We live in Kansas City, MO, but our daughter now has our '93 850 GLT 5-speed in Hyde Park, IL. Can you recommend a good independent repair & maintenance shop near her? Thanks!

Long time Chicago resident and a Volvo owner here. I have two places for you and your daughter. First, Hubbard Woods Motors in Winnetka. This place knows Volvos. For a longest time until very recently, they only specialized in Volvos (Now they do Volvos and Minis...) They are one of the oldest Volvo specialist in the Chicagoland area. A bit pricey, but if you want to get the job done better than a dealer, this is it. You will get what you pay for. Another place is K&G Auto Werks in Westmont. The owners, Swedish father and Son team, specialize in Volvos and Saabs. I have taken my 740 few times there for issues beyond my ability. They are honest and very professional. Of course, they will take care of your car like it is theirs. I highly recommend K&G for sure.

Unfortunately, both of these places are not in "Chicago." But for me it was well worth driving 20/30 minutes to use them. Besides, in Chicago, you pay premium for everything and hard to find quality.

Hope it helps.


-Toshi

Thank you all! I've mapquested all of your recommendations for my daughter.

I presume you mean the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, not the town of Hyde Park, right? If so, call Sean at European House of Auto repair, 773-761-3100. On the north side, but close to the red line rapid transit at Thorndale and the Clark street bus.

Much, much closer than either of the other two suggestions. Tell her to say that Norman sent her.

I have been using this shop for > 20 years. Lots of Volvo experience.

Good luck.

I used this shop for some years while I lived in Chicago, for Volvo and Saab. I was happy with them and recommended them to others.

Another alternative is Uptown Garage which is in or near Melrose Park. Not a Volvo specialist but highly competent and fair.

I would avoid the dealers, especially avoiding Volvo of Oak Park and Highland Park Volvo.

Don't know about Volvo of Oak Park, but . . .

. . .Highland Park Volvo used to be a pretty slimy place--they represented the worst of the industry. I bought my 850 new from them.

A couple of years back the Fields Automotive Group bought them out and they have turned that place around.

I have dealt mostly with the parts people. Used to be a bunch of grumpy guys who never heard the words "customer service" used in a sentence.

Since Fields took them over, they've cleaned-up the place quite a bit and the parts people are professional.

There is a shop in Villa Park on north ave across from the north park mall, they deal in volvos.

Another shop that isn't volvo specific but I know they are reputable is the goodyear shop in Villa Park on Roosevelt rd..

There is another volvo shop on the northside...I want to say winettka?

Have her come see us.

4861 Prime Pkwy
McHenry, IL 60050

www.s1performancesolutions.com

jason@s1performancesolutions.com
630.806.9872

Thanks,
Jason