Northwood Garage

Owned & operated by Jim & Linda Grant. Jim writes the southern NH counterpart to "Car Talk". They opt for thorough and complete repairs, but ask your approval before doing more than the minimum required. They and their mechanics are courteous, friendly, and have a swell sense of humor. Guarantee varies by the type of service, but overall, they are extremely fair and honest. Admittedly, this is based on anecdotal evidence, since I've never had a problem or complaint with any of their work. I believe they have only one loaner vehicle, but that's not a problem for many people in this rural area.

Owned & operated by Jim & Linda Grant. Jim writes the southern NH counterpart to "Car Talk". They opt for thorough and complete repairs, but ask your approval before doing more than the minimum required. They and their mechanics are courteous, friendly, and have a swell sense of humor. Guarantee varies by the type of service, but overall, they are extremely fair and honest. Admittedly, this is based on anecdotal evidence, since I've never had a problem or complaint with any of their work. I believe they have only one loaner vehicle, but that's not a problem for many people in this rural area.

Never had a problem with workmanship and Jim loves to solve difficult problems. I worked in a repair shop long ago for 3 years and think this is one of the best.

Wow, I just realized that I've been going to the Northwood Garage for over 36 years! Back when I started it was owned and operated by Bob Grant and his son Jim was one of the mechanics. Now Jim owns and runs the business with his lovely wife Linda. I have very rarely ever had to take my car back for something that wasn't fixed right the first time. On the few occasions that I did, Jim always made things right immediately and without additional charge. Jim is a diagnostician of the highest order, not a part swapper. It's clear that his goal is to do it right and do it right the first time. But he's also a pragmatist. I had a friend who put a hole in the oil pan of her old Mercedes diesel wagon. There was no way she could afford to replace the forged aluminum pan, even with a used one. I sent her to the Northwood garage, and Jim was able to come up with cost effective solution that lasted till the car eventually went to the junk yard. Mind you, this is not to say that the Northwood Garage charges bargain basement prices. There are cheaper mechanics in the area. But the prices are fair, certainly no more than what you'd pay at a dealer, and the quality of service is far better. And unlike a dealer or even some independent mechanics, Jim is going to tell you if your car has reached a point where you should be thinking about getting a replacement rather than pouring more money into the old jalopy. One last story. In all the years I've been going to Jim, the one time I went to the dealer instead, I regretted it. Based on mileage, it was time to replace the timing belt on my Toyota. As luck would have it, I got a coupon in the mail from the local Toyota dealer for timing belt service at a very low price. I took them up on it. No problems or drama, the work appeared to be fine. Except, about 10,000 miles later, the water pump needed to be replaced. It was then that I remembered that whenever Jim replaced the timing belt on my cars, he always advised me to replace the water pump at the same time since the cost of the part was a minor part of the overall cost of the repair. Sure enough, by going to the dealer who didn't give this same advice I, in effect, ended up paying for that timing belt twice. Having a smart, honest, reliable mechanic is such a joy. I should have such luck in finding a good doctor!

You will never leave this place wondering if your car was repaired correctly, or if you were charged too much. Bring in an estimate from another shop, and they will be happy to give you a competing estimate, and most of the time they are cheaper. Bring in a quote on tires from one of the big tire chains, and Jim will probably give you a better price, and the tires will be installed by a competent technician, not some high school kid doing this as an after school job. Jim's wife, Linda, makes awesome chocolate chip cookies I am told.

I am not a car fan. My car is a tool, nothing more. A necessity in this rural area, and a tool to get from point A to point B. I maintain the vehicle by checking the oil and tire pressure, and leave the rest up to the folks who know what they're doing: Jim and Linda Grant, and the folks at Northwood Garage. They know what they're doing. They are realists when it comes to alternative solutions to expensive car repairs. They take the time to explain what they do, and how they do it... even to automotive morons, like me. And they recognize that, even though people can be quite emotionally tied to their cars, it helps to have a mechanic who is patient and practical. And they're good people, too.

Jim and Linda really go out of their way to make it right for the customer. Service is A+ If you have an emergency with your vehicle, they do everything in their power to solve the problem. A good motto and analogy for their business is that of the TV show, "Holmes on Holmes" "Make it Right", meaning make it correct the first time and with quality workmanship and not to have to redo somebody else's mess ups. It's wonderful to have a small hometown shop that you can trust with all your vehicle needs.

Jim and Linda are very sensitive to the fact that cars are necessary evils. We need them when we need them. They are very honest and will tell you when something needs to be fixed but won't just suggest work to increase your bill. They are very concerned about their customers and won't let a car leave the shop that isn't right. If there is something that needs additional attention they take it back without question until it's right. The free loaner is a very important feature for me. They are great business owners plus great friends.