Classic Mechanics
4.4 (40)
520 E Northland Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 486-1771
classicmechanicsgarage.com
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
John Metzger
3 months ago
This is one of the few places that understands the customers passion for their cars. They share the same love for cars as anyone else who knows what the labor of love is for automobiles. I ve had everything from a 70 Grand Prix to a 95 Civic and they get what cars mean to people.
Sheri Tuzinkewich
7 months ago
The worst experience everOur Jaguar went into their place with minor issues. They said they would fix all concerns for $3,500.Without any approval, the final bill was almost $12,000. Obscenely more than approved. Many of the concerns were never fixed.We became so disenfranchised that we sold the car we loved for a fraction of the value. This all because we brought a car we loved to a place that was totally incompetent. We are still heartbroken. Really want to emphasize the car was running and we used it before we brought it to these people. Could NOT use it afterI would never recommend them and would advise anyone considering them to RUN the other way!!!
Sterline80
8 months ago
I took my car there to get custom exhaust for it. Nothing crazy, but its hard to find pipes for old cars with headers. After they had the car for almost a month, they still couldn't make it look anywhere near factory. We ended up just taking it back off and picking up in the same condition it came in- no exhaust at all. The communication was terrible. I wouldn't hear anything for days, I'd call and have to leave a message, and then still not get a call back. Every time I talked to them the price mysteriously went up. They did honor their estimate , but first it was $800, Then $1000, then they "had $1600 into it", then "$3000 into it" etc. To top it all off, when I picked it up there were new dents in my fender from the time there. Of course they say they didn't do it, and wouldn't make it right. So be real careful if you go there and make sure you inspect your car for damage afterwards.
Dave VDH
a year ago
Stopped in to see if they could work on my corvette last summer , they said they were booked up until Sept. When I told them I was broke down on the side of the road, they got me right in, and had the car back in 2 days, running better than ever. Great Place.
Jack Duwe
a month ago
Called on the phone , they checked all their contacts to find some parts, unfortunate it all came up 0 , gave best advice to rebuild old parts....
Joseph Schaetz
a year ago
I like the new location on Appletons north side. It's easy to get to,and looks new and clean. A turquoise Thunderbird in showroom looked almost finished except for a few paint areas that looked like could look better with a little wet sanding and buffing. They gave away free stuff for their grand opening, but they were all out of T-shirts when I got there.
Sheri Tuzinkewich
a year ago
I called Classic Mechanics in September of 2021 to discuss concerns we had with our Jaguar. Those were leaks, gas and heat indicator gauges were not always accurate and asked for a tune up. They said they would do the work and would pick the car up and/or deliver if necessary. They would call when they were ready to work on it. They called in mid November and we arranged to bring it in since the roads were dry at that timeWe brought our 1988 Jaguar XJS V12 to Classic Mechanics November 22, 2012. They looked at the issues and called back saying they estimated it would cost $4,000 to do everything and it would take 1 to 2 weeks. I said that was more than we wanted to invest. Shane said he would get the actual prices of everything and get back to me. He called back in a few days saying everything was available and that the parts were less expensive than he had thought. He then estimated it would be $3,500 for all the work. He expected to have the parts in a few days and work would be done by early December.I called a few times and Shane said it was taking longer than expected. Each time I asked if the price was the same, he said it should be close but had not tallied it. In January Shane said we should have it back in a week or so. In February he said the cost had gone up to $8,000. I said that was way over what we agreed to. His response was that is what happens when you work on older classic cars. I asked if we could postpone any of the work to lower the cost. He said everything was disassembled and need to be reassembled. The only thing he would do was not install a $75 part. After a bit of discussion about my disappointment in the increased price, over double what he had quoted, I agreed to have the last piece installed.The last week of March Shane called to say the car was ready, the price tag was now $11,851.32. I really objected, he said that was the best he could do, old cars, you know. He did not have approval to go that high, he certainly knew that from previous conversations.March 30, the Jaguar was delivered. I noticed some liquid under the car. Shane said it was just residuals from sitting so long. It was still leaking as we later realized. We took it for a ride April 28 for the first time. Gauges did not work, the car ran out of gas when the gauge (which they assured us was accurate) said the tank was full. It was also still leaking badly in the rear.We called and took it back in. May 17 we picked it up again. This time the mechanic who had been working on it and Shane were not longer employed by them. Al took over as our contact. They found a seal that had failed and worked on the gauges.Got it back and had issues, we brought it back again on June 1. The radiator was having overflow issues. They found the caps were put on incorrectly, in the wrong places.June 15 we got it back again, no issues were resolved. The radiator was now spewing out steam across the top, making it impossible to drive the car. After leaving a few messages, they called and said to take it somewhere else.It is now prime driving time, our car (which did run just fine when they got it, we drove it to them) could not be driven and everyone we called is booked out for months. We have spend nearly $12,000 on a $3,500 quote and have a car we can not drive.
Valerie Stabenow
a year ago
October, 2022 update to this review. The original review,( a positive 5-star), posted below the asterisks, was written when this business was still under the ownership and management of Jim Wagner. Subsequently, in 2020/2021, Jim retired and sold the business to Motion Products. Although "Classic Mechanics" kept the name, the ownership is NOT the same. Jim's customer service policies and customer treatment have, in my opinion, since 2021, disappeared. In the 10 years that I took my E to CM, I spent over $30,000, (an engine/trans rebuild on my E-type being a large part of that $30K) with Classic Mechanics, so I am not just a casual, once-in-awhile client. After 30-plus years of ownership, I know this car inside and out and know when something isn't right. I am not, however, in the Ferrari/Maserati/ Lamborghini/McLaren strata. There may be hope for the current Classic Mechanics if their customer service issues can be resolved. Failure to work positively with a client is one of those issues.If you are considering taking your vehicle here, read and consider ALL the reviews, ask questions and get written estimates.*******************************Moved to this area 11 years ago with my '69 XK-E. No longer had my drive on lift, so needed a good place for regular service. 3 years ago, the old boy needed a trans rebuild, which led to a complete engine rebuild, along with suspension (was all original), exhaust and brakes. After 50 years, those parts were due. Shop is clean, tidy, organized. Pricing is reasonable and fair and they stand behind their work.
Deb Luebke
7 months ago
I really enjoyed Cars & Coffee. They have a great shop-nice and clean, friendly people, cool merch, and great vehicles for sale in the front showroom.
Jonathan Roug
7 months ago
Very knowledgeable, kind and helpful. Not sure on cost related to other mechanics but if you're working with a classic or some other sentimental vehicle, this is the spot!
Dan Alt
a year ago
I can t thank The Classic Mechanics team enough for bringing the fun back into restoring a vintage vehicle. A frame off restoration by another shop that went horribly wrong that the Classic Mechanics team were able to correct. Classic Mechanics is a godsend for those that have a vintage vehicle or are thinking about purchasing one.
Tim Kempen
2 years ago
Had my car there a couple of years back. The original repairs verses the work that ending up being done was WAY over estimate/budget given and done without any communication. The communication through the whole process was poor. Upon receiving the vehicle back, it was leaking significant fluid. It was returned and when getting it back, it still leaked fluid. Took it elsewhere to be looked at and it ended up being the transmission pan was not tight.
Warren Beske
3 years ago
Classic Mechanics is a great auto shop for older classic cars. They go out of their way to get your car repaired. They care and respect your car no matter what make or model. Personal is very knowledgeable on cars like mine. I truly appreciate their work and skill and care.
Mike Oehler
5 years ago
I would give this shop an F Plus. Kicker is that I had to replace a gas tank that was purchased and installed by these guy's. More issues they are picky as to the work they do "We don't like headers" obvious engine issues and pass the car off as running great...
Michael Smits
4 years ago
I take my Jaguar to Classic Mechanics. Here's the thing, these guys are technically excellent, very fair with pricing, and I know they are not going to kick the hell out of my car and get it full of grease.
Logan Knudsen
4 years ago
Great shop, skilled and knowledgeable technicians and overall wonderful place to have any repair work done for your classic vehicle. I highly suggest them for your antique automotive needs!
Dan Young
a year ago
Call Pat or Brock ready to help at a moments notice. These guys are amazing to work with. Most professional and upstanding group.
Dave Tebo
4 years ago
Guys that work there seem to really like working on vintage vehicles of all kinds. That makes me feel comfortable with trusting them with my car.
Diana Dennee
10 months ago
This place is AMAZING! The go to place for all your specialty vehicle maintenance!
Mark Schmidt
a year ago
I can't wait to see their new place with cars available for sale.
Dennis Allar
5 years ago
Jim, the owner has built an extraordinary business by delivering quality work at reasonable prices.
Jason Miller
a year ago
Always do a great job with my car.
Anthony Sonnleitner
a year ago
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Steve Sturtevant
a year ago
Very helpful and very knowledgeable.
Trucker Man
11 months ago
GOOD NEIGHBORS
Cory Fuhrman
a year ago
Awesome place
Lee Krahenbuhl
6 years ago
Collector's garage
Ryan Woodworth
3 years ago
Excellent service