Austin Recommends A Mechanic

The other day, while on the way to an important place (because we are very, very important people), we climbed in our car and attempted to turn it on. But it wouldn't start. And we thought, "I bet Austin would know where we can take our car to get it fixed."

So, we're asking you to write us, and tell us about mechanic experiences you've had when your car was broken. We want both good and bad stories, so that we can warn against certain schiesters. Once we get enough submissions, in various parts of town, we'll pass the info on to you.

We'll be asking you for more suggestions in the future, so that we can pool our experiences and assist those in need of a good carpenter or a trusty financial advisor. Help us help you.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Katie Spence in Other on August 22, 2005 5:19 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

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I like Groovy Automotive near the Hancock Center on Red River. The good thing about them is that they will tell you the truth and not attempt to upsell you on other services. I've often paid less than $100 for simple repairs (it's wise to buy the yellow coupon card that a marketing company sells door to door around campus to avoid extra fees). I talked to the owner once, and he told me that they believe in paying people to stay working for them--most of their employees have worked there for a long time. The one con is that if they're busy, it may take a couple days for them to fix your vehicle. Always bring your car in before 8 in the morning. I would advise avoid auto dealerships and national auto chains/oil change places that have quotas. Stay away from Jiffy Lube.

em

great...my "check engine" light came on today. anyone? this should be called the "you are about to get fucked in the ass because they can make up any excuse" light.

Kat

heehee...cloudoftiddies

zh

JUKE AUTO on 702 B. Shady Lane. 512-385-5853. I just took my car in this week and my bill is $300 less than the quote from the dealership mechanic. I know that's not a shocker, but JUKE is worth recommending. It's just him and another technician named Andy. They are amazingly friendly and not into selling unnecessary shite. Andy's got shoulder-length dreds and Juke has an Aussie accent. They rule.

mamalara

Foreign & Domestic Automotive, on North Lamar - seem to me to be honest in what he has done to my car, told a friend he didn't want to repair hers because it needed lots more work to keep it running and wasn't worth the expense (which would have been $ in his pocket).

Extreme dislike of Brake Specialist Plus on 183, convinced me to get new A/C compressor b4 it totally went out, then the new one went out 14 months later - 2 months after warranty. Also, they didn't know why my battery was dead after they worked on it but charged it and sent me home, so they could go home at quitting time, but I barely made it, would have been stuck on the side of the road if I lived more than 5 miles away, turned out to be an alternator fuse...

arae

Never go to Lamb's in the 290 and Brodie area (Walmart center); they tried to rip us off charging $900 on what finally turned out to be a $480 bill. They gave us a free oil change card, but no thanks! After that I wouldn't trust any Lambs. Lockhart's Garage in Oak Hill is pretty good though.

odam

Sam's Auto on South Lamar, just south of barton springs is really good. tell em we're tight and you may get free air in your tires.

Kat

Never ever ever go to Pep Boys, anywhere. The Fire Stone at Brodie and William Cannon and the one on South Congree have been pretty good to me. The last time I had extensive repairs done, I went to Capital City Automotive on South Congress and was pleasantly surprised. After shopping around, I think he gave me a good deal, and I got a junky, but FREE, rental car. I've only been there once, so I can't say with total confidence that I suggest the place, but that's where I'll go if/when I need a mechanic again.

cloudoftiddies

this is a worthwhile subject for me since i own '88. for trnsmissions, my main mechanic says he wouldn't let anyone touch his but ike. IKE'S TRANSMISSIONS. it's north up there somewhere in the 183ish area. i'm a southie, so yeah.