Do you live in Lower Merion or Narberth? Then don’t be surprised if, in the coming weeks, somebody asks you to recommend a place where they can get their car serviced. Or just as likely – you and maybe your parents and possibly even your grandparents, for as long you can remember, have relied upon Dick Costa and his crew on Montgomery Avenue for inspections, tune-ups and repairs. And now you’re in the market for a new shop.
On Friday (March 29), Costa’s 51-year run will come to an end.
In 1973, when he was 19 and the price of gasoline was $.299/gallon, Dick Costa opened his shop on Montgomery Avenue where a Mobil gas station had previously been located. Over the years Costa’s built a large and fiercely loyal following. One of their customers compared the shop’s closing to the retirement of a medical doctor who had treated multiple generations of the same family.
Dick Costa and longtime employee Sherry DeCaro.
Congratulations Dick!!! Happy Retirement!!! Blessings as you begin this next chapter in your book of life !!! 👏👏👏
So sorry to see you go but wishing you all the best..
Costa Auto was the best!
I’m heartbroken, for myself, not for Dick and Sherry who deserve the longest, happiest retirement possible. I used to truthfully tell people I would trust them with our preschool children. That trust and the peace of mind that came with it never changed over 30-plus years.
You’ve come a long way from Maguire’s garage on Benedict Ave
Though I live away any more, Dicky and his team were the only ones who ever serviced my cars. During the years I worked in Narberth, I could walk to work, other years I could get the 44 bus or arrange a ride. But taking my car somewhere else was never an option. I knew I was getting the best work and could trust that I would not have issues. As I look at the pix of Dick and Sherry, I recall the many times I went in the small office dropping off/picking up my wheels.
Best wishes to Everyone at Costas for a healthy and fun retirement!
Oh no! Our whole family will miss you all at Costa’s! What a pleasure to have you in our lives,: cordial, friendly, so dependable, and honest! We have been coming to Costa’s for about 27 or 28 years.
We started going to Costa’s by a chance encounter when my old car had stopped working near the driveway, right off PNC Bank and Montgomery Ave w my two young children both under age of 3 or 4. Dont know if one of their repair men saw us, or if I called them .
A mechanic comes over , calls out for a small part, gets it quickly and fixes my car right there in place, and i ask him what my bill is and he refuses to take any payment, and says he has small children at home too and just get the babies home and have lunch! Well! We have gone to Costa’s since that day and recommended them to all we know!
We have enjoyed working with you Dick and Sheri for all these years and we are so sad to see you close but we wish you all the best, health , happiness, and time with your family and friends.
You both created a neighborhood business that was so much more with your personal interest and care , great staff, mechanics!
My husband and our two adult young women now will miss you tremendously.!
Sad news but Im sure you need to have a break and its important to spend time in other ways too. We need to share you. Thank you all so much…, another special thing about living in Narberth!
Oh noooooo! I’ve only been “in the neighborhood” since 2021 but they feel like family to me. Have treated my car in an emergency, I brought them cookies to thank them. They remember you and your vehicle. Remind you of upcoming needs. So sad but can imagine it’s their time to step back and relax.
Wow Dickey, Congratulations on the successful business.. I look forward to congratulation you in person the next breakfast that I can make.
Congrats Dick on over half a century of dedication and service to your customers. In the business you are leaving, surely many of these folks became like family. Welcome to the world of leisure where past due inspections are no longer your problem. Enjoy this time when it’s great to no be so busy.
Dick will be missed. And Sherry too . Wishing you both all the best..
Congrats Dick – what a tremendous impact you have made in Narberth and Surrounding area. Hard to duplicate great service and commitment to the customer like this. Enjoy your best years!
Great shop! Treated you like family! Gonna miss them all!
Congratulations to the entire crew past and present at Costa Auto Repair and good luck.
I remember when Costa’s opened! Dick took great care of my 1971 light blue Super Beetle.. we had Freeman’s Market in Narberth and I told a lot of customers about Costa’s. I remember when Dick opened a second location in Havertown. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement, Dick!!
So so sorry to hear this.
You have been so dependable
Best of luck in whatever is in store for you both.
Suzanne Tompkins