I just moved to the beautiful city of Richmond, Va. We've had some strange weather recently, I hear, but with it getting to be nice outside it's time to work on the 4Runner. I like to do some of the work myself but, lets face it, there are a lot of jobs that I as an average Joe non-mechanic should not even consider attempting. Also, there are jobs which require specific tools--most of which I don't have and it wouldn't pay for me to get. However, just having located here, I don't know any good mechanics...I don't know any mechanics at all. As such, I was wondering if anyone on the board who resides in the Richmond area would have any recomendations for a good mechanic. If there are any local mechanics on the board I'd love to hear from you as well.

Things I look for in a good mechanic:
Knowedgeable about the 4Runner and toyota service.

Has all the proper tools for the above service.

Doesn't mind if I supply some of my own parts.

Doesn't mind telling me that the part I want to put in will make the car explode, implode, or otherwise attain critical mass when that is indeed the case.

Is observant and checks for problems rather than just performing the services I request and ignoring the pretty purple smoke coming out the exhaust.

And, of course, reasonably priced.

Thanks all.

 

find a mechanic like that and I'll drive from Oregon to get my work done

 

Where in Richmond are you located? Im in the west end. If you go to Goochland on rt.6 (patterson ave) Manakin Auto has the best mechanics. They are a family business that started in the 60s and have kept customers ever since. Ive been going there for 15 yrs. If you live farther out, Cantaberry Texico is a good shop too. Its at the intersection of Pump rd and Patterson ave. What do you plan to do with your 4runner and what year? If your into trails alot of us locals go up the George Washington National Forrest. Its like 2.5 hours away.

 

I'm on the west end too. Thanks a bunch, *'94*. Nice to know that I'm in good company. I'll check them out and let them know you refered me. I'd like to hear more about those trips.