Related Post: Summer Road Trip Checkup
I don’t know which is more stressful a trip to the doctor or the auto mechanic. I think we’ve all been guilty of avoiding one or the other or both until something totally breaks down.
Hopefully you can benefit as much from this preventative email as I already have from doing the research to write it.
I’ve always been a bit curious about Hawthorne Auto Clinic and it’s ability to be a clean, pleasant feature on Hawthorne in the 40′s right between all the trendy the restaurants and boutiques. Jim and his wife Liz and all their staff are, let’s just say, cleaner and tidier than the average auto shop.
I think I’ve figured out why. They’ve found a nitch that works for them and for the neighborhood. They’ve been repairing and maintaining cars for 26 years. They work on the kinds of cars we South East Portlanders use most: 1990 and newer, no exotics or super fancy sports cars, just everyday family vehicles.
The woman sitting in the waiting room when I came in to get details for this posting listened in on our conversation and pulled me aside before I left. She wanted me to know she doesn’t live in this part of town any more but she travels cross town to bring her car to this shop because of how honest and fair and cost effective they have been for her. Like any shop they make mistakes now and again, she said, but they admit their errors, give out a loaner car and fix them for no extra cost.
Having ignored my own Toyota minivan a bit since I moved to Portland three years ago, I figured the best thing I could do to fairly discribe Hawthorne Auto Clinic’s services was to take Jim up on his $96 comprehensive vehicle inspection and see what turned up.
I made a new friend in Art over the whole deal. He was patient and clear with me on the phone. Explained what they found, helped me prioritize repairs and best of all told me all about the leaking rear break cylinders that would have worked themselves into a much bigger problem and more costly repair down the road.
So the car I walked over from my house to pick back up yesterday had complimentary new windshield wipers just in time for the wet weather, a fresh oil change, repaired safety lights and some important major repairs done just in time.
If you have yet to find a group of mechanics that you trust and like for your average, everyday, family vehicle. Hawthorne Auto Clinic at 4307 SE Hawthorne Blvd is a nice walk from the Swap Shop and definitely worth a try.
While you are there, please thank Jim and Liz for being great community sponsors of The Roost program, doing their part to give access to neighborhood teens who want and need a place to chill.
Also see my write-up of Liz’ car seat safety checks.
Hi Karen,
I am so glad I took in my car for a child safety seat inspection! She was very thorough and even though my infant and toddler seats were tight, she made several corrections to make them safer and made adjustments that I had forgotten to make as my children grew. We have been taking our Honda Civic to the Hawthorne Auto Clinic for service for a few years now and have always been happy with their work. Thank you for letting us know about this additional service they provide.
Lyn
(Dusty and Hazel’s mom)
Just took the old Golf in – it was overheating at the least convenient times. Turns out it was a fairly simple electrical issue, but after spewing most of its coolant it needed a good flush and refill.
It’s now a happy camper, and the folks at Hawthorne Auto confirmed my suspicion that my last shop was perhaps a wee bit too enthusiastic about replacing wheel bearings, so those are on the “keep an eye on it” list now.
Did I mention they’re really close? It’s rather nice to have the garage within walking distance.