I’ve known many mechanics over 60+ years of driving cars. Since livin... read more I’ve known many mechanics over 60+ years of driving cars. Since living in Charlottesville for 20 years, I’ve been to a number of independent mechanics as well as the local dealerships. When you have a car under warranty (bumper to bumper) or you just have money to burn, then you can just keep doing what you’re doing. But if you’re on a budget and you want an honest mechanic with real integrity who just wants to charge a fair price for excellent work, I don’t know anyone else in town that fits that bill. There likely is another mechanic like Jimmy (along with his crew), but I haven’t heard of them. I recommend Jimmy to everyone, when the opportunity arises. Not that Jim needs anymore word of mouth marketing. I don’t think there are any downturns in an economy that will effect his business because when times are tough people go to those people they know they can trust. He’s been working on four different vehicles for more than ten years. I trust Jimmy.
As a woman I was concerned where to take my vehicle to. I stopped by t... read more As a woman I was concerned where to take my vehicle to. I stopped by this shop to have my vehicle looked at for possible transmission problems. I was greeted by two ladies upon arriving and was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and helpful they were. After a little while the owner came out to discuss my vehicle issues. He was nice and went over options and prices with me. I was VERY happy to find out that it was not my transmission after all! They repaired my car and it runs great! No more issues at all. I have to say that I would recommend this shop. I will definitely be going back to have my car service there. You guys ROCK...you get an A+++++ from me!
My car (02 kia spectra) was having transmission problems a few miles o... read more My car (02 kia spectra) was having transmission problems a few miles out of Staunton, va, so I googled some repair shops in the area to have it checked out. I saw that a couple of reviews said that Surratt Tire was a good deal...boy were they wrong. I was told that to fully diagnose the problem they would have to open my tranny up, costing 300 to do so, which I said no to. I asked the front desk person (Brown haired guy with glasses, if they could just fill my tranny up with gear oil and let the car run so that I could see how fast it leaks out, to which I was told that it wasn't possible. I went around to the side of the shop and after letting my hometown mechanic (Brothers Automotive) talk with the mechanic who had my car, I was told that it would be fine to do as I asked. I watched the mechanic put my car on the lift, take a plastic shield, held by four easily accessible screws, off, then unscrew the full plug for my tranny. The mechanic then put a couple of bottles of cheap Autozone Coastal brand gear oil (5.99 a bottle) in my car, turn it on and put it in gear, then let it run for ten minutes. Fluid didn't pour out, so I advised the mechanic that was good enough. I went to the front to get my bill, funding that I was charged 85 for labor and 12.99 x5 bottles for gear oil (I watched the autozone delivery driver bring in 4 bottles of gear oil). Beware and go elsewhere, find a more honest repair shop. Avoid this one if you don't want to be overcharged on time and cheap materials bought at autozone.
