Philly: Ardmore vs. Center City Toyota Service Centers?

Hey y'all - I'm new here, so I apologize if there's already a thread for this. (I searched!)

I'm looking for anyone who has experience with the Ardmore Toyota or Center City Toyota service centers and can vouch for one or the other. The CC location is closer to me, and I found out they're actually run by the same family so in theory should be the same level of service... but I get bad vibes. Here's the deal:

I recently bought a 2002 Tacoma (v6, 4WD, manual) and it needs some work on the rear differential and brakes. I called Ardmore to see about getting a parts and labor estimate to use as a high-end basis for comparison to call around, not intending to go in there. I explained what I was looking at and what I wanted priced out, and the guy I talked to was really helpful. He was able to give me a lot of info but still convinced me to schedule a flat-fee diagnostic so they could get eyes on it and make a real estimate, plus check out all the other stuff they usually look at. Fine.

Based on the convo I feel good about taking my truck there and that they're going to be able to give me some straight info... but my issue is causing the brakes to lock up intermittently, so it seems real dumb to drive to the one farther away just based on vibes. Any intel? Am I being a dummy?

(Bad vibes from CC are based solely off the couple times I've called them over the years about my previous Tacoma, and the general Philly experience that stuff in city limits tends to be way more hectic and disgruntled than the 'burbs. I haven't ever had work done at either shop.)

Thanks!

 

I'm kinda late to reply just saw it.

CC Toyota sucks, Ardmore sucks...

I use a Indy over by 75th and Jefferson in West Philly. Going out on a limb but you going to Drexel or UP?

DM me if you want info on the mechanic I've been using since 2003 when I opened up my stereo shop at 50th and Lancaster.

 

Thanks for the reply. I ended up taking it to CC and they wouldn't inspect it to give a written estimate without the go-ahead to do the work, but the shop manager was helpful in giving a ballpark on labor and I was able to get an invoice for the parts from their parts department. Neutral to positive experience, I'd say.

I'm definitely interested in your mechanic's info and I'll DM you. If anyone has other Philly/nearby shop recommendations that are for sure experienced with Tacomas, I'd appreciate it. I contacted a couple other highly recommended shops (generally) and neither would quote it because of the pressed wheel bearings.

(And no, I'm not a student.)

 

Did you try Conicelli Toyota in Conshohocken? I used to bring my tundra there when I lived in the city, no issues