Austin's Best Choice for Auto Repair

This was my second time coming here and both times were excellent! The guys at the front desk are always friendly, they keep their coffee pot full, and the waiting area is kept clean! They also have wifi available if you're going to be waiting there and need to get work done. I wasn't expecting that at all, so I was able to get way more work done while they were working on my car than I planned. The first time I went in was after an awful several month long experience at Firestone (big surprise). I had been taking my car in to Firestone regularly because I was experiencing problems with my brakes and Firestone checks them for free. After going there I don't know how many times, they finally tell me my master cylinder needed to be replaced and quoted me for a whole bunch of money (I no longer remember how much). Needless to say I took my car here and had them confirm that it was my master cylinder. Best of all, the price they quoted me was a lot lower! So I ended up having them service it. They fixed the master cylinder and even offered to replace my door handle for free (the inside handle broke off because my car is old) if I brought in a replacement one. I went back today for an oil change and because my brakes were squealing. It turns out the pads themselves were fine, but I was really impressed that instead of trying to sell me new pads to stop the noise anyway, the guy told me he wouldn't sell me a new brake job just to stop the noise! Instead he recommended that I have an adjustment and clean up on the rear breaks for a MUCH lower price. He even applied a coupon right there in the store that I didn't have to cut the price in half for me. He also recommended some minor service things that I needed done. After talking to him I decided to get everything done and got a rear brake adjustment and clean, an oil change, tire rotation and a new air filter for around $100. The entire experience also took way less time than I expected! From check in to check out, I was only there for about an hour. These guys are awesome and don't try to sell you a bunch of stuff you don't need just because the computer spits it out at them, they actually look at the car and talk to you about THOSE problems. I have found my new favorite mechanic and will be returning to them regularly for service to my car! NOTE: I was able to get my car looked at immediately without an appointment and spend so little time there because I went in right after they opened. If you need same day service quickly, go in early!

I was driving down the road and my check engine light come on so I just pulled in. Mike and his crew checked it out, fixed it and charged me almost nothing! These guys were super nice and honest. I found a new shop for life. Comment from Stephen M. of Austin's Automotive Specialistss Business Manager 1/24/2017Thank you Drake! sorry it took so long to reply. Read more

I stopped by to get a state inspection for my trailer and was told it would be a 40 minute wait. After about 1.5 hours I asked the guy at the front desk how much longer it would be, to which he replied "Oh, we will do that right now." I'm not exactly sure how he managed to forget about a customer who was sitting literally right in front of his face, but he did and wasn't the least bit apologetic. The waiting area is nice and the mechanic who actually performed my inspection was professional, so I reluctantly give them two stars.

I really wish I had taken the time to read some of the complaints about this business before I wasted my money. Anyone interested in becoming a customer of this shop should get a second opinion. Please, take my word for it. My first experience with Darin Hinkle at the Parmer location was not exactly perfect, but it was what people have to come to expect when dealing with automotive repairs. For my personal truck, I asked for an oil change and a rear brake job. My final bill was bout $60 more than what was quoted, but I didn't think it was worth my time to discuss the price discrepancy. The work was performed to my satisfaction and I had no major complaints. So when my girlfriend's Jeep needed a check engine light repaired, I told her to take it there to be checked out. I spent 12 years working for Ford. I was a successful Master Mechanic, but my desire for something more led me to start a new career in IT. I used to make a very decent living repairing vehicles, and check engine lights were one of my specialties. We first took the Jeep to the nearest AutoZone to get the code checked. After trying a new gas cap, the light immediately returned, so we took it to Austin Automotive Specialists for a proper diagnosis. My first career gave me a lot of insight as to what the problem could be and an idea of what the total cost should be. I informed my girlfriend to expect an estimate around $350-$400. Darin called her after a few hours and informed her the total cost would be $760.64.I told my girlfriend to decline the repairs. My previous experience in the field told me that something wasn't right. She asked Darin for a detailed explanation of the charges, but what he provided was a basic receipt that showed her payment of the diag fee only. I picked up the car and thought about the repairs. After some research online, I couldn't rationalize the high price quote. I decided to order the part I assumed was failing. I found it on Amazon and price checked against AutoZone. In less than 30 min, I had the new part installed and the vehicle was ready to be road tested. I spent $105.xx on the new part and 30 min in the driveway. The car is now repaired, passed the state inspection, and operating normally for the past 2 weeks. On August 20 I emailed Darin to request a detailed explanation of the charges and provide him with an opportunity to explain his exorbitant price estimate. He responded with a story about his dryer breaking and a generic explanation about how price mark ups are a part of running a business. Having a long history as a mechanic, I provided him with indisputable proof of accepted labor stats, door rates, and parts pricing. He has not responded, so I guess I was correct. Judging by his silence, it is my opinion that he is completely guilty of price gouging and incapable of defending his prices.

I can't say enough about these guys. We've been bringing our cars here for 7+ years and I wouldn't take them anywhere else, but today they really went above and beyond for us and I'm so grateful. One of our vehicles was ready for pickup after a 100k mile service and when we hopped in our other car to go get it, the battery was dead! I got a ride to go pick up our vehicle before they closed for the day and they said just to bring the other one in once AAA got it jumped. At 515 my husband left our house, called Clay on his way out to let him know he was on the way and they were waiting for him when he got there. The new battery was installed in minutes and he was on his way home before their 530 closing time! Amazing! I'm happy to have people I can trust helping take care of us and our vehicles!

I've been coming to this location for a few years now for oil changes, scheduled maintenance, check engine light, and other unexpected problems. Andy has been the manager for this location since I first visited this shop. He carefully listens to your auto issues and provides professional advice. I've always felt comfortable bringing my car here under his supervision. There was one time when there was a major mistake with my oil change (hey, mechanics are human too) but it was promptly resolved to my satisfaction without me having to push for it. Professional, knowledgeable, genuine, and great customer service.

Super friendly people and fast service. I came here to get my car inspected so it could become an official Texas vehicle...just happened to come in on the new manager's first day at this location. He was super-friendly and we chatted about different things to do in the area while they completed the inspection. And he let my dog hang out in the waiting room with us so that's a HUGE thumbs' up in my book! I do believe I'll return...

This place is great. I was recommend by discount tire because me alignment was out of wack. They were so friendly and nice the whole time. The service and customer servive was fantastic. My car is back on the road again thanks to this place. I would recommend them to anyone.

Love going to this repair shop! Everyone are true professionals and knowledgable of every car. For years I have had my family cars maintenance through them and they have always been honest, reasonable and good people. Keep up the great work, and I will continue to refer my family and friends to you for great car care. Thanks Darin and your staff! Annette Hill

Good service there fast only issue I had was had someone hit my car I asked if they could buff it out they just scuffed up the clear coating