.

I have been using Unilocal for years, and finally signed up to write a review because of these guys. Had a car with a burning, rubber smell. They set a appt for the next day. I asked if they could do an oil change as well. One hour after dropping off my car they had diagnosed there was a loose clamp leaking coolant causing the odor. Not many would give you such an honest answer. Between the diagnosis time, repair, and oil change it was less than $ 100 (not the cheepest oil change, but I was cool with the price) and they did it in under 2 hours (even though I gave them the day). I don’t know about you, but an honest mechanic is worth their weight is gold. Kuno’s is worth their weight in gold.

He’s a good mechanic, but he’s kinda creepy and I have NEVER smelled such strong B.O. in my life. Enter his office at your own risk!
For Honda’s I prefer Auto Medic in San Mateo. I had an oil change yesterday and Loved the place!

I’ve been taking my 98 Subaru Impreza Outback here for years. It is neither the cheapest nor most convenient option for me but I believe that you get what you pay for. I have always received honest, friendly, no pressure, quality service. The labor is definitely less than the dealership and they use genuine Subaru parts. They have only one morning shuttle to Caltrain and no pickup but a comfy couch to wait on for smaller repairs. Overall a very comfortable, low-​key and non-​intimidating atmosphere.

So glad I did not take their advice and go broke getting a rebuilt transmission. Not only was it really not needed but by car is going strong and the transmission is just fine after 5K since I visited.

I’ve been to Kuno’s 3 times now, going the first time based on the Unilocal reviews. Each time, I have been treated with honesty and good service. This is the only car mechanic I know of who hassuggested to NOT fix something on the car because it was not worth it – a very honest opinion coming from a mechanic. I have been impressed with their quick service, and getting a job done right the first time.

I don’t know if I would go as far as to say that Kuno’s is cheap, but it definitely seems that they charge honestly (although I’ll always yell «ouch!» in my head when I see labor charges, no matter what repair place I’m at).
I’ve taken my Honda here twice, once to replace the rear tail lights and once to replace the front brakes, and I haven’t had any problems with their repair work.
I loveeee that they have overnight drop off, and that I rarely have to give them much of a heads up when I’m bringing my car in.
— — —
UPDATE!
I guess 3^rd time is the ultimate charm, b
ecause I took my car in to Kuno’s yet again (radiator was busted, mmm smoke!). They fixed it and charged very little for the labor. When I got inside to drive away, I noticed that they had also replaced the burnt out fuse for the dashboard clock, fixed my temperature knob, and pulled my window up (the motor is broken and it’s been at half mast for the past 4 – 5 months), none of which I asked them to do!
Had me flying high all week. It’s so nice to drive on the freeway without the wind whipping my hair around!