Cochrane Automotive/VanWagners Auto Electric Reviews

Great customer sevice. 20 minutes for a drive clean test.

I brought two vehicles to be inspected prior to purchase. Cochrane Automotive is very thorough, and detailed. I would highly recommend Cochrane Automotive. They explained what to expect and followed through. Excellent service.

I would like to thank Cochrane Automotive for their amazing service when my daughter had a car accident in Toronto a few weeks ago. We live in London so it was very challenging dealing with it from a distance. We came in to see the damage initially and I was very impressed with their facility. Ju was extremely helpful with calling to keep me up to date on what was happening with the insurance adjusters and explaining the process since I had never dealt with this type of thing before. The service people I talked to whenever I called were always available and on top of things. I would highly recommend them for providing such great service. Thank you for making a bad situation a lot better.

Everyone looks for a good shop to turn to. The good news is you can stop looking. I look for 2 things; honesty and knowledge. Cochrane delivers in flying colours on both fronts. I am not one to normally write reviews, but I have honestly found a place that I can trust, and that know what they are doing. I am more than comfortable to refer friends and families to them. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the caliber of work is top-notch. I've had my car serviced here several times after wandering from shop to shop trying to find one that I could trust with my car for years to come. My hunt is over. Thanks Cochrane Automotive, you are so few and far between that I wanted to ensure a clients appreciation wasnt! Give them a try, you'll see what I mean.

Been going for a few years now, great shop with great customer service.

I am so grateful that I found this place!
There is a very good reason that they are CAA approved. It's because they are awesome.
I Highly recommend. I used them to do an inspection on a used vehicle that I was purchasing from a local dealership, 427/QEW Kia. Right from the minute that I spoke to Ju on the phone, he was professional, patient, knowledgeable, awesome. He had good suggestions and he worked with my dealer to do the inspection on the car that I was interested in purchasing because I lived so far out of town.
Afterwards, I received a detailed report by email, and then I even spoke with the service technician Tony and he answered all my questions.
It's a crazy amazing low totally fair reasonable price for the service, and the entire experience made car-shopping very easy for me. I ended up purchasing the car!
With the knowledge that I got from the inspection, I was able to negotiate 4 brand new tires. It more than covered cost of the inspection. I highly recommend this shop.

From the bottom of my heart, and my 2010 Soul, thank you!

Ju had an open and honest dialogue with me, and always clear about the pricing and the timelines. Pro-active in contacting me to confirm any changes and it was excellent to have a (very well maintained) courtesy car for the duration of the work. The car is transformed and thankfully now safe to drive!

Went to Cochrane Automotive for DSO training, excellent facility, great experience, very knowledgeable and very helpful.

Best automotive service in the city!
Staff is always professional and courteous,
would not think of going elsewhere!

All I can say is that if you're looking for a trusted mechanic you'll find it here. I've been coming here ever since I purchased my first car and without a doubt I have always received such excellent service. In my most recent visit, I had a Friday emergency on the road and when I called the shop, I was told exactly what my next steps should be. When I brought my car in that evening, they provided me with a courtesy vehicle for the weekend until my car was repaired. The shop was able to quickly identify what the issue was, explained it to me and returned it back with a quick turnaround. I can confidently say that Ju, the technicians and the whole team are such knowledgable people and know exactly what they are doing. They always happily explain everything to me and help me to understand what the issues are. If you're anything like me and search for trust, professionalism and great service then I highly recommend Cochrane Automotive. Thank you guys!

Always curteous and competenant. I bring my lease car here as I trust Cochrae Automotive more than the dealership. They have always done a great job! They will provide you with a car provide your appointment is early in the day. Thank you!

Thanks to Ju Chen for fixing the issue with my car and explaining how things work in simple terms. The shop has a spacious waiting area. They're honest, friendly, and provide a fair price. All in all it was a great experience. This place deserves a solid 5 and I'm glad I found this place.

As a lady, I often fell into the stereotype of dealing with mechanics who used my lack of familiarity with vehicle repair requirements as a way to patronize and embelish the job. When CAA recommended Cochrane Automotive as a mechanic shop I had low expectations based on prior experiences. I can now say that they are the BEST service provider for vehicle repairs I have ever come across and I'm happy I have finally found a trusted shop for my repair needs!
Cochrane Automotive provides exceptional customer service at all levels! They are a superlative example of what service should be!
From the courteous and dilligent communication to the way they educate the customer about their vehicle and provide sound advice on the available options, they are the epitome of professionalism!
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great mechanic shop! I know I have finally found a shop I can trust!

Excellent and helpful staff! Team member Ju specifically was awesome. He offered me a ride to my workplace and was super friendly and personable.

A breakdown is never a great thing to go through, but being towed to a quality garage makes the a bad day just a little better.

I'll be coming back!

Cochrane Automotive is reliable and provides excellent service and uses high quality products. Their staff is always courteous and friendly. Job well done.

CAA referred me to Cochrane when my 2007 Honda broke down too far away to tow to my dealer. (There was a different Honda dealer within the 10 km zone for a free CAA tow, but they were unhelpful - said they had no appointments for the next 10 days - sheesh!) Cochrane got me in right away, explained the problem and my options, and got the job done. Thanks!

BEST MECHANIC SHOP IN THE WESTWEND. CAA CERTIFIED
KNOWLEDGE STAFF.ALWAYS READY TO HELP. UHE AT FRONT DESK VERY HELPFUL. ASK FOR TONY (MECHANIC)TO FIX YOUR CAR.

Great people, great service. Always discuss issues before proceeding.

They have excellent counter people and an owner who understands the need for ongoing education of his technical staff....which is rare.
They put the customer in the driver's seat when it comes to decisions where there is some grey area which I consider another big positive.
That said the bottom line is it is one human being is working on your vehicle and human beings are not 100% reliable. Several items were missed on a pre-purchase inspection one of which was spongy rad hoses which subsequently failed.
To replace two rad hoses I was quoted a sum of six hundred and some dollars. For those not familiar there is a book with the times for each job and having been a mechanic myself I can tell you that those times are usually reasonable. I can also tell you from having been a mechanic that one hour of a highly qualified mechanics time is worth many many hours of an unskilled persons time. As well if that highly skilled mechanic is supported by Management in terms of equipment and training that gives her your best bang for the buck. I believe both those last two statements apply to Cochrane Automotive.
That said, it doesn't come cheap. I have no quarrel with that on its face but for low-skilled or semi-skilled jobs like checking brake wear are replacing radiator hoses I just can't bring myself to pay the rates asked.
I wish there was two ratings. For intelligent management pleasant and expert counter people and accommodating service....5 stars.... but after having paid for a pre-purchase inspection and having several items missed... coming back for failure in one of them I was floored by the quote. Almost think they must have looked up the four hose version 2.8 engine instead of the simple two hose 3.0. Earlier for water pump repair that happened and the quote was through the roof. Once pointed out the correct price was charged and the staff were appropriately apologetic and accommodating.

Only recently due to advancing age and declining health have I not been doing my own service. With the high cost quoted I have chosen to take an hour of my time and $120 of my money and two extra strength Tylenol and do it myself.

As always, the Cochrane Automotive staff treat me well and the do a great job. I have had my cars serviced by them for over 20 years and I have always had great service. They are friendly, knowledgeable and good at what they do.

This is my personal mechanic and I like them because first of all, they have more advance way to diagnose and to check your vehicle plus they will provide a courtesy vehicle to use free of charge , while they are fixing your vehicle, where other bigger Company will charge you money.

Ju was very helpful and informative. Reasonable price and quick service. Good Wifi and table to work while waiting.

very good customer service, price is fair and the place is clean. I recommend this place

Polite and good communication. Car running nicely as I droveaway

Such AMAZING service. Pulled in for emissions/drive clean test - took me right away and out of there in 15mins. Nice clean facility with free coffee and a fridge of free drinks for customers as they wait. A++++++ would definitely recommend and will be back.

I have been a customer for over 25 years, and their service has always been courteous with excellent quality. They are also the only company I know that does a call back several days after the service appointment to ensure customer satisfaction. I have no hesitation in recommending Cochrane Automotive to anyone.

Those guys are amazing. Best customer service

They will help you and satisfy your needs

Honestly those guys will be my shop to go for autos

5 stars very impressed

Excellent customer service and completed repairs, ... as always !

I had taken my car into two other garages to try and find the reason for why my battery was being drained. They weren't able to find the issue. So I looked for another garage. I found Cochrane's Automotive on the CAA website -- which was the first indication of the professionalism this shop provides. I called them up and spoke to a gentleman about the issue. He asked me detailed questions and asked if I can bring the car in for evaluation. The eval was done by hooking up my car to a diagnostic device. It took a couple of hours but the technician was able to find the issue -- which was a mystery for several months and couldn't be diagnosed by the previous garages. I was called by the front desk receptionist who explained, in detail, what needed to be done. While my car was in the Cochrane shop, I was given a loaner vehicle. I can't tell you what a help this was in the middle of winter. It's been about 3 weeks since the work was completed. In my case, the issue ended up being a couple of deteriorated ground wires. My car has not had a problem with the battery since the repair. The team at Cochrane had been professional, repaired my car in a timely manner and was always willing to answer my inquiries. I definitely recommend them and will be taking my vehicle back should I need other repairs done. Thank You.

Since arriving in Toronto from Truro, NS in August 2018 for my husband s double lung transplant, we have had many (mis)adventures and have met many amazing people. Our automobile is a 2006 Saturn Vue, driven all the way up here for us by brother-in-law Harry and dear friend Glen. A couple of days after we got the car, my husband and I decided to head west along Lake Shore for a drive. We parked the Saturn and I went into a store to pick up a few things for our condo. Kenny, on 24 hour Oxygen and needing a rolator for mobility, stayed in the car. When I came out to head back home, the Saturn would not start! We tried everything we could think of, then called CAA. The CAA driver/mechanic, Brad, also tried everything...he ended up towing the Saturn to Cochrane Automotive. It was our LUCKY day!! The staff at Cochrane Automotive were compassionate, kind, and skilled. We were treated with dignity and respect, set up with a courtesy car, and the Saturn was safely back on the road within a couple of days. Since that first encounter with Cochrane Automotive, we have needed their help with the Saturn a few more times. Every time we call, we are greeted with a smiling voice and an assurance that we (and the Saturn) will be taken care of. Our life can be challenging, for sure, but knowing Cochrane Automotive has our back makes it easier for both of us to breathe!! We highly recommend this auto shop!!

Finally found a mechanic I can trust. I really like that you can set up a complimentary car while yours is being done. It avoids you having to wait around, take transit or calling a car service. They always call to inform you of work required to your vehicle before proceeding.

Very kind and honest. Vehicle lights werw coming on but wont start so they ran some test found out it was the starter. Was done quick got the part same day and My vehicle!!! Thanks ! My new Spot!!

Top notch service, fair and honest mechanics. They also have a lounge area where you can wait while your car gets serviced.

Highly recommended!

Have dealt with Satrina, Tony & Ju .. they are EXCELLENT & have been super patient with me & the Durango of doom .. they are super understanding and also highly professional, Ju has consistently gone above and beyond, Tony has been very thorough in explaining things even though I know they are super busy .. I really can't say enough good things about them. Thx guys I really appreciate it hence why I am leaving another review!

I always appreciate their advice.. they recommend but don't push.. and if I am waiting versus returning later, they get me in quickly so I am not there long. no complaints

Cochrane automotive is great! They are quick, have reasonable prices, and are very transparent. On my most recent visit, when they inspected my car, I got a detailed report showing what issues were urgent and needed to be repair and what issues could wait longer (along with photos of the parts of the car that had serious issues). I love the transparency!

Excellent place. Went there for the first time today. Very pleased with Cochrane. They were pleasant, professional, and honest. Will definitely return and Would recommend Cochrane to anyone in need of automotive repairs or servicing. Thank you

Really a fantastic experience and an high level of service satisfaction even during COVID .
Solved my issue and had me on my way in short order.
Very professional , trustworthy and reasonable.
JC

Cochrane Automotive were straight up with my repair needs and completed everything quickly and within budget. With these Covid Times I was on a limited budget - they prioritized my repairs and as funds become available I bring my car back and have the work done. They were understanding.

Incredibly great service!! The staff are exceptional and the work was done on time and perfectly.

Have used this shop for more than ten years. Excellent quality service with follow up. Nice people.

Really loved evrything about their service - they were prompt, friendly and gave me a complimentary vehicle so I could go back to work. Highly recommend them!

Can t find one thing wrong with this garage, I ve been bringing my vehicles here for years and will always due so. Luv the people and the service.

I'm a longtime patron of Cochrane Automotive and have never looked back.

They are customer first with their service while offering a welcoming atmosphere in all that they do.

I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an honest experience, and top of the line service.

Sincerely,
Wendy Murphy

Excellent service!! Great value. Very impressed. As a young female, I often feel like I have a dollar sign above my head when I go into car garages, but these guys didn't try to push anything on me and I trusted what they told me. Let me use their courtesy car too. Very nice.

This is a quality shop. I recently went to get my door repaired. They fixed it quickly and for a low cost. Will go back again.

I have been dealing with Cochrance Automotive for many years. Always got very good and reliable service with them. They have helped me keep my automobiles running in the best condition possible. When needed, I can get a loaner car to use when my vehicle is in their shop.

Very fast and efficient services. Thank you to Ju and the team at Cohrane for fixing my car and providing honest and fair pricing.

I've taken my car here numerous times, and will continue to do so for as long as I need to. I have never had an issue with any of their staff or any maintenance recommendations they've given. Absolutely take your vehicle here.

Very good automotive garage place honest ,fur pricing and very quick and friendly service highly recommend this was my only second visit but I would not hesitate to recommend to anybody.

One word: Amazing!!! Great service, informative and all I needed was taken care of! I will be back!

Hands down the most honest and reliable mechanics I've ever dealt with! They diagnosed my unknown stalling problem very quickly and repaired it in a day. The customer service was absolutely amazing. I will definitely be using them from now on with any repairs or services!!!

I came here because I was recommended by CAA. The work was completed properly. However, Not happy with the service here because they took a long time to diagnose the problem, and they did not communicate exactly what was wrong in a way that I could understand. The guys spoke double dutch and I could not get a definite answer on what work should be done. It is important for me to have good and easy communication with my mechanic, so I found a new mechanic, Active Green Auto on Islington

Heard about this garage when I worked at CAA, finally brought my Chevy suv in ( SHOULD HAVE COME YEARS AGO ). Great people, fair pricing, they are now my official mechanics for the Chevy and Toyota.

Talk to Ju Chen and he will get everything sorted for you. Great service.

Had my car towed here by CAA last week because it won't start. The staff members were friendly and professional. It turns out my alternator had crapped out and they were able to have my car back on the road quicker than I had thought. Prices were reasonable compared to other shops, service was top notch. You get what you pay for. Would definitely return.

Cheers

Reliable and great customer service. Fair prices and they always inform of the cost prior to starting the repairs. I brought my car to another mechanic that insisted I needed $2000 of repairs. Thank goodness I got a second opinion from Cochrane because most of it was unnecessary. Their price for winter tire storage was the cheapest when I compared to several mechanics.

I do a lot of highway driving, and I have peace of mind when Cochrane Auto service my car. A++ Very Good Service!
I really trust their honest and accurate information. Prices are fair and the work is super solid. Thanks to everyone at Cochrane for keeping my car in great shape!
M. Del Degan

Fast efficient service. Always concerned by customer satisfaction. Highly recommend anyone needing reliable and fair car service.

Took my 2007 Acura in for the first time to fix an electrical issue.
They did the work right away and the labor cost was less than half of what I was quoted at dealership for exact same work. Highly recommend this place.

I

Can't say enough good things about these guys .. Big shout out to Ju and Tony for their knowledge, excellent work, discounted rate and fast service, truly a blessing to have found this place

Staff are always pleasant, greet me by name and on time. I have been a client for many years without a single complaint.

I have been bringing my cars here for around 13 years and have to say, it has been the best service I have ever received! They go above and beyond to ensure satisfaction and provide additional information and estimates on work that needs to be done in the future to help me budget and map out repairs/prevent issues. After I service my vehicle, I always get a follow-up call to ensure the service was completed in full and that I am satisfied with the experience.

Great caring team. Attention to detail excellent and do not push what you do not need. Great service, quality and good pricing. Fred Lawlor

Very knowledgeable team, willing to go above and beyond to make sure you leave feeling confident in their work.

Always great service, fair pricing and quality courtesy vehicles. I would recommend them to anyone.

We would and do absolutely recommend Cochrane Automotive to anyone who wishes to deal with a honest company. They are respectful, honest and hardworking. They have always given their very best in service. They will continue to get our business.

Cochrane Automotive is the only place I bring my car to be serviced. Honest advice, fair prices and caring staff have made me a life long customer. I cannot rate them any higher.

Very happy with the service and explanation of service done to my vehicle. Ju was very honest about my maintenance. I ve been a customer for a couple of years and would recommend Cochrane Automotive.

Had my Hyundai Santa Fe serviced once again at Cochrane. I have had my vehicles serviced here for many years and find the work to be reliable, time efficient, competitively priced, and of a high standard. A trustworthy company!

Having been a customer at Cochrane Automotive for 12+ years I can attest to their commitment to customer satisfaction which includes providing detailed information in response to client inquiries. A client can always get an explanation of what is happening with their vehicle and the options for immediate service, as well as short & long term prevention options.

I was in Etobicoke last week and happened to see these folks in action. I needed an oil change on my vehicle and they got me right in without an appointment. Their shop was clean, the people nice and the prices were fair. I would recommend this shop to everyone in the GTA.

They got me in on the busiest day of the year (first snow day) and it was an excellent experience. Fair price and it didn't take too long to get my tires and oil changed. I got to borrow a very comfortable car while they worked on mine. They also have great people working there. Highly recommended.

Excellent service and competitive pricing. Definitely to be recommended .
CS