Bowman's Auto Repair

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  JP Souchak
a month ago
I sort of don't want to write this review because I love Steve and everything at Bowman's for repair so much that I don't want it to get too popular! But, doing a service here, Bowman's is a fantastic auto repair shop. Knowledgeable, confident, fair pricing, and someone you can talk to with Steve. I can't recommend Bowman's auto repair enough!

  Alanna Ford
2 months ago
This is the only place we take our cars. Honest guys. Today they fixed my seatbelt for free because it wasn t an intensive fix. Plus there s a great resident shop dog! Thanks Bowman s.

  Katie Musial
a year ago
Took my Audi here for a water pump/thermostat replacement and had a good experience. They are more expensive than some of the other places I called/quoted, but I figured you get what you pay for. Steve was very friendly over the phone and gave me a solid breakdown of what my car needs right now and what it doesn t. They didn t try to upsell me on anything either. In fact they told me I could wait on a few other repairs for at least another year or two, so that gave me some peace of mind. And they have a cute dog named Gunner sitting out front too :)

  Daniel Boardman
11 months ago
Scam shop unfortunately ripping off a lot of people in Santa Barbara. Owner has given me quotes twice as much as other shops in town and does low quality jiffylube work and then told a friend it would cost 10,000 to replace and engine in a 20 year old Toyota.Many mechanics have a scams where they both are making large profits from the parts by charging you more than the actual cost. So say the part is sold to the mechanic for $50 and then they sell it to you for $100.

  Gabby Ricord
a year ago
I've had my Mini for 15 years and this is the best shop I've found! I've been coming here for a few years now and have never felt let down or overcharged. Steve and his team handle everything professionally and are genuine with quoting and problems that are worth addressing. They are thorough and honest. Locally owned and operated is the way to go!

  M VL
13 years ago
I'm new to the area so this was the first time I'd had my car serviced in the area. Bowman's Auto repair came highly recommended through a friend.The service was stellar and I am definitely taking my car there for all future work! I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, and even though Bowman's specializes in BMW, Saab and Volvo, I felt my american made car was in great hands.My air conditioner needed service, my two front hub assemblies were in need of replacement and my front sway bar had rusted through and finally cracked through. Since I'm hands on, I bought the parts and planned to do it myself. When the rust from my Midwestern car made it clear I was in over my head I gave Bowman's a call.The owner, Steve is a certified master technician, and was a great guy to talk to. He took an interest in my car we had a great conversation about it and what I wanted done. He was honest and up front about everything and worked with installing the parts I had already bought. I brought my car in the morning and he had it ready in the evening -- even with welding to replace a broken bracket so he could get the new sway bar in.Throughout the whole process I felt like I was in good hands. And the price came in below what I expected. Its great to have a mechanic I trust in town!

  James Riley
4 years ago
As a three year customer of Bowman's, I recently had them check out our older BMW wagon for an upcoming road trip to MT, WY & CO.I could not be happier with the end result! Their thorough, professional inspection uncovered some unknown issues that could have negatively impacted our trip.I really appreciate their attention to detail and quality of service.

  Tito Z
3 years ago
This shop hidden on Philinda off N. Milpas is a great place to have your car services completed. I first used Bowman for an engine knock problem. They took time to talk me through the analysis and repaired the problem. Very courteous and responsive to customer Q&A. Quality workmanship and fair pricing has made me a continuing customer. Have some work done and see for yourself.

  Ciara Sarver
9 years ago
I have been taking my 2007 Saab 9-3 Aero here for years and I trust them with everything from oil changes, minor repairs, to full on part replacement. Thank you Steve and crew for having such a reliable garage and service, as well as the sweetest Labrador greeter. Bowman's deserves 5 stars!

  Rob Rodriguez
7 years ago
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Been taking my cars there for about 10-12 years. Always very quick and straight shooters. Will tell me if I'm just wasting $$$ on a car for repairs. Belt on my Truck was sounding like a fire alarm recently. Took it to Bowman's and a couple hours later have the car back sounding new. Cheaper & better service then the dealerships!

  Stephan Brissaud
3 years ago
I believe Bowman's Auto Repair is the best shop in Santa Barbara county to have your BMW maintained. They don't try to over sell you, they are fast and pro. I only go there for my 3 BMWs.

  Chris Cottrell
10 years ago
These guys are fantastic! I've been taking my late-model Subaru to Steve and Brady for the past two years - and they've kept me humming along. This is the kind of business that we need more of in this world; they are knowledgeable, friendly and always fair. Thanks guys!

  Aidan Anderson
4 years ago
These guys do good work for the most part, but absurdly expensive. I completely understand you get what you pay for, but it's just ridiculous the amount of labor they're charging for things. I tried to keep coming as long as I could because I like the guys and never had complaints, but it's just not worth it. Make SURE you get an estimate before you have them do any work, because it will most likely stop you from having them do anything.

  Archie Look
10 years ago
Bowman's Auto Repair is an honest, professional and expert organization. You can rely on them to take good care of your car at a price that is fair.

  Joshua Garrett
a year ago
Father-son team. Honest guys. Won't tell you you need something you don't. I'll keep bringing my Prius here.

  Adriana Olvera
a year ago
I have been a client for 24 years and have never been disappointed. They are honest and excellent work!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenanceServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenance

  Chris Nelson
6 years ago
Great service, took my car in without notice and was done in a day. Very friendly, and I feel very well taken care of! Thanks Steve and Crew!!

  Jennifer Osborne
4 years ago
I was in a pinch with a dead battery and Steve and crew came through! Got me fixed up with the battery and squeezed in an oil change, tire rotation, etc. I was grateful and thrilled.q

  Donna Stia
5 years ago
I took my 2011 Volvo for repairs, they did a great job and drove me back to work and picked me up when they were done with repairs.

  Seth Olitzky
a year ago
Good mechanics. Good work. Bit expensive but they never suggest doing work that isn't really needed. Seem trustworthy.

  Dave Parker
a year ago
I would recomend Bowmans to anyone that cares about their car.

  Dave Callanan
2 years ago
Honesty, expertise, and high quality work - Bowman s is the best in town!

  Sean O'Hagan
2 years ago
Best auto service I've ever had

  sam z
10 years ago
Total rip off, overpriced and dishonest, shop around and make sure before you do anything with this shop.

  J G
10 months ago
Very knowledgeable and attentive

  Hilary Dabney
3 years ago
I love Saab Automobiles.

  Chris Hoff
a year ago
Very helpful and quick!

  Steve Dudley
a year ago
Great