Proper Service of Baldwin Place — Local services in Town of Carmel

The TLDR is that you can trust your car with Proper Service (formerly Osceola Garage).

Their estimates, both time and money-wise, are reasonable and accurate. Their service advisors are friendly and very knowledgeable.

Before continuing I want it known that I am speaking as someone who has spent over five years wrenching in two higher-end dealerships. As such, I can assure you that these gentlemen know what they’re doing and won’t charge you unnecessarily if they can help it.

Over the past few years I’ve taken my wife’s Honda, my older Mercedes, my Miata, and even my 2020 Veloster. All have been handled professionally and fixed right the first time (an industry standard forever sought after but bafflingly difficult to find at times).

I’ve brought them everything from routine oil and assorted filter changes to the replacement of every front end suspension bushing on my Miata. It was the former that really impressed me as I had spent my own time attempting the same job on my garage floor with no success.

After two days of fighting seized bolts and aligning and test driving they returned the car to me driving and handling better than I can ever remember.

They don’t know it but every so often I do quality control checks even after routine maintenance. Now, that’s not because I don’t trust them but because of some of the things I’ve seen myself while working in the field. Mistakes happen, after all.

That being said, I’ve never once found something wrong. They replace what they say they’ll replace and they do so professionally. Their recommendations are never frivolous and their rates are fair.

It’s likely we’ve all had something recommended be replaced by a shop just looking to make a quick buck. After all, most people know embarrassingly little about their cars. It’s the ultimate customer nightmare.

You bring your car in for something benign and then you get a call back a few hours later with a bill that’s five times larger full of parts and prices that you’d have to spend all afternoon googling in order to have even a vague understanding of what’s being sold to you.

But really, it should be a no-brainer. My car will run and drive more smoothly for longer if I follow their recommendations. They’re professionals, after all. So, then, why doesn’t it feel good to say, “yes,” to an upsell?

It’s because there’s always that little voice in the back of your mind that says, “I don’t know about this. What if they’re wrong? Or worse, what if they’re lying?”

Yes, this shop exists to make money but it’s rare to find a shop where that isn’t the number one directive. Where decisions are more often made for the good of the customer and not purely for the good of the shop’s finances.

Take it from someone who knows. I know that these guys know what they’re...

From the very first interaction to the last, Proper Service has redefined what customer service means in the auto repair industry. The journey began with a simple phone call to arrange my vehicle drop-off, and every step of the way, the staff at Proper Service exceeded my expectations. The lady who answered the phone (I can't recall her name) was warm and professional, and asked if I would need a ride back after drop off, offering it as part of the service.

Todd, at the front desk, set the tone for an unparalleled service experience. His professionalism, care, and courteousness in handling the intake process were noteworthy. He was extraordinarily detailed, and when I said, "I'm probably not explaining it well. Let me get my husband," he assured me that he understood and my communications were clear.

It's rare to encounter someone who not only understands the importance of first impressions but also lives up to them throughout the customer journey.

But the exceptional service didn't stop there. The follow-up call and detailed report on my vehicle from the technician to Todd was extremely thorough. The high-level of detail in explaining the diagnostics and the integrity of recommended actions, exceeded my expectations, to say the least.

What stood out the most was the sense of care, professionalism and dedication from every staff member. It's clear that Proper Service isn't just about fixing cars—they're about building trust and ensuring their customers are well-informed and cared for in the experience.

In an industry where trust and transparency can sometimes be questioned, Proper Service stands out.

To anyone looking for not just auto repair, but a place that values quality, transparency, and exceptional customer service, look no further than Proper Service. It's not just a name—it's a commitment, one that they live up to with...

I have been a customer of Osceola Garage for over 20 years. What has kept me a customer for so long? Joe runs his business with the following principles: honesty, ethics and integrity. He truly cares about EVERY customer and repairs every car with an exceptional level of detail. When Joe and his team inform you of a needed service for your vehicle, you can rest assured knowing that they are not trying to sell you a service that your vehicle doesn’t need. The best example I can share is my MB was recently at the dealer for it’s last “free” maintenance. The service department tried to sell me $3,000 of repairs, which I declined. I brought my SUV to Joe and asked him to do a full inspection without informing him of what service the dealer said I needed. The technician reported back that there was no service needed. I informed the tech of the service the dealer said I needed and he showed me exactly why the service was unnecessary. Not once in all the years that I have been going to Osceola has any of my cars broken down. We have taken many long distance road trips and I never think about my cars maintenance before taking the trip. Beyond the high level of automotive service that Joe provides, he is also a great guy! Joe is very involved in giving back to the community. I attended his Family Service Day and was very moved by his genuine heartwarming care about the families of the cars that were being serviced. What an inspiration he is to our community! I look forward to being a customer for...