Performance Automotive

I had a wonderful experience with Performance Automotive in Pittsfield! I’m 1,000 miles away and arranged (with Grace) to get my 20 year old a set of Nokian WRG 3 tires. He’s in Pittsfield for the Summer and is driving to college in Michigan in 3 days. The whole transaction was handled over the phone, everything happened as promised and the cost was less than I was quoted because the tire tech said the car didn’t need a front end alignment! Talk about honest! When’s the last time that happened to you! My contact was completely with Grace. She’s the best as is Performance Automotive!

I have always been a fan of SAAB, but until recently, never owned one. Several years ago I purchased a 2003 9 – 5 Aero with 93K miles. The car performs very well giving excellent gas mileage along with great power, braking, handling, safety, and just the right look. Now the problem, where to get it serviced? I live in CT, but work in MA, NY, & CT. I asked around and ultimately stopped by to see what Performance Automotive had to offer. (they only work on SAABs) Firstly I should point out, I am very fussy and a bit of an excessive compulsive type, and I know my way around cars somewhat. The shop is very organized, and clean… both good signs. Grace is very helpful dealing with customer concerns, and John is always available to personally discuss your automotive questions. Since starting with Performance Automotive a few years ago, I have had several service appointments that involved «larger ticket» repairs. John always presents different service options so as to give me a choice and ultimately, potentially saving me money. They only use top quality OEM parts, and give you a «loaner» if the car is in for a few days at no extra charge. This is especially nice as I live 60 miles from the shop. I always ask John to take a look around while servicing the car and see if something else might become an issue. He never «tries» to find problems but only advises you on what might become one if left alone. If something is an emergency, (as this is my ONLY car) they always fit you in. His technicians always check for SAAB factory mandated repairs, and computer CODES to stay ahead of the service curve. His hourly rate is competitive, and he has a TV, coffee & cookies in his comfortable lounge area should you wish to wait for your auto. (as I have on some smaller repairs) I could go and get the car serviced much closer to home, but I have chosen to make the long commute to where I feel I get the best service for a car I value & enjoy driving.
Bob D.

Having went to 3 different Saab shops for opinions trying to save my wife’s pristine 9 – 5 (6 cylinder) I received 3 different opinions. There are no more actual Saab dealerships anymore. So finding a trusted mechanic is tantamount to me before I allow anyone to work on my two Saabs. The issue with the 6 cyl Issue was that the car was blowing white smoke. The first guy said it is the turbo charger (but that was a guess that could have cost me $ 2500 and then if still smoking I’d need a head gasket anyway) My experience was white smoke was more often a possible head gasket. 2^nd repair shop (25 years repairing Saabs) said it was definitely a head gasket and since its a 6 cylinder, he said it’s not worth fixing as it alreDy had 124k on it. The best he could offer was to put a used motor (with even higher mileage) in it from a junkyard for $ 3500 or he suggested I «junk the car»!
Then John Fiorini” the owner of Performance Automotive in Pittsfield, MA was recommended to me by my local Saab mechanic who has been taking car of both my Saabs for years. He did not want to undertake a head gasket job since it would tie up his one man shop. He said John has the experience, the trained mechanics and equipment to do the job right.
I had never been to John’s shop before. To do the job right, in the end, John actually had to replace both the head gasket and the turbo. Reason being was that his only concern in the end was to have me satisfied. And he did it at a cost that in my 45 years of dealing with car dealerships, has never happened to me before.
We bought this 2000 Saab 9 – 5 off a 3 year lease with 63,000 miles. After leaving John’s shop 2 months ago and after owning this car for 13 years, we have never realized how much power this car was actually capable of. It’s remarkable how smooth this engine runs now. Im so satisfied with the work that John did that I’m bringing my other Saab, the 2001 9 – 5 4 cyl to him in March. I’m having him pull the engine out and replace an oil seal thats been leaking for 5 years, because I never trusted anyone before to do any major engine work to it.
Disclaimer: I am no relation to John. .. Paul Stone, Albany, NY

As someone who is notoriously neglectful of his cars, I need and appreciate the help of a trusted mechanic. My Saab, recently off warranty, has been serviced by two dealers who, while ‘ok’, were never worthy of my affection. Today, after visiting Performance Automotive, and having John look over my girl, I feel like she and I have found a trusted advisor.
The setting is that of an old home on a side street in Pittsfield, MA, now completely turned into an office and garage. It’s quirky and wonderful, like the Saab brand itself. I had heard of this place before, and of this famed ‘master Saab mechanic’, but today was my first chance to experience a devoted, experienced Saab professional. Saab-​ulous!