Taller Rodriguez is a tiny paint & body joint – “taller” means shop – that both inside and out is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall, family-run business. But what it lacks for in aesthetics it more than makes up for in talent and experience when it comes to fixing anything from a wimpy fender-bender to a virtually totaled SUV.  And the results will astound you, hence this review.

If you want to have your vehicle thoroughly and professionally cleaned, I do not hesitate to recommend Christian Quiros in San Ramon. I just had the engine compartment and undercarriage power washed by Christian, and he did a great job, protecting all the electronic components for the power wash, then hand cleaning after that was done. He actually detailed the engine. In addition, he washed the wheels and applied rubber conditioner to the tires.

His shop is fully equipped and he carries a full line of care car products that he uses generously to assure a quality job. He worked hard and continuously for over an hour, and the charge was eight thousand colones. If you want the whole shebang, motor, chassis, interior, exterior, hand wax and all, it's twenty-nine thousand colones and takes about three hours.

As an example, I asked Christian to demonstrate how he cleans inside the A/C vents, as I did not see any of the long-handle cotton swabs that I use for this. Christian pulled a paint brush off his tool rack, sprayed cleaner in the vent, cleaned it, blew it out with compressed air, and showed this old dog a new trick!

Christian can be reached at his cell phone, 6011-7500. He is located just off the autopista past the first (coming from Palmares) San Ramon exit. Take the second exit (this road goes past Ferreteria Jorcel further on) and turn right immediately on to the small dirt road. You will see the sign about fifty meters down.

For those living in Sarchi or the western boundaries of Grecia in need of a skilled, honest and reasonably priced auto repairman, I highly recommend William (Willie) Alfonso Chaverri Salazar of "Taller W.A.C.H.S.", in Sarchi Sur about 200 meters north of the church and school on the right of the road headed north to Bajos del Toro. He found and repaired a suspension problem that two other recommended mechanics were unable to fix. He was great in preparing my car to pass my annual RITEVE check with flying colors and has been a good resource in recommending me to other auto-related services. He's gone the extra mile and his prices have been very reasonable. He is U.S.-trained (in New Jersey, of course) and speaks English fluently. 8399-5682 or 2454-1400.