Best of Melbourne 2019: city’s top 10 mechanics revealed
It was a close race to the finish line as we searched for Melbourne’s top 10 mechanics — and now the results are in. Does your favourite auto technician get to do a victory lap? SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS
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We’ve been gearing up to reveal Melbourne’s top 10 mechanics — and boy, was it a close race.
You nominated hundreds of slick operators which had us running on overdrive as we worked our way through your votes for our next Best of Melbourne poll.
When it comes to finding a talented tradie you trust to look after your car — without ripping you off — it’s clear it’s a subject you get revved up about and you unearthed plenty of hidden gems.
It was almost a photo finish — now it’s time to find out who came out on top.
Here are Melbourne’s favourite mechanics, as chosen by you.
And you’ve also picked the best mechanics in Melbourne’s north, east, south and west.
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10. Malvern Automotive Repairs, Malvern
38 Stanhope St
After labouring at Malvern Automotive Repairs for 18 years, David Sablyak finally received the ultimate reward — the chance to take over the business as his own.
“The previous owner retired and I took over and built it up from there,” Mr Sablyak says.
“I always wanted to and the previous owner knew that if he didn’t sell I’d probably be out the door to find my own place anyway.
“I just had the drive to get in there and do it all myself.”
Mr Sablyak’s wife Jodie helps with admin and he says the pair work well together.
“You’ve got to separate it, work’s work and family life is separate,” he says.
The business does general servicing and repairs and sees a lot of European cars, but nothing is off-limits.
“We’re not going to say no to anyone,” Mr Sablyak says.
“Whatever comes in, we’ll gt it fixed up and sorted for them.
“We try and be as friendly and honest with our customers as we can be.
“It it’s not worth doing I just say ‘take it away, don’t spend any money’.
“I think they appreciate that sort of feedback.”
Roseanne Simpson says David and Jodie “always go out of their way to help you”.
“They ring and check if you are happy afterwards,” she says.
And Renee Kovacevic says: “Trustworthy, friendly, professional and their location is fantastic so I can shop while I wait.”
More: 9509 9355
9. K&T Auto Garage, Somerville
5/22 Speedwell St
K & T Auto Garage co-owner Kylie Emery used to hate mechanics — now she owns one of Melbourne’s best workshops.
“Before we got together Kylie had had a lot of bad experience with mechanics, going in and them saying ‘change this, change that’,” fiancé and business partner Tom Surrey says.
“When we met each other she hated mechanics.”
The pair opened their garage three years ago after Mr Surrey grew tired of working for others.
“There’s a lot of mechanics out there that do stuff substandard and I just got sick of working for people,” he says.
A mechanic for 18 years, Mr Surrey did his apprenticeship at Carjack Automotive Repairs in Carrum Downs — while his fiancée worked in personnel operations in the Navy for 15 years.
He says for most people it’s a battle to find a decent mechanic.
“It’s an unqualified trade. Anyone can work on a car, it’s not like a plumber, you don’t have to be licenced,” he says.
“Not many people trust mechanics. There’s a lot of shonky ones out there and everyone is sceptical about taking their car in. I just try to be fair.”
Mr Surrey and Ms Emery are the only staff, which puts them square in charge of “quality control”. Ms Emery manages the books and talks to customers, while Mr Surrey toils under the hood.
“Because it’s only us, I’m doing all the mechanical work, I can control what goes on. You’re not relying on other people. Quality control, I call it,” Mr Surrey says.
They offer all general mechanical work, and also carry out a lot of performance work, dealing with hotted-up vehicles and race cars — with Mr Surrey getting in at 5am to concentrate.
The only person a little disappointed with his career choice?
“My mother wanted me to be a cabinet maker and when I said I wanted to be a mechanic she was like, ‘what?’” he laughs.
Kasey Aspland says “no job is too big or small, nothing is ever a hassle” for Kylie and Tom, while Christian Lewis recalls the first time he used Tom and was saved $700.
Justin Sordello says: “Nothing is to hard, always go above and beyond and always give value for money.”
And Meagan Wilcox sums them up nicely: “Bloody legends.”
More: 0428 003 464
www.facebook.com/kntautomotive
8. Ringwood Auto Tech, Ringwood
2 Argent Place
When Jimmy Phillips asked his mum Susie to help him set up his own auto workshop, she couldn’t refuse.
Ms Phillips had a huge amount of industry experience under her belt which she knew would be invaluable to her ambitious son.
“At the time that the idea of the business was around I was working for an oil additive manufacturer in Melbourne. I’d previously worked for multiple dealers and run my own workshop,” Ms Phillips says.
“I had the ability to be able to help him and when he asked me I couldn’t say no.
“I said ‘show me your business plan’ and it all looked great.
“He’s one of those kids who knew exactly what he wanted to do. He actually left school before he completed it which used to be a bit frowned upon. He left school after year 10 and went straight into the industry and has always kept studying.”
Mr Phillips, whose dad and grandfather were also mechanics, started his business as a one-man workshop three years ago, and now has a team of six.
Ms Phillips says her son, who’s been a motor mechanic for 11 years, is the “driving force” behind the business’ growth.
“He’s willing to work very long days to make sure that everybody is 100 per cent happy,” she says.
While working hard at building a long-term client base, Ms Phillips says her son is also dedicated to further training, doing online study through the US into electric car technology.
She says the business prides itself on communication and reliability, offering all types of repairs and servicing as well as being a VicRoads licenced vehicle tester.
Madi Pink says Jimmy is great at explaining things in “basic English”, while Dale Rorhmann says “no questions are ever stupid”.
Keegan Taylor says Jimmy is “friendly, knowledgeable, explains what is required and what options are available to get my car back on the road.”
And Kate O’Loughlin says: “Friendly, great price, great work ethic and great results!”
More: 9873 4700
www.facebook.com/Ringwoodautotech
7. Amato Automotive, Seaford
1/12 Sir Laurence Drive
Adrian Amato’s high school careers adviser always knew what her young charge would amount to.
“She said ‘I knew what you were going to do’,” Mr Amato says.
“She goes ‘you didn’t say you wanted to (run your own workshop) — you said ‘I will’.
“And I was one of the people that never did year 12, I was illiterate to grade six, behind the eight-ball the whole way.”
And how does Mr Amato know this? Because his high school teacher from his days at John Paul College in Frankston is a client.
The successful mechanic has had his business for 16 years, starting in the industry in 1994 with an apprenticeship at Frankston’s Travis Honda.
He says even as a kid he knew where he was heading — his school diary filled with magazine cut-outs of cars.
“I just enjoy some of the challenges cars can throw you,” he says.
“Sometimes it’s frustrating but nine times out of 10 the challenging stuff is quite good — it makes you use your noodle.”
Mr Amato, whose wife Michelle looks after his books and accounts, says his workshop does “anything and everything” — from clutches, brakes and suspension to log book servicing.
He says his business’s niche is female clients, who he targeted from the start after realising many women struggled when dealing with mechanics.
“We’re just truthful, we don’t lie, we don’t try and trap them,” he says.
“I do way more female clients than males.
“People pick up pretty quickly if you’re full of crap, to be quite honest.”
The job does come with some hazards, with Mr Amato‘s left arm in a cast after he snapped his tendon and tore a muscle while putting on a hose six weeks ago.
And two years ago he lost the end of his finger.
“Can’t say I’m not committed,” he jokes.
Rebecca Fernandez says while the quality of Mr Amato’s work is “undeniably great”, it’s the customer service and honest pricing that keeps her coming back.
Remy Martin says: “Adrian is an absolute legend! He does the best job on maintaining both my cars, and at the best price!”
Tammie Shore says Mr Amato takes care of her wallet as well as her car, while Kaylan Walker says he fixed his car and took the time to show him the problem and old parts.
More: 9785 1166
www.facebook.com/AmatoAutomotive
6. DMD Automotives, Caroline Springs
Mobile mechanic servicing western suburbs
As long as Daniel Debrincat’s customers are smiling, he’s smiling too.
The mobile mechanic, who services Caroline Springs and surrounding suburbs, always knew he wanted a job which involved getting his hands dirty.
He did his apprenticeship at a city workshop a decade ago before deciding to start his own business.
“I’m just a hands-on type person, I like getting my hands dirty, and looking after people and dealing with people and doing the right thing by people,” he says.
Mr Debrincat says he’s a sole operator “to keep the quality the best as possible”.
“I believe if you want to do it properly you’ve got to do it yourself, that’s my biggest belief,” he laughs.
His mantra is to “offer the best possible service you can, honesty and obviously looking after all your important clients, doesn’t matter if it’s male or female”.
“If they’re smiling, I’m smiling,” he says.
Mr Debrincat offers a full range of servicing and is also licenced through the Australian Refrigeration Council to service and re-gas car air conditioners — timely in the lead-up to summer.
He is honoured by his nomination, saying it’s his customers’ way of paying him back for his service.
“I believe doing the right thing by people, and looking after people, that comes back to you eventually one day,” he says.
“This is the best gift that has ever been given to me, and I appreciate it and I’m very grateful for it.”
Justin Zahra says Mr Debrincat is the “only person I’d trust to work on my car”.
“Always willing to go the extra mile to help out anyone,” he says.
Susan Ryan says he is an “honest bloke who would not rip anyone off”, who “always does an awesome job”.
Michael Mifsud says honesty, trustworthiness and quality are guaranteed, and Mr Debricat never takes shortcuts.
Catherine Lopez says he takes the time to show and explain in detail the service he has completed on her car, while Leila Drozd says Mr Brincat’s honest, pricing and customer service “are a true reflection of the passion he has for his craft”.
More: 0421 236 928
www.facebook.com/dmdautomotive
5. Mill Park Service Centre, Mill Park
44 Heaths Court
Growing up in a family of mechanics, it was almost guaranteed Andrew Papas would wind up in the trade.
The third-generation mechanic’s company, Papas Service Station, has been a northern suburbs stalwart for decades and was started by Mr Papas’ grandfather, also Andrew, when he came out from Cyprus.
“Dad (Peter) took over from that when we got to Mill Park 30 years ago,” Mr Papas says.
“I was in it from a young kid, every school holidays at dad’s workshop, helping after school. I just grew up in it.”
While his grandfather is long-retired, his dad still works on the tools and is a qualified auto-electrician.
The family operated at a site on Plenty Rd for 28 years before moving 500m up the road two years ago and changing their trading name to Mill Park Service Centre.
“We work off our reputation — we’ve been in the area a long time,” Mr Papas says.
“We treat every car like it’s our own.
“It comes down to honesty and fair pricing and good workmanship.”
They offer all mechanical repairs, servicing, auto electrics and wheels and tyres.
Tania Sideras, who has taken her car to the family for 20 years, says they are “very honest, hard working people”.
“I have never felt overcharged or anything dishonest. They are also very experienced,” she says.
Anna Graham says the men always ring to explain a service, so there are “no nasty hidden costs”.
And Jade Scibilia says: “They are so honest and caring — a rare find in a mechanic service!”
More: 9436 4445
www.millparkservicecentre.com.au
www.facebook.com/millparkservicecentre
4. His ‘n’ Hers Automotive Solutions, Kilsyth
4/120-122 Canterbury Rd
Caroline Langan-Minca is a “strong independent woman” at the top of her game — and the driving force behind His ‘n’ Hers Automotive Solutions.
That’s according to proud husband and business partner Craig, who says it was Mrs Langan-Minca who pushed for the pair to buy their workshop a decade ago.
The couple met years ago when Mrs Langan-Minca ditched her psychology studies at uni in pursuit of a career in motor mechanics.
She always had an interest in the rally scene, having marshalled at events in the Yarra Valley, but it took 200-odd applications before she got a foot in the door with an apprenticeship at Ringwood Mazda, where Mr Minca worked.
“I was her boss and now she’s my boss,” he laughs.
In 2008 the pair took over what was then Montrose Automotive Services, although Mr Minca wasn’t initially keen.
“She’s a very strong independent woman and she was the drive behind the purchase of the business,” he says.
“I never really had any interest in it, I didn’t want all the highs and lows and stresses that come with a business, but 11 years on I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He says one of their biggest drivers is Mrs Langan-Minca’s ability to relate to female customers, many of whom are daunted by mechanics and their “second language”.
“She can talk to customers about the ins and outs of the car. It makes females feel a lot more comfortable talking to another female,” he says.
The business prides itself on always having a female mechanic on its team, with third-year apprentice Janine Nudl a valued member who brings “balance” to the workshop.
Mr Minca believes customers appreciate their honesty, saying he and his wife interact with them and are “open and friendly”.
He says their biggest challenge is finding good staff, with the industry suffering a trade shortage.
“What we find is the good mechanics, they get out and do something different because it’s a poorly paid industry, or they open up their own workshop, or they’re happy where they are and they stay there and they don’t move.”
Michelle Howard is full of praise: “They not only embrace gender diversity in a very male-orientated occupation, but also provide amazing and honest service.”
Chris Robinson says His ‘n’ Hers is an “excellent family business” which has saved him money “time and time again”.
Vicki Harrison says they offer “really honest and fair prices for those that know nothing about cars”.
And Leslie Roelofs says: “Caroline is the knowledgeable mechanic wife who always greets you with a big smile and great info about your car.”
More: 8761 6200
3. Autoclinic, Heidelberg West
132 McEwan Rd
It was over a beer and a counter meal that Autoclinic was born.
Now, more than 30 years on, Glenn Matthew and Mark “Bluey” Smith are still going strong as business partners and good mates.
The pair met in the 1980s, when Mr Matthew was a workshop foreman in Clifton Hill and Mr Smith was his apprentice.
Mr Smith moved on and “spread his wings”, but the pair used to still catch up.
“We always used to catch up for a beer and a counter meal a couple of times a year,” Mr Matthew says.
“On one encounter with him I said ‘I’m going to open up my own shop’ and he said ‘I want to come with you’, and the rest is history.”
Autoclinic opened in 1987 and the dynamic duo have been through weddings, divorces and births of children together and seen plenty of “water under the bridge”.
They opened a second branch in Upper Heidelberg Rd seven years ago, which they sold to Mr Matthew’s son Rhys — who had been working for them but was keen to open his own workshop — in February.
Like any good “marriage”, the pair have had their share of arguments — but Mr Matthew says they have “full trust” in each other.
“To find that these days is pretty rare,” he says.
“There’s got to be some connection there because 34 years on we’re still working together.”
Autoclinic offers mechanical repairs on all makes and models, specialising in engine diagnostics and trouble codes.
Mr Matthew believes customers appreciate their honesty and reliability, and the only way they lose loyal clients is “if they pass away or move out of the area”.
“I can honestly put my hand up and say we’ve never ripped anyone off,” he says.
“To say we’re the greatest mechanic in Melbourne, that would be putting us on a pedestal — but we’d have to go close.”
Robert Strongman says Bluey and Glenn “bend over backwards for their customers and are the best”.
Tracey Grattan says their knowledge and commitment to their customers is “second to none”.
And Gail Blythe says Bluey is the “perfect gentleman, passionate and helpful and tells you what needs to be done”.
More: 0408 589 964
www.heidelbergautoclinic.com.au
www.facebook.com/AUTOCLINIC.HEIDELBERGHEIGHTS
2. ELITE Brake and Mechanical, Oakleigh South
24 Manton Rd
There’s one thing ELITE Brake and Mechanical co-owner Adam Simpfendorfer loathes, and it drives him to do better.
“I can’t stand having bad customer service,” Mr Simpfendorfer says.
“If I get it, I never go back.
“Some of the guys here think I may be a bit harsh, but I never go back.”
Mr Simpfendorfer says customers often tell him of their struggle to find a good mechanic, so he and business partner Shane Mitchell make it their mission to go above and beyond.
“We go as far as we can to look after everyone and we always try to provide excellent work as well,” he says.
“We try to just go as far as we can to make sure everyone leaves happy and satisfied with the service that we give them and give them a good experience, try and go a bit further than maybe some other places would.”
Mr Simpfendorfer and Mr Mitchell struck out on their own and started ELITE five years ago after working together at another workshop.
“We sort of just started working after hours on a bit of our own work and it just built up from there,” he says.
“Eventually we got a little workshop and we outgrew that, moved to the new workshop we’re in now about October last year and got a couple more staff, and it’s just been growing from there.”
They have five staff and nearly 5000 customers on the books, and offer all types of servicing and mechanical repairs to all vehicle types.
Customers have glowing praise for the ELITE team, agreeing they never feel like they are being taken for a ride.
Cie Thorne says they are “transparent and honest”.
“As a female this is appreciated as going to the mechanics is daunting,” she says.
Zara Thomspon says Adam and his team are “friendly, reliable, reasonably priced and supportive to those of us who don’t know anything about cars!”
Josh Newman says: “Not only did they repair my car honestly, Shane dropped me home and washed it before returning my repaired vehicle.”
And William De Maio says: “Shane and Adam are just bloody great. Never met two blokes with more knowledge or patience as these guys.”
More: 0430 375 987
1. The Wheel Gallery, Campbellfield
1830 Sydney Rd
When you take your car to The Wheel Gallery, you may be delivered some bad news — but that’s a good thing.
“When the car is no good, we just tell them it’s no good — you need to get another car,” owner Hassan Halwani says.
But it’s this honesty which has seen Mr Halwani — known as Huss — and his twin brother Bassam, aka Bass, and their Campbellfield business take the crown of Melbourne’s best mechanic.
Customers flock to The Wheel Gallery because they know the 37-year-olds will give it to them straight — and won’t rip them off.
“I don’t believe it’s about what you charge — people just want honesty,” Mr Halwani says.
“At the end of the day people will remember your service and your honesty, but they’re not going to remember how much they paid.”
Working under the hood came naturally to the twins, whose father Khaled was a mechanic in Lebanon before migrating to Melbourne in 1983 with his infant sons.
The boys grew up handing tools to their dad and their career paths were never in doubt.
Bass completed his apprenticeship at Coburg Toyota and set up Prestige Auto Tech in Preston, while Huss had always worked in wheels and tyres.
In 2013, they decided on a joint approach, and now have eight staff, offering “basically anything car related” — including all aspects of servicing and diagnostics.
“We came together and said why don’t be open up a place and do wheels, tyres and mechanics all under one roof,” Mr Halwani says.
He looks after the wheels and tyres, while Bass manages the mechanical aspects.
And they’re busier than ever.
“I don’t know if I want to be any busier than what I am,” he jokes.
“I think it’s more word-of-mouth that we get our business from.
“When you find a good mechanic you start telling everyone about it — you can’t really advertise that.”
Nicole Edwards praises their “great service”, saying her car was picked up from her work and delivered back within an hour.
Romy Hassine agrees the service goes above and beyond: “The guys here are always honest, and last week fixed my car at 9pm Friday night when I was desperate.”
Addel Baksmaty says the boys “sincerely want to help you, not just take your money”, while Ferdos Elsabaa says The Wheel Gallery offers “amazing service and real people who quote right and don’t cheat women.”
More: 9357 5545