Hackel's Foreign Car Services

Vince Boccanfuso

★★★★★

Edited a year ago

I highly recommend Hackel's garage in Albany for any VW or Audi service. They are the only shop dedicated to VW/Audi in the NY Capital District. I brought my very high mileage GTI in to have the rear main seal replaced in hopes of fixing a lean running and multiple misfire condition. Bobby Hackel worked on my car and did an excellent job. It's a very labor intensive procedure that requires transmission removal that many garages won't even do. Bobby communicated progress to me over the few days that it took and even texted me a picture of the bad seal. He returned to me a perfectly running car for a very reasonable price. I especially appreciate that Bobby was recovering from a pretty bad illness while working on my vehicle. I can't recommend this shop enough. They have been open and family run for over 50 years and eat, sleep and breath VW!

Weston Hyde

★★★★★

a year ago

Whether you have an old car or a new one, this is the place to go. I brought my Jetta in for repairs that I couldn’t handle on my own, and Bob had everything done in under an hour for a price that was more than fair. He was also incredibly accommodating with my schedule. After searching Reddit for a reliable mechanic, I saw several people recommending Hackels, and now I understand why. I’ve tried other foreign car specialists in Albany, but I often felt overcharged for subpar work, or I couldn’t even get a call back. Being new to the area, I needed a trustworthy and skilled mechanic, and Bob definitely exceeded my expectations. If you need work done on your Audi, VW, or any other make or model, I cant recommend Hackels enough.

Vassil Dimov

★★★★★

a year ago

On our way to New York, our tour bus broke down and we needed a fix, but all truck shops around were closed. Luckily, this place was open. Although, they don't service buses, they provided us with the supplies we needed to get the bus going. The owner and employees were very friendly and hospitable. They let us stay on their lot and kept us company while some of our crew was fixing the issue. Great place and even greater people, thank you!

justin beamon

★★★★★

2 years ago

First off my GTI was at the dealer for misfire and camshaft related issues and they just threw parts on hoping for the best. Couldn't fix it. Then I learned about Hackel's and they diagnosed the issue very quickly and got me back on my way fast and it runs better than ever now. I will definitely will go here from now on, it's obvious they take pride in their work and are honest.

Kyle Pentak

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Brought my 2019 VW Tiguan in for an oil change and a check engine light. It was throwing code P 0491, at first they suggested to replace the battery, when that didn’t work they replaced a sensor and it was still popping up. Over $400 later and still no fix and they told me to “chase it down”. Well I’d rather not throw money away so I took my car to Broadway Auto, and not only did they correctly diagnose the issue but they fixed it the same day. Do yourself a favor and don’t go to the hack of a shop, Hackel’s.

Beth Funsch

★★★★★

a year ago

Visiting Albany for Benefit shows at MVP arena this weekend. Sudden issue with my cars EPC dashboard light. Called on Saturday at 10:30 am, and by 11:30 am a new coil was installed and we were back on the road. Bob fixed us up with a smile, quickly and affordably!!

Kelsey G

★★★★★

2 years ago

We had multiple issues with my 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. My tail light and break light was broken, check engine light was on, and trunk didn't say open. We spent spent about 6 months trying to find a mechanic that knew how to fix this. The DEALERSHIPS charged us hundreds of dollar and never even figured out the problem (the hundreds was on parts btw) and I didn't realize you can order CHEAP parts though hackels. This man fixed all the problems with my car in under 10 minutes. Very competent, knowledgeable and friendly, perfectly priced. I spent so long stressing over all these problems, and it was all fixed so I'm impressed and will be coming back :) save urself money and don't go to a vw dealer!! Or any fancy dealer!

Jill D

★★★★★

7 years ago

Been a customer for 20+ years and wouldn't go anywhere else! Mike is an excellent mechanic (knows what he's doing or finds out what needs to be done, does it or lets me know where to get it done) and honest! Bob and Bobby are terrific people - honest and accountable, and know cars. I trust them implicitly and highly recommend! Also helps that they're on the bus line, so when I drop off my car, I can still get to work.

Matt Varney

★★★★★

a year ago

Took the car in to get the coolant system looked at and they treated us very well. Thankfully the car didn't require any work but I plan to bring the car back to Hackel's the next problem that arises

Peter J. Purcell (P.J.)

★★★★★

5 years ago

I'm extremely pleased with services provided by Bob and Mike through the years for my VW's; 1999 Jetta and currently a 2010 Passat CC. Good, honest, knowledgeable guys that charge reasonable fees. I have and will continue to recommend VW owners to have their vehicles serviced with Hackel's.

Troy Huggard

★★★★★

2 years ago

Could find anyone who could fix my VW golf door latch! Then some said Hackel's can do it. They did! What an awesome job! They also were surprisingly quick! Thank you! The price was right!

AU5UST ROSE

★★★★★

2 years ago

This place is a gem. All good things to say about Hackels. Extremely nice, knowledgeable and fair. Complete opposite experience here compared to my bad experience with Audi of Albany. Glad this place exist. Very happy with Hackels service. I would no question recommend!

Kris Kallenbach

★★★★★

8 years ago

Great service and people here. Forgot who I worked with but was older gentleman. Called them at 8am asked if they could take care of a major coolant leak and they said yes and had a referral tow service. Brought it in, told me he'd call me by 11 with problem. Gave me the call and said he'd have it fixed by 1pm. Went in she was waiting for me, problem solved. Impressed with quick turnover and honest evaluation. This will be my go to spot for my Audi in the capital region.

Rochelle Dahlin

★★★★★

6 years ago

These guys are a little rough around the edges with customer service BUT overall really nice. Family owned and operated. As a woman I don't feel that they take advantage of me and I trust them, which is a wonderful thing if you are a woman and have experienced bad car care. Been here multiple times and feel their prices are reasonable. I have asked many questions (which honestly are basic knowledge about cars that I don't know) about various things and they have answered them truthfully without being condescending or irritated by my lack of knowledge. I own a VW Jetta. Brought my Mom there for her car and they did alright by her too. Worth a stop!

Jocelyn Jackson

★★★★★

6 years ago

When I first bought my 2011 VW from a private sale I was excited. That was very short lived as I soon discovered that I paid $3500 for a paper weight. I had put in $10,000 into the car before finding Hackle's. Since then I have only had to pay for basic maintenance and when I did just recently have a major issue I tried, YET AGAIN, a shop close to home only to pay for my car to be looked at and told they couldn't figure out the problem. $110 later it was at Hackle's for about an hour and I was told it was ready for pick up and my issue had been fixed. As long as I own this car Hackle's will be my go to place!

Deane Gallo

★★★★★

7 years ago

These guys are great, My daughter's car was towed there for possible repair. She was visiting a friend at college in Troy when her car broke down, she is from central Mass and I did not know anyone in the area.. I found them to be friendly and honest in that they said they could not do a repair. If I lived up there I would definitely use them for my repairs !!!!

Ronald Usenza

★★★★★

10 years ago

It's simple, these guys know VW and can get the job done at a very reasonable cost. Friendly, experienced, and fair. My Beetle TDI runs like new again after 170,000 miles. Very satisfied, would recommend.