O'Brien's Auto Service Center

I would never go to this place again. They sent me out of their garage with a brake unbolted from the frame. I took the wheel off because it was making noise, and the caliper was dangling from the brake line. When I called them to ask about it they said they "never even looked at that brake" even though I was there for a state inspection and they had all 4 wheels off to put new tires on. When I gave Fran the owner a hard time about it, he called me an a$$hole and hung up on me. Never any kind of apology whatsoever.

Get your car worked on here if you want to drive without brakes and then get cursed out when you question their work.

-Nick Surra

I called O’Brien’s and talked to the owner, Fran. He boasted that only “real mechanics” work for him and that they all worked there “for years.” I told him what I needed so he said to drop it off overnight or after 7 am.

Due to family circumstances I did not get there until 9 am the next day. He told me it would take “a few days” because there were now “28 cars” ahead of me. Funny how he called just a few hours later and had a lengthy estimate prepared. He said that I needed front brakes and rotors (which I knew), left and right control arms with inner/outer tie rods and away bar links. He quoted me $3100 which I knew was way too much. I called him back and told him to only replace the front brakes and rotors, and then he instantly dropped the estimate to $2400. He said he could do the brakes same day, but would have to order the other parts from a cheaper warehouse bring it back for completion in 2 days. He quoted me over the phone the brakes/rotors at $660. I knew that was high but was in a pinch. For a Honda Pilot to have front brakes/rotors replaced, I anticipated it would cost around $500.

When I arrived to pick up the Pilot, I told him not to order the other parts. I should have waited until after he finalized the bill, because he then charged me $780, saying the entire system was bled and rear brakes “cleaned.” Dealerships would have cost less, and I should have disputed it. I was charged full list price for brakes and rotors, 2 separate diagnostic fees, 2 separate labor charges, and an “environmental” fee. There was no disposal of fluids, tires, or a battery, so I’, not sure how metal rotors and worn down brake pads required such fee.

Fran talks a good game but rips you off with ridiculous prices. Do yourself a favor and do your homework on both local shops as well as estimated repair costs. It is obvious this shop is trying to take advantage of a gentrified neighborhood.

Oh, and I only needed 1 control arm with inner/outer tie rods and was a fraction of the his “cost.” Never again!!

Went here for the PA state inspection after getting a ridiculous quote from Pep Boys, who said I needed things fixed that obviously were unnecessary and at an inflated price. O'Brien's took my car on short notice, did the work quickly, and their price was one-third of what Pep Boys quoted me. I'll definitely use them again in the future.