Foreign Car Specialists

124 Washington St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA

Address:	124 Washington St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA
Phone:	+1 845-452-5005
Site:	foreigncarspecialistsny.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Glenn Cavanagh

Kevin Eckler has done expert work on both my classic 66 Beetle and 93 5-speed Eurovan. To start with, these folks are some of the finest people youre ever gonna meet, from Rick and Lisa out front to pro mechanic Kevin Eckler himself. Both vehicles were purchased used and each had multiple issues, all of which were handled with mechanical expertice, fair pricing and in several instances using creative ingenuity. My Beetle was purchased "as is" with missing engine tin (critical for cooling), improperly routed engine wiring harness and fuel line, and a stripped spark plug on #2 cylinder. While I feared the worst (engine removal, engine rebuild of cylinder head) Kevin was able to lower engine slightly, install the necessary cooling tin, re-route wiring harness and fuel line properly, and reseat spark plug permanently without ever removing engine or taking the engine apart. My Eurovan was another used project car which had no heat, leaking anti-freeze, drive shaft grinding noises as well as a few more minor issues. Kevin was literally the only mechanic I could find who was willing to take on the job of dash board removal for heater core replacement. He showed me the design of heat transfer box, and modified the original factory style to move even more hot air through ducts. Kevin improvised metal supports for dash where parts were no longer available, and he created an ingenious rear compartment heat outlet that was flush with the floor, so passengers dont trip on it as they enter and exit the rear seating area. He actually improved upon factory VW design specs. Kevin Eckler of Foreign Car Specialists has my appreciation, loyalty and respect.

Local Lotto

We have taken our vehicle there the first time a few weeks ago and they were extremely helpful. We have a 2004 Mazda 6 and it needed a partial tune up and we were very happy with the outcome since the car had its ORIGINAL spark plugs in it. Crazy right? Haha But anyway we felt that they were so honest with us that we decided to bring our car back for another repair a few days ago for a old hose problem, they brought to our attention that there was a recall on the cars computer (From 2005) that we had no idea about. Which lead us to do research online and we found out there is ALSO a recall on our airbags! The recall was issued over the past year and the notice was sent to an old address of ours. So, If it wasnt for Foreign Car Specialists detailed work, we could have been in terrible danger! We still want to bring the car back to Foreign Car Specialists after we get the 2 recalls straightened out, with Mazda, for the hose issue because we cannot stand the big car dealership mechanics. So its safe to say that we have found our new mechanic. :) Oh and another funny and helpful thing happened. During our first visit we left our toothpaste, that we just bought from the store, there on accident and when we went back for the more recent repair they had it waiting for us. Haha so awesome.

Juris Pupcenoks

Foreign Car Specialists are honest, thorough and extremely good at what they do. After visiting them earlier this month to get come basic maintenance work done (as well as to fix an oil leak), I can say that I will be coming back regularly from now on. Before coming to Foreign Car Specialists, I was was told at another place that I would need to have a major work done on the car to get the leak fixed (including removing the transmission to get to the oil leak) and the total cost of the job would run over $1,000. Foreign Car Specialists ran several tests on the car to diagnose the problem, found out that the expensive repair called for by the first place I went to were unnecessary, and fixed the oil leak for a fraction of the cost cited by the other place. They are indeed honest and very, very good at what they do.

gary amos

I almost dont want to recommend this fantastic group of guys because then theyll get even more famous and even busier.... Timely, thorough, cost effective, caring, friendly, cant say enough. And Rick, dedicated to the front desk is the lube that keeps the shop running smooth. Not only does he know front desk, he knows cars. Refreshing when one comes in saying - it makes this grrrrrrrr noise, the back end shimmys like my sista kate, or she just doesnt have any get up and go. He always counters with oh, that sounds like: and then the machine terminology starts spewing and I look for coffee...... And if that isnt enough, hey they have great magazines. Not just car, muscle or hunting, but decorator, cooking, ones too. Ive said too much and not enough. Enjoy this shop, but dont get in my way.....

Dustin Stensland

I was driving through Poughkeepsie in my 78 VW Bus when I passed this shop. I stopped in because they were happily waving at me and my air cooled VW as I randomly drove past their shop. I needed an oil change and was having some minor problems with my motor. They quickly found that I had a bad ignition coil as they were able to test it with a spare coil they had in their shop. Their prices were great, their service was amazing and they are great people to talk with. They really wanted to help me get back on the road and it was one of the best experiences Ive had at a repair shop. I highly recommend Foreign Car Specialists for any type of repair needs!!

Anne Osborn

Since 1989, when my neighbor, Dave Knapp (a 3rd generation engine designer), chose FCS to work on his cars, I have always taken our Volkswagons and the Audis, when we had them, to Kevin in Poughkeepsie. The latest benefit beyond the accurate and excellent service always fairly priced, is the "keep and eye on this" feature for older cars with issues. I also appreciate that most routine visits are finished in the time it takes to stroll across the Walkway and back. If I ever have to leave a car, I can take the train home! Thank you for helping me chose and maintain 25 years worth of (previously owned) family cars.

Jefferson Lambert

I took my car there for a simple annual inspection last month. When I got my car home I discovered three things that I didnt ask for: 1) My registration on my windshield was ripped. 2) My trip meter was reset back to zero. Not sure why someone took it upon themselves to press the button and reset my meter. I reset it on January 1st and was calculating how many miles I drove in the calendar year. 3) The inspection sticker they placed on my windshield didnt even have the hole punched for the month of inspection. All of these things really ticked me off.

Andrew Wilantewicz

This local auto-repair shop provides some of the best customer service in the industry. All personnel were very courteous and very accommodating. Problems were diagnosed well and the vehicle repair plan was accurate , cost effective, and tailored to my individual needs and expectations. Personnel offer insight above and beyond for the care of my vehicle and they stay engaged to each vehicles needs. You can feel very confident in Foreign Car Specialists-Ecklers Automotive Inc. A truly trustworthy repair shop.

Megan Deichler

My Audi had a check engine light on and was not driving normally. I had brought it to the dealership and they were unable to figure out the issue. My husband then brought it to this mechanic shop and they got to the root of the issue and fixed my car within a few days. Along the way, Rick was a pleasure to work with. He let us know the price for everything before any work was done and did not pressure us to do any work that was not immediately necessary. So glad to have found this shop!