ABOUT US
Foreign Car Specialists Expert Auto Care in Poughkeepsie, NY
Since 1996, Foreign Car Specialists has been committed to delivering expert, honest, and reliable auto repair for drivers in Poughkeepsie, NY. While other shops focus on temporary fixes and dealerships prioritize new car sales, we take a proactive approach to vehicle care, helping you protect your investment and keep your car running at its best for as long as possible.
Our team combines factory-trained expertise, manufacturer-specified fluids, and advanced diagnostics testing to ensure your vehicle receives the highest level of service and reliability. Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs, or long-term care planning, our goal is to help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and get the most out of your vehicle.
Decades of Dedication: How Foreign Car Specialists Became a Name You Can Trust
Auto repair is more than just a job—it’s a lifelong passion that started from the ground up. At 14 years old, Kevin Eckler took an after-school job sweeping floors at a small repair shop. What began as a simple task quickly became an opportunity to learn, as he observed skilled mechanics, asked questions, and gained hands-on experience. That early curiosity turned into a career path, leading him to a two-year technical school, where he refined his critical thinking and technical expertise.
After completing his education, Kevin worked at high-end European dealerships, specializing in BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and MINI. Through these experiences, he saw a pattern—too many repair shops focused on quick fixes rather than helping customers maintain their vehicles for the long run.
In 1996, Kevin and his wife, Lisa Eckler, took over Foreign Car Specialists with a vision to provide expert diagnostics, honest service, and a proactive approach to vehicle care. Together, they’ve built a shop known for trust, integrity, and a commitment to keeping cars running at their best for years to come.
How We Keep Your Car Running at Its Best
We take a structured, transparent approach to auto care that puts you in control of your vehicle’s health. Every service begins with a personalized phone consultation, where we listen to your concerns and assess your vehicle’s needs.
When you visit our shop, we’ll go over your concerns from the phone call to verify your information. We’ll establish lines of communication and text estimates, which you can approve electronically.
As part of our commitment to proactive maintenance, every appointment includes a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI)—a multi-point evaluation with photos, videos, and detailed notes that provide a complete picture of your car’s condition, which we’ll send to you.
Rather than just fixing problems as they arise, we help you plan ahead with clear recommendations on what you could, would, and should do to maximize your vehicle’s longevity. By using manufacturer-specified fluids, OEM-quality parts, and precision diagnostics testing, we provide dealership-level service without unnecessary upsells.
To make auto care as convenient as possible, we offer flexible scheduling and financing options, helping you manage vehicle maintenance on your terms.
Our Services: Comprehensive Auto Repair and Maintenance
Auto Repair
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance
Prevent major issues with factory-recommended service at 30K, 60K, and 90K miles.
Learn MoreBrake Repair
Brake Repair
We use OEM-quality parts like Zimmerman, Textar, Akebono, and Brembo to ensure lasting performance.
Learn MoreAuto A/C & Heater Repair
Auto A/C & Heater Repair
Full climate control system service, including cooling system services and R1234yf refrigerant repairs.
Learn MoreTires
Steering & Suspension
Steering & Suspension
Expert repairs for shocks, struts, and European air suspension systems.
Learn MoreEngine Diagnostics & Repair
Engine Diagnostics & Repair
Comprehensive testing and services, including starting and charging systems, timing belt and water pump replacements.
Learn MoreVehicle Inspections
Vehicle Inspections
New York State inspections, emissions testing, and pre-purchase evaluations.
Learn MoreEuropean Auto Repair
European Auto Repair
Specialists in BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Land Rover, MINI, and Porsche.
Learn MoreWhere other shops offer basic maintenance, we take a proactive approach—helping you get the most reliability, safety, and value from your vehicle.
Why Choose Foreign Car Specialists for Expert Auto Care
Experienced
Technicians
Our team includes ASE Master Certified technicians and Honda Certified Master Technicians, ensuring expert care for your vehicle.
Comprehensive
Warranty
We stand behind our work with a 2 years/24,000-mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor (excludes internal engine components).
Community
Involvement
Actively engaged with Dutchess BOCES, Vet2Vet.
Comfortable
Amenities
A clean, welcoming environment for everyone with handicap-accessible restrooms and a convenient drop-off service.
Convenient
Payment Options
Flexible financing through NAPA AutoCare – Synchrony, making larger repairs more manageable.
Book Your Service with Poughkeepsie’s Trusted Auto Experts
We’re experts, and we’re here to help you extend the life of your vehicle and enjoy stress-free car ownership. Whether you need routine maintenance, diagnostic testing, or major repairs, our team is ready to serve you.
Foreign Car Specialists proudly serves drivers throughout Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, and Pleasant Valley, NY, providing expert auto care for European, Japanese, Hybrid, and domestic vehicles.
Visit one of our two locations in Poughkeepsie:- Walkway Location – 124 Washington Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 |Call: (845) 452-5005
- South Campus – 1937 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 | Call: (845) 632-2790
At Foreign Car Specialists, we’ve been providing honest, reliable, expert service since 1996.
