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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.

A man wearing a dark jacket and shorts stands smiling next to a silver BMW sedan. The car is parked in front of a brick building with a sign that reads Foreign Cars and various service offerings. An Open sign is visible in the window.

Decades of Dedication: How Foreign Car Specialists Became a Name You Can Trust

A mechanic works under a black SUV elevated on a lift in an auto repair shop. A white car is on another lift in the background. Car parts are scattered on the floor, and tools are visible on a cluttered workbench.

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

We specialize in servicing European, Japanese, Hybrid, and domestic vehicles, offering everything from preventative maintenance to complex diagnostics and repairs.

Auto Repair

Auto Repair

Precision repairs for engines, electrical systems, and diagnostics testing.

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Scheduled Maintenance

Scheduled Maintenance

Prevent major issues with factory-recommended service at 30K, 60K, and 90K miles.

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Brake Repair

Brake Repair

We use OEM-quality parts like Zimmerman, Textar, Akebono, and Brembo to ensure lasting performance.

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Auto A/C & Heater Repair

Auto A/C & Heater Repair

Full climate control system service, including cooling system services and R1234yf refrigerant repairs.

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Tires

Tires

Sales, installation, balancing, and climate-controlled winter tire storage.

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Steering & Suspension

Steering & Suspension

Expert repairs for shocks, struts, and European air suspension systems.

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Engine Diagnostics & Repair

Engine Diagnostics & Repair

Comprehensive testing and services, including starting and charging systems, timing belt and water pump replacements.

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Vehicle Inspections

Vehicle Inspections

New York State inspections, emissions testing, and pre-purchase evaluations.

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European Auto Repair

European Auto Repair

Specialists in BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Land Rover, MINI, and Porsche.

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Where 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

We focus on keeping your vehicle in peak condition—not just for today, but for the long run.
At Foreign Car Specialists, we don’t believe in “good enough”—we ensure your car is operating at its best so you can drive with confidence.

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:


At Foreign Car Specialists, we’ve been providing honest, reliable, expert service since 1996.

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