Who doesn't like to get a referral before getting work done on their car? After all, it's your baby. Your pride and joy. Your precious-cargo carrier. And, with so many auto shops in town, it's hard to know where to turn.

We asked readers to go to the directory listing of their favorite auto shop in town and give it a rating.

Most of the 21 choices we provided in our Readers Choice story, which has been posted since March 26, got some reader praise. But at the end of two weeks, JMS Auto Repair emerged with the most positive votes: eight 5-star ratings (with comments) and an additional positive response under the story. We'd say that qualifies as a recommendation.

Cynthia Rosati said: "I have known Jeff for a couple of years now. He has always been constant in the way he treats his customers and he has always done quality work."

Carol Mola said: "Great service! He's fixed all of our cars and done a super job. Very honest and reasonable."

Tied for a close second place were Mehta Motors, with four 5-star ratings and two comments under the story, and My Mechanic, with five 5-star ratings and one comment under the story.

Pam Entwistle said: "I love Shazad (at Mehta Motors). He is always polite and an all around nice guy! I give them 5 stars."

And Carol Riemer said: "I found (My Mechanic) to be a very honest and dependable service. When my car failed the emission test they checked it out since some things were under warrranty and even took it to the emission testing location to make sure everything was okay and didn't charge me for the extra time involved."

We also ran a poll asking, "What is the most important thing you look for in a mechanic?"

Of the 73 votes received, 75 percent (55 people) said they look for "Someone who's not going to rob me blind."

Next week, we start a new poll. We'll be looking for your favorite sandwich.