Conejo Mechanic | Mechanic and Parts

February 10th, 2023 by flav.ivan

We came to Alberto to repair our rear drum brakes, do the alignment of the front wheels, repair the mounting of our exhaust, and other small things. Overall, Alberto was nice to us. We had to stay one night in his street so he proposed to take a shower in his house if we wanted. He knew where to go to re-pad the friction pads, and we went there together.

When it comes to his expertise, I'm sure he knows a lot about cars, but he was not very knowledgeable (nor disciplined) on how to reassemble our drum brakes. He didn't take any pictures before taking everything apart. It is lucky that I had already taken the drum off myself and taken some pictures the day before, and I also had a manual for my van explaining step by step how to do the repair. Him and his assistant first mounted the parking brake wrong which would have made it simply not work. More importantly, they then also mounted the adjustment screw wrong which would make it not adjust, which is kinda the point. I'm no mechanic, but I am an engineer, and the right orientation of that screw could have been deduced using common sense given its function. Because I had the manual supporting on me I could insist on changing the orientation, otherwise his assistant would have probably convinced me to leave it as is given how sure he was... We speak Spanish, so communication was not an issue.

For the price, he wanted to charge us 800Q for repairs of both rear drum brakes, and 200Q for the alignment of the two front wheels. Both these amounts are too high for Guatemalan standards. We brought the total down to 700Q, which is still too much. As a reference, we paid 100Q equivalent in Mexico (which is supposed to be more expensive than Guate) to change the brake pads on both front brakes. Another brake shop in Flores asks for 90Q for changing the front brake disks. So 400Q for changing only ONE drum brake is just nonsense. The alignment is also not a 200Q job, as it just consists in loosening a screw and turning a shaft until aligned with a rope from the rear wheel. In contrast 200Q got us a soldering job for our exhaust in 2 different points, including 1.5h of work and raw materials.

In conclusion, I hate to say it but I would not recommend this garage. Alberto was very friendly but friendliness doesn't get you a long way with a mechanic if he has no discipline in what he does. Our brake pads are changed but I do not feel confident that they will work flawlessly and will have to keep an eye on them.

October 31st, 2022 by nicolevanvlijmen

ps. next day went to valvoline mechanics (also on overlander)

October 27th, 2022 by nicolevanvlijmen

we went here with our 75 vw combi, we have a problem with the motor. He gave us advice, made the right diagnosis. He adviced us to change the oil, later we found out the oil he advised us was the wrong oil. we had to change it again. charged us Q850 for the oil and the diagnosis. he did immediately help us but eventually the money we spent wasn't worth it. the next day we changed the oil again to the right one at one of the other garages here on overlander, and that cost us much less.

nice man, but for us not the right fit.

March 26th, 2022 by thepanamericandream.com

Conejo is a blessing. I sent him a message a couple days before I arrived. Had my ball-joints replaced in 2 hours. He will try to source parts locally if he can, if not get them ordered from a bigger city. Very knowledgeable mechanic and very glad I found him

February 16th, 2022 by Lucas_Meets_World

Had some issues with our automatic transmission and luckily found this place after being passed around by two other mechanics. Rough neighborhood but the guys working there are very nice and got the issue fixed in no time. Recommended if you have an issue with something that needs creativity and out of the box solutions...

January 27th, 2020 by casarodante

Alberto is a very good mechanic. He solved problems, that were extremely difficult. And he drove us to Flores. His wife cooked delicious meals for us. Highly recommended.

May 16th, 2019 by rocketodiaries

Great mechanic. He works in his backyard but he works extremely well and efficiently. Our front axel dust cover had broken and we neede to fix it. The part wasn't in Flores but he found it in Guatemala city and got it shipped for the next day (7am) and we were all set before 9am. The prices was fair and he let us sleep in his backyard.

His brother in law has a tuc tuc and can take you to flores for just 15Q and then you call him when you need a ride back. (+502 4026 1580)

April 14th, 2019 by viagemfamilia11

Conejo is the nickname of Alberto the mechanic that we where guided to by Ernesto owner of a Restaurant nearby the lake Peten Itza.
We had some problem with our gear box in our car a Kia Sportage SUV.
He was recomended by several people and also Romulo, Ernesto's neighbour
The place is not so good looking but Conejo and his family recieved us like part of his family.
We worked at the car at a saturday and had to wait some spare parts coming from Guatemala City.
We stayed for 5 days living with Alberto and his family. Wonderfull experience. A real family experience.
Camped at the yard. Little dirty and dusty but had no other choice.
Alberto Conejo and his wife offered bathroom and shower and evem kitchen to prepare our meals.

If you have an mechanical emergency go to Conejo. You will also make a new friend.