Say Ray Corporation

Since 1989 we've had 3 Volvos and taken all of them to Say Ray after the first couple of years of warranty. If something needs to be done now they tell me, but if something isn't needed they suggest waiting a bit. Once recently my car wouldn't start. I called them and they told me what it probably was (based on records they keep) and how to confirm the diagnosis. It was easy to replace this particular part so they told me how to do it, and sold me the part. Ten minutes later my car was running great. Any other shop would have required me to tow my car there.

It just ain't the same, I guess. My family has been going here forever... things are different now that Ray and Charlie are retired. They still do very good and honest work, but it's also extremely expensive, and it's more like "business as usual" rather than Ray's real delight in things mechanical. He was the man... if someone like him were to open up a Volvo-only shop in the area, they would clean house.

Ray (and now son Peter who owns the shop) have been fixing my 1985 240DL wagon since it came off warranty way back when. Well, actually prior to that as I had them assess what needed to be fixed (a few minor things) before the warrantly expired. I've never had a problem with any work that they have done...it's been right the first time. They don't do work that isn't needed. They advise me when things can wait a while longer. They are extremely flexible if an emergency situation arises, and have fit me in right away on those few occasions. With 202k miles, it's time to think about something else. I'll be looking at another Volvo as much to keep taking a car to Say Ray as anything else. (Wish I could convince Peter to work on Subarus!)

I started using them based on great report from another volvo owner about 23 years ago. I bought my current volvo 18 years ago, and a major consideration was that I had Say Ray as a mechanic. Over the years I have been consistently pleased with their service. I am now a biased customer based on my personal experience and feedback from other users that go there also. Most important factor for me is that they are HONEST and prices seem reasonable. They warn me about possible work to be done in the future, and they tend to tell me to wait until later to do it unless I want to be proactive. I have had other cars also(not volvo) and I've never found a mechanic in the class of Say Ray.

Took in my '84 245 a few times, always got good service at a reasonable price. Only problems: no loaners or drop-off service, long wait to get in for service. Peter is willing to explain things, and I trust him with my Volvo, which is saying a lot. Oh, and he didn't sneer at my old car - in fact, he pointed out the things about it that were great - like the 150K on the engine. Good for morale!

My 1984 Volvo needed a part that cost $1000. Peter kept the car for a couple of days while I tracked down a used part for $60. He was great about it and very supportive of me getting the car fixed for a price I could manage. They get really busy in the summer and you could have to wait a week or two for an appointment, so take your car in for maintenance in the winter, when it's less rushed. I'm female and older, and I've always been treated well - no discrimination or assumption that you don't know your car. Highly recommended, even if it means that you'll go there and it will be even harder for me to get an appointment. :P