08/04/2008

Fair Prices

This guy is foreign, but he understands English very well and will be very fair on pricing your job out. I will go back when I have future needs, which always happens with a used car.

computergirl78

Source: YPAGE

12/05/2014

We just had a GREAT experience with Alba Service. They took our car late Sunday afternoon, got to work on it right away, and have us back on the road to Central Illinois. All in less than 24 hours just because they knew we are from out of town. Great job, Jim and staff!

Jeannie Gass Bauer

Source: FBOOK

22/05/2012

GREAT SERVICE!

Since leaving Chicago, I have yet to find another mechanic who even comes close to providing the level of service offered by Jim Alba. In fact, most fall woefully short. Highly recommended!!

rosemary g

Source: INPAG

06/08/2016

Someone else mentioned how cheap the work is, how great of a guy Jerry is, and just how honest he is-I couldn't agree more.
My car was making a lot of noise, so I had taken it to Midas. Being a young female, I'm sure they thought I was a total idiot and came back with a quote for $1,200 to fix it. I did some searching online to find that they had quoted me almost a thousand dollars for a part that I could find online $300-$400. So I immediately picked it up and called Jerry and Alba Auto.
He listened patiently and told me to bring it right in and that he'd look at it for free. (Midas had charged me $30 just to look at the car) so I made the drive over. The place is pretty tiny, so you've got to be on the lookout, but I'm so glad I found it!
Midas had told me that the catalytic converter was broken in half. They were making it sound as though the two pieces were disconnected and hanging on by a thread. I asked if it was urgent to get it fixed, since they had quoted me $1,200 for repairs, and they said "I would say it's pretty urgent. It's technically illegal to drive it since it wouldn't pass emissions, but more importantly, it's broken directly below where you sit in the car and is leaking toxic fumes that you're breathing in." I asked if I could drive it still (I'm a poor college student) and they said "I wouldn't. You really shouldn't drive this until it gets fixed."
Jerry took a few minutes to look at my car, came back and asked why I brought it in. He asked if it was just the noise that concerned me and I told him that Midas had basically said the car was poisoning me, which he laughed at. Jerry walked me to my car and pointed out the small crack in my secondary converter, near the back of my car. He said if the noise bothered me, he could fix it for $200 and I shouldn't have a problem again.
He was so refreshingly honest and I didn't feel like I was being swindled. I will never go to another auto shop in the city again!

Andi K.

Source: YELP

03/11/2015

Let's face it, taking your car to the mechanics is just about #9,999,999 out of 1,000,000 on your to-do list (yep, you read that correctly), but you just gotta do it. Preventative care and all that jazz, right? Or, in my case, if your car has been pouring water inside when it rains and, in fact, is making a sloshing noise due to the swimming pool it's created. Same thing.
I was able to get my car in quickly to Alba and they worked hard to find out the issue and fix it. In fact, when I came back for it later they took the time to tell me everything they did, what they thought the problem was, and how they fixed it. They also offered for me to bring it back in again should I have the problem in the future. Seems as though they got it right the first time, however, and as far as I can tell my car is no longer a swimming pool.

Matt R.

Source: YELP

12/06/2016

Hands down the best experience I have ever had with car repairs. I put off bringing my car in for literally a year. I only drive once a week so I was being cheap and lazy as well plus I hate spending money on car repairs. Finally I researched the best in the area. I bought it in and Jimmy took my car and let me know he will look at it and let me know what the issue is. I was prepared to spend over a grand...it happens all the time. Later that day I got a call letting me know what the issue was and it was half of what I thought and that some parts didn't even need to be replaced just cleaned. Most places would have tried to sell you on getting new parts that were not needed. Not Jimmy...straight shooter and honest. A true gem. It was done a day later and the car is back to new. I just needed front brakes and he also looked at my AC which now runs perfect again. I highly suggest taking all your car repairs here. I am so glad I now have a place to get my car looked at and trust.

Bob B.

Source: YELP

10/06/2016

I found Alba Auto on Yelp, and am so thankful for all the excellent reviews. Jimmy proved to be just as honest as everyone indicated.
Being new to Chicago/Midwest, I made the mistake of letting my car sit on the street too long over the winter months. When I went to go move it, one of the rear wheels was completely locked up due to the vehicle sitting in snow/rain puddles for too long. I had it towed to Alba Auto thinking the situation was going to cost me an absolute fortune. Jimmy encouraged me not to think the worst, stating his first step would be to clean up the rear wheels/brake system for a cost of about $120. When I went to go pick up the car the next day, he mentioned there would be a little residual noise when I applied the brakes. I asked him if he thought I would have to replace the brake system. He, again, said he didn't feel that it was necessary to replace any parts. Rather, I should just take it out on a long drive, as the noise issue upon applying the brakes would likely work itself out. He was absolutely right. A couple of drives out of the city sorted everything out.
Really appreciated the honesty. As far as car repairs go, this was uncharted territory for me. I've never lived in cold weather environments or had my wheels lock up like this due to a combination of salt and moisture. Honestly, he could have lied to me and told me the entire brake system was ruined, but he didn't. He suggested minimal repairs upfront. As a woman, I have to say that it was completely refreshing to deal with a mechanic that wasn't interested in making me pay for unnecessary services/parts.
Definitely my go to place from here on out!

Nicole C.

Source: YELP

20/03/2016

If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Jimmy is the most honest, reliable mechanic I have ever worked with. He has been taking care of my old car (99 camry) and me for the past 4 years. He tells me what needs to be done immediately, things I can hold off on and all work is always done within a more than reasonable amount of time and a very fair price. My car used to belong to my grandfather so of course I have a sentimental attachment to it and when I bring it over to Jimmy I know my car is in good hands. He is a family man with good values, I know I will be safe in my car for as long as I have it while he is my mechanic.

Rachel V.

Source: YELP

01/06/2016

Left work early to make sure I made it here with plenty of time. Got there at 5:10, they close at 6. Door was locked so I called and they said they are closed for the day. I didn't have time after that to make it anywhere else before they closed because I wasted my time here. Shady auto shop connected to a tow company.

Bob R.

Source: YELP

05/11/2015

I took my car to Alba Auto to have the steering hose replaced. Initially, I had taken it to Toyota for the steering issue. They racked up close to $2000 worth of repairs they said I should do. My car only has 51,000 miles on it. I purchased a Toyota because of its reputation. I picked up my car, went directly to Wells Automotive where they fixed the issue caused by Jiffy Lube. (Jiffy Lube sent me to Wells Automotive) It sat there a week waiting for a part, When I picked it up, I was given an estimate for rack & pinion work. According to Wells Auto, it was leaking power steering fluid. I took it back to Alba Auto and he put it up on the rack and showed me there was no leak, and then opened the hood and showed me that the steering fluid was full. Previously, he told me I did not require all the work Toyota recommended. I went to Alba on a friend's recommendation and I am glad I did!!!
WELLS AUTO = RIPOFF
ALBA AUTO = HONESTY, GOOD SERVICE, READY WHEN THEY SAY IT WILL BE READY.

Patricia H.

Source: YELP

18/04/2015

Amazing service! Very friendly and affordable. I was in and out quickly and he even found a nail in my tire that I wasn't even aware of. Can't recommend this place enough!

Courtney T.

Source: YELP

17/05/2014

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME
This place is built on customer service, honesty and integrity.
Getting a car serviced can be a stressful thing, especially when you're a girl and most places try and take advantage of you.
Jim provided extremely fast, quality service for an unbeatable price. I am happy to say that I have found "my mechanic" in Chicago and will be highly recommending all of my friends here.
To make things even better, I also had the pleasure of meeting Sal and his two sons. How cool is it that Sal spends the weekends teaching his sons his trade?!? He too had great customer service and is just a good guy. This place is great and I really wish that other businesses could withhold such a high standard. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Gina P.

Source: YELP

25/10/2013

Jim is the best mechanic I have ever had. He's fair, fast, and honest.
On a recent repair appointment I asked him to look into 5 things for me. He determined three of the requests didn't need action (or could be as simple as cleaning parts instead of replacing them), saving me a lot of money.
On a recent road trip, my car conked out at a rest stop. I called Jim and he walked me through what to do to determine root cause. Not only that, but he called me back later to make sure I was doing okay and see if there was anything he could do to be of further help!

Mitch R.

Source: YELP

28/06/2013

My battery and alternator died and after a call to Alba, they towed my car to their shop. Courteous service at every point, and swift work. Picked my fixed car up the next day and it runs like a champ.
Jimmy helped us from towing the car to fixing it...very nice guy and I will plan on bringing my car back there when additional service is needed.

Matthew L.

Source: YELP

12/09/2013

I had been taking my 2003 toyota to a nearby Midas for about a year and I felt like every time I went in there they always found some "required repairs" that added up to a few hundred dollars a visit. After finally getting fed up I took the advice of my smart and humble girlfriend and brought my car to Jimmy at Alba Auto. Not only does Jimmy provides excellent quality work at half the price, but he is also an honest, hard working, and all around great guy. On multiple occasions he has stayed late or come in early to meet my schedule and even gave me a ride to the train one time because it was 7:30 pm and dark out. Just recently my front bumper was beat up and needed to be replaced and Jimmy literally charged me half of what the other guys quoted me. I highly recommend this place to all my family, friends, and yelpers.

Mike D.

Source: YELP

13/05/2014

WHAT A FIND! I will be going to Jimmy forever.
Found him by chance when our car died and he towed us back to his shop. We live like 1/2 a block away, so we just picked him based on what was close.
We scored.
He has always been friendly and helpful and honest. I've had to go back several times for small things, and he's always helpful and reasonable. You can trust Jimmy and the work he does. Thanks and (unfortunately) I'm sure I'll see him again soon! :D

Summer N.

Source: YELP

26/06/2013

These guys are awesome! My car died in front of my house down the street, so I walked to Alba. The man who I assumed to be the owner lent me a battery charger to start my car to bring it in. As I tried to get into my car, my key broke in the door. The guy at Alba, gave me a number for a locksmith he uses. A couple hours later, I had a new key plus got my car in. Probably saved me hundreds by not having to go to the dealer.

J D.

Source: YELP

07/11/2012

Brought my own oil, filter, diff, and trans fluids to be changed. Stopped by Monday afternoon and they started working on my car right away. Left to read and get a cup of coffee, returned about an hour later to find everything done.
They were especially careful not to get any greasy dirt or oil in the interior and returned all the supplies they didn't use. Total price $90 - an hour of labor and the minimum charge at most shops.

Dan K.

Source: YELP

27/08/2013

I bought the $25 oil change package off the website, then called to schedule and Jimmy told me to come right in. I was in and out in under 20 minutes, and Jimmy took the time (while the oil was draining) to inspect under my car and take care of a few minor problems without any extra charge. The service here can't be beat and the prices are better than many of the big chain places!

Brock R.

Source: YELP

21/06/2013

this is the place to go either for a tune up,oil change, or buying a car. alba auto's is as good as it get when it comes down to the facts on cars!!! ive been dealing with jimmy and his wife lindsay for over 8 years now and have bought 2 trucks from them. one was a 2000 lincoln navigator ( i have 3 kids) and recently just bought a 1998 gmc yukon , as a treat for a second vehicle. there prices are phenominal and also have payment plans. its the best!!! stop all the searching and hostle enviorments come here for the best prices great costumer service wether its an oilchange or investment in a new vehical, you will not be disapointed!! im not nor is any of my friends or family!!! hands down thumbs up alba autos is the place to go, jimmy is great at what he does!!

Sheri M.

Source: YELP

25/06/2010

Very fast and reasonably priced.
I needed some work done and decided to come here after calling around the neighborhood shops. I think I've found my go-to guy. My ancient lil Civic got fixed up real nice and fast, for less than I was quoted from other shops. A few weeks later I needed a tiny little repair, and stopped in, got it fixed on the spot, no trouble at all.
I'll definitely be back as long as I'm in the city, even if I move away from this neighborhood!

Katrina K.

Source: YELP

21/05/2012

Since leaving Chicago, I have yet to find another mechanic who even comes close to providing the level of service offered by Jim Alba. In fact, most fall woefully short. Highly recommended!
To the woman who feels she was "ripped off" I have to add that I am a woman and was treated with nothing less than the utmost respect during the years Jim serviced my car. I have been to A LOT of mechanics in my day, and I can assure you that Jim is as talented and honest as they get.

R. G.

Source: YELP

28/09/2010

9-24-2015 Once again, Jim came through and fixed my car at a very reasonable price. I absolutely recommend him. The few times (when he has been on vacation) I have used someone else, have always been more expensive and a super disappointment.
Jim is a great guy. Very honest and straight forward. He has fixed my car for different things three times and his prices are very reasonable. Didn't charge me for replacing a light bulb. He is definitely my go-to-guy. Would highly recommend him. I am in the neighborhood and it is great to have someone close by who is so terrific and doesn't charge for things you don't need!
Annie V

Ann V.

Source: YELP

11/03/2011

The first time I took my car to Alba Auto Service, it was because it was making a terrible sound. I know NOTHING about cars, and if they'd told me I had to pay 500 bucks to get a lot of stuff fixed on my '92 Honda, I totally would have believed it. But instead, they told me that it was just a loose belt and tightened it for me, for FREE. That convinced me that I could trust them for life. Since then, I've had a few other things done to my car, and have always found the service to be reliable, fast, and friendly.

Nora M.

Source: YELP

06/03/2012

I just bought a 2005 Scion Tc with 43k miles on it from Alba Auto Service. It is a great car, at a great price. It was a pleasure to do business with these guys. Very professional, honest, and accommodative. I couldnt be happier with the car, and would definitely do business there again

Dan H.

Source: YELP

20/06/2012

Came in with two slow leaking tires. They took me right away even though there were some longer projects they were working on. Fixed tires in 20 minutes, cost me $33. Seemed like an honest shop.

c e.

Source: YELP

17/05/2010

The best car repair experience I have ever had. The owner is so cool. I had been taking my last car there for years. He's the only guy I trust in the city. I actually trust him so much, that I just purchased my new car from him. I know nothing about cars and he is always very educational. He is patient with my questions and listens to my concerns. He treats everyone with respect. In fact he even has a freedom flag hanging from his sign out front. It is wonderful to go to an auto-mechanic who is educated and non-discriminatory. It doesn't matter who you are, Jimmy will take care of you like you are part of his own family.

Jeff K.

Source: YELP

08/02/2009

Went in to get the brakes checked on my Honda Civic. They ended up just needing brake pads and Jim did the work very quickly. The folks at Alba are super friendly, up front, and I found them to be genuinely honest. Would definitely return.

Christopher J.

Source: YELP

21/01/2009

I knew going to a small shop I would be ripped off.
Reason 1. I know nothing about cars and parts
Reason 2. Female = $$$ in a repair shop
I also expressed my concern to Mr. Jimmy the non take advantage type so he says. I was desperate to get a battery after our below 30 degree weather we had this past month in January. Yeah, it was ten minute job.
As soon as I walked out the shop and drove two blocks my radio/cd player is asking for a code. I called him a day later and he said and can take it in but it would cost me two hours of labor. What? I specifically asked him if I would encounter any more cost with replacing a battery prior to doing so and he said no.
So aggravating as I've been without music or radio for over a week. :-(
Waiting for moola or drive to the burbs and have the dealer take out the radio and look for some code to enter. I hope for free.

Iris F.

Source: YELP

02/05/2009

I HIGHLY recommend Alba Auto Service. The owner is friendly and HONEST, which are hard qualities to find.

Holly E.

Source: YELP

09/04/2011

It is great to have a mechanic you can trust. Jim has been great for me over the years.

LM S.

Source: YELP

07/04/2008

Jimmy is a good mechanic and won't screw ya. Hard working and tells you what you need to know.

steve w.

Source: YELP

29/06/2016

the most reasonably priced, honest and competent mechanic i have ever dealt with. A++++++++

Nickolas Pappas

Source: GPLAC

13/02/2015

From many services in the city of Chicago I found Alba Auto to be absolutely THE BEST, honest and reliable!!!! I'm servicing my Mercedes CLK 320 there for like more then 3 years there and there is nothing they can't do - They also helped me with convertible roof top when Loeber Motors had problems to do the same job! Highly Recommended!

Caesar Oleksy

Source: GPLAC

27/08/2013

I bought the $25 oil change package off the website, then called to schedule and Jimmy told me to come right in. I was in and out in under 20 minutes, and Jimmy took the time (while the oil was draining) to inspect under my car and take care of a few minor problems without any extra charge. The service here can't be beat and the prices are better than many of the big chain places!

Brock Reiter

Source: GPLAC

19/07/2008

So I went in to get my car looked at with some weird noise it was making which I had looked at by alot of other shops and this guy found the problem with 1 hour and called me to confirm what he was going to do before proceeding. I'm so happy he was able to find the problem and I am totally satisfied with the work and the price he quoted. Go see him, his name is Jim. He'll help you. Peace out.

A Google User

Source: GPLAC

10/02/2008

Great service with honest people. They took a look at my car and repaired it in lest time than predicted and cost less than estimated.

A Google User

Source: GPLAC