Local Repair/Performance Shops

The Bay Area Probe Owners Club does not endorse or avoid any particular automotive shop.

Information on this page is intended to reflect the personal experiences of Probe owners with various local businesses.

Shops experienced with Stock and Modified Probes

CB Performance (Ben)

Dealing with mostly Honda stuff now. Feb01

Far Performance

Mountain View, CA

Did my timing belt as well as diagnosed (with my help...) my first spark plug wire problem. Overall, they do a decent job on my Probe. Kevin.

Cartex, Sunnyale

The final cost for the replacement of both valve cover gaskets on a '93 PGT at Cartex in Sunnyvale was $358. The gasket set was over $100. After they did the service, the Check Engine Light came on. It turns out they messed up the EGR valve on the back of the engine. It took them most of the next day to correct that. They did have an instrument for reading the codes the computer was throwing out, and the codes said EGR problem. Although all of the front spark plug holes were dry, they said the gasket was leaking out of the sides. (I didn't notice any oil in the front though). Two of three holes in back had oil. Apr98

Local Ford dealerships

Albany Ford

Albany Ford did all the warranty work on my car from March 96 to September 96. Open until midnight, which was interesting as they called me once at 11:30 PM to tell me I could come and pick up my car. They tended to keep my car longer than I liked, but gave me loaner when I needed to get to work. James

Walnut Creek Ford

"It took them a week to replace a recalled oil pump. When the problem surfaced again a few months later (loud valve ticking), it turns out they didn't replace my oil pump with an updated part so I had the same problem. I had a huge hassle over getting a loaner car. And when I had my car in to get the seatbelt replaced, I found a huge scratch next to my door." Marc

Hilltop Ford

I did most of my test driving there. They said most people that came in to look at the Probes ended up buying Mustangs. Not me. James

Burlingame Ford

When I went here while shopping for a PGT, they never seemed to have any. The last time I was there (early 96), I was told that they didn't have any because "they were very popular and sold right away". Umm, why was the Probe discontinued again, something about slow sales?

Sunnyvale Ford

Quoted a club member $800 for the 30K service. (third party runs $200-$250). Feb98.

Swanson Ford Los Gatos

I've been going to Swanson Ford Los Gatos for 10 years now. They've always done excellent work and have good customer relations. Expensive labor rates, but no headaches, even after they replaced my defective 16k piston rings under warranty. Apr98.

• Hayward Ford
• Novato Ford
• Alameda Ford
• Serramonte Ford

The Ford dealer in Oakland (on Harrison?)

I was looking for Probe GT's, but they only had the 4 cylinder models. I was told, however, that it "drives like a six". James