Ok readers, it’s time for our latest segment of ‘Meet The People In Your Neighborhood.’ When it comes to fixing and taking care of your car, like many services there are three main criteria when assessing a repair shop: are they knowledgeable, reasonably priced, and convenient? Based on my experience over the years, Rick at KNR AutoRepairs has always done me right, but that’s for you to decide.
On the convenience matter, well if you live by the waterfront it doesn’t get any more so, as the shop is located at 49-03 5th Street, right in the midst of our residential community. Bringing it full circle, you can’t really run a successful local business without doing right by your customers. I’ll say no more.
What I will share is some background on Rick since he’s embedded in the community and a quasi-public figure given his omnipresence along his central stretch of 5th Street. His full name is Rickford Dhoman and he emigrated from Guyana 36 years ago. He took up car repair as a hobby when he was a teenager, and has been doing it as a professional in Long Island City for three decades. Originally focused on taxis from a location on Jackson Avenue by 49th Avenue, he’s been working on all types of vehicles out of his current space for 20 years.
What is new is that he is now the owner of the business, as opposed to an employee, having taken over at the beginning of the year. In addition to new management (and a new name and sign), he has some new employees including two stepsons and his daughter Katherine who runs the office. In other words it’s a family affair, much like Long Island City itself.
So if you’re looking for an auto mechanic, keep it local and check out KNR. They do all types of repairs from oil changes to battery, belt, brake, and filter replacements, to engine and transmission overhauls and even autobody repairs and painting. If there’s something wrong with your car, they’ll fix it. NYS Inspections too. The shop is open Mon-Fri from 7am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 7am to 2pm.
— says
August 20, 2021 at 6:16 amI took my car here a few times and they always did a good job.
J says
August 20, 2021 at 7:14 amEveryone there is great! Rick, Nick, Kat and Ray! Always so welcoming and never disappoints. It sure is hard to find a honest and reliable mechanic shop but I have to say these guys really make a difference. I refer anyone with a car to them and they always come back to me with good reviews.
Rob says
September 2, 2021 at 4:29 pmBeen using KNRAnd Rick for many years now. They did some great work recently for me replacing a broken axle. They are across the street and always leave my car back in our packing garage. Highly recommend.
Matt says
September 27, 2021 at 4:11 amThese people are great. A mechanic shop you can trust, they don’t go over the top with prices and definitely do not find dozens of things wrong with your car when you bring it in for one thing. Trustworthy!
Ciro says
September 1, 2024 at 11:33 amI love this auto repair shop. yuou always know you are getting quality work at a great price. Plus they treat you like family the minute you walk in. Great spot.