Clarke Automotive Systems

Reviews

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

  Brandon B
6 days ago
Starting this review with: use your best judgment and actually read the negative reviews to this place and don't just go because overall they have great reveiws.I took my DRIVABLE 89 corvette in to get an AC repair and now have an UNDRIVABLE corvette but at least I have cold AC right? From the moment I went to pick it up the whole situation left me extremely unhappy. Almost $900 to do a full look over of the car and let me know what's wrong with it and to get the AC pumping cold. First issue, I went to swipe my card and in tiny print on the machine there was a $35 merchant service charge. 3.5% they are charging people to simply swipe their cards. They apparently had never seen that before and had no idea why it was suddenly showing up so take that response as you will.... The lady up front even said she wonders how many people have been getting charged that without knowing...Second, I get home and am looking over my bill and realized I was charged twice for the same part for my AC. Once for $29 and a second time for $42. Two separate labor charges for each part also. Head back down there (to get a refund) and my car is making a god awful noise that it didn't make before. They refund me the price of the extra part only and then once confronted about the new noise, come to tell me that it's the belt and that it needs to be re-tentioned because of the new load it's facing now. All the while I drive this thing only a few miles back home and it drives and sounds awful and 30 seconds before I pull into my driveway it sounds like things are literally falling off my car. After a look over, metal is literally spewing into my motor because it's shredding the alternator fan because the pulley is now bent from the belt. I now have twice as many issues as I had prior going in, all because of carelessness. Like other bad reviews say, this place is careless and if you aren't careful you're gonna leave with more issues than you came in with.After doing some research and talking to others on what s wrong with my car now, their excuse for that happened to my belt isn t even a thing that can happen. Either we have a weird coincidence of my alternator pulley failing while they had it at the shop or it was sabotaged (belt was tightened or bolt that holds radiator pulley was loosened) so they could get more $$$ out of me to fix it. I had NO issues with this specific thing prior to this. My experience with this shop only leaves me with the feeling that they are predatory and careless. If you love your car, be mindful of this place. No transparency here, only when you call them out on things.They offered to fix the issue but why would I trust these people with my car now?Customer BEWARE!

  Ernest Sample
a month ago
Took my son s car to Clarke for extensive repairs. The good: the service was timely and, as far as I can tell, the work was well done. Dealing with Luke was pleasant and professional. The bad: (1) i was charged over $300. for inspections and diagnosis. None of this amount was applied to the charge for doing the service. The items I opted to have repaired totaled over $1800. (2) One of the items they suggested as necessary was $1000+. I declined that item and subsequently had it done at another shop. Their charge was $280. So, I m conflicted when it comes to recommending Clarke Automotive. I was somewhat reticent to write this review, however they kept asking, and I feel obligated to be candid. Prospective customers should draw their own conclusions and not rely too heavily on my experience.

  Kerry Crane
a week ago
I was referred to Clarke Automotive by a friend and was very pleased. From my phone call to make an appointment to taking my car home was a pleasure. I was presented with what was wrong, what needed to be done and what it would cost. I would recommend Clark's all day long.

  Morgaine Scott
a month ago
I've been bringing my car to Clarke since 2018 when I stopped going to the same mechanic as my parents. From the first visit, the staff showed me nothing but kindness and respect, and even showed me how to change my own air filter to save a little money since they knew things were tight for me and I couldn't afford much more than absolutely necessary repairs.That first trip proved to me that they were the folks I could trust, and they haven't ever steered me wrong! They're conscious of my finances, understanding, honest, and I always leave with my car driving so much better than when I left it.My last visit was for a full inspection and beginning repairs for a used car I recently bought. Becky got me scheduled in quickly, and was super helpful outlining the inspection notes, repairs, and costs, as well as how I should prioritize repairs I couldn't yet afford.If you drive your car until the wheels fall off and need someone to keep it running perfectly until that happens, look no further!

  Noah Mayfield
2 months ago
Clarke automotive provided friendly and competent service. I dropped off my 1999 car which was struggling to start/run. They were quick in identifying critical issues within less than 24 hours. Fair pricing and they genuinely care about their customers. Will be using in the future.

  Morgan Viccione
3 months ago
Originally went to a dealership to fix my car. Steering wheel felt sticky when turning and there were a few typical maintenance items needing to be handled. Dealership quoted me an outrageous price, which led me to getting a second opinion. I spoke with Luke about getting my car checked out. He was kind and explained everything in a way that I could understand. Clarke Automotive is honest, respectful, and is now my go-to place for maintenance. Great people, great work.

  Becky Thoms
2 months ago
The staff at Clarke Auto is top notch. They are kind, knowledgeable, and patient. I have had two repairs with them over the years and they have been great at communicating, always willing to explain things multiple times so I understand, and fair. Would highly recommend Clarke Auto if you have to take your car in for service.

  Jenny Brockwell
a month ago
Everyone I worked with at Clarke Automotive was great. They gave me a quote that was far less than other quotes I received for a lot of maintenance work on my truck and they got it done in one day. 100% recommend!

  Christopher Porter
2 days ago
Decent service. Lacking in knowledge, $550 to identify a problem $550 to fix a potential future issue, $1100 and the car runs the same as when we brought it in. Look for people more knowledgeable about troubleshooting if you have an engine issue.

  Chad Chaar
2 years ago
This is one of most honest automotive shops in Brandon. Matt Clarke who is the owner is super friendly & most important he always give you all the pricing options before fixing your car. Yes they do charge for diagnosing the issue but it s better to know, what is really wrong. Rather than going somewhere and doing something unnecessary.Been having my car fixed here for almost 4 years, always great service. Highly recommend.

  Doodle Eleven
3 months ago
I literally never leave reviews. Hands down the best automotive servicing in the Tampa area. Reasonably priced, honest, reliable and just all out great service, very hard to find these qualities in a mechanic service. Been taking my car here for years, even for oil changes, love these guys, beautiful family and employees. They swapped out an alternator and battery on my broken down vehicle within half a day, right before the holidays, and paid for my Uber. I will never take my car anywhere else, even if I have to tow it from Orlando. Thank you Clarke Automotive!

  Heather Root
4 months ago
The shop has worked on several of my client's vehicles. Every time the team at Clarke Automotive goes above and beyond to accommodate our client's budgets. We never have any return issues. I recommend using this shop for all of your automotive needs.

  Aaron Markell
3 months ago
I typically don't write reviews, but I'm making an exception this time. Clarke responded incredibly quickly and repaired my AC on the same day. The staff was exceptionally courteous highly recommended!

  Steve Hartley
2 months ago
Clarke Automotive is all it advertises. Our vehicle"s transmission quit and the person we were going to meet helped us get in touch with this company and he said it was a good honest place. They set us up with a tow, Uber to get back to where we needed to go, all without a hitch. They were nice, honest and completed the work as said. If we lived close they would get all my automotive work.

  jonathan herrera
2 months ago
Great staff!Great shop!My wifes truck had a vibrating problem for months. Clarke was able to fix the truck in 2 days. Before clarke I had taken the vehicle to 3 high reputable shops in the area and all of them told me the same thing (sorry we know it vibrates but we cant find exactly where the problem is)

  Lori Wooten
3 months ago
Clarke Automotive found the a/c problem in our 2017 Accent that the dealership didn't! They just gave my car a thorough checkout, which maintenance makes me feel much more secure as a driver! Thank you, Clarke Automotive Systems!!

  Hilarion Briceno
5 months ago
Best place hands down super professional. If you ever need anything worked on your vehicle, don't hesitate to visit and the even have towing recommended services available fast and reliable.Service: TransmissionService: Transmission

  Zen Grandits
5 months ago
First Visit:Full transmission flush an filter, we went from a light brown back to a nice bright cherry red. She drives real smooth no issues on my 2011 Ford Crown Victoria. You guys did a great job, I know it took a minute that day but thats ok. And I sure did appreciate the communication as we went through the process throughout the day. Anything automotive you'll have my business in the future.Second Visit:Went back an had my wiring harness an entire front headlight an side marker assembly replaced. I asked them if they adjusted my headlights they said yes. I finally had to drive at night just 4 or 5 days later and I cant even see out past my hood at night. I not only feel overcharged but ripped off.

  Natalia Decker
a month ago
This is the second time we bring our car over here and we are very pleased and impressed with their work. Grateful for the quick turnaround time too!

  The Dog Patch
3 months ago
Clark Automotive was a life saver for one of our buses that required a new headlamp at the last minute and caring for our minivan maintenance! Thank you for taking such good care of The Dog Patch!

  Daniel Markley
7 months ago
It s not often you find a shop that s not trying to nickel and dime you these days.. appreciate the transparency and honesty from the team there. First class service , they really make you feel like your just dropping your car off at your uncle s shop knowing the quality and fairness will be like your family. My cars never ridden so smooth in past 7 years I ve owned it!

  Osborne Kennel
10 months ago
Clarke is always super friendly, fair pricing, and quality work. We have been using them for 10 years and have never been disappointed with the quality of work or the pricing they charge. Had water getting into electrical connectors - we thought it was the computer. They explained issue, provided estimate and how long it would take before it was ready. Would definitely recommend them to my friends and family.Service: Electrical

  Yuka Ikebuchi
7 months ago
I made an appointment to go in for an oil change. It took a bit more than those express oil change service places that you would wait in a car for five minutes or so. But I was impressed with their excellent customer service as well as the prompt auto works they provided. I believe over all cost was forty percent lower than those express places. I think customers would be able to rely on their job quality and honest services without receiving extra sales pitching. I will be back there again.

  Sailin Cat
9 months ago
A used truck I had just bought broke down 3 hours from home, leaving me in a bad situation. I had it towed to Clarke Automotive because of their good reviews and convenient business hours. Matt worked with me over the phone to understand the needed work and get it done. I feel they helped me out of a jam without taking advantage of the situation. I recommend them to anyone who needs quality work done with clear and honest communication.Services: Exhaust, Auto exhaust system repair, Auto water leak repair, Vehicle safety inspection

  Rebecca Hertogs
7 months ago
Clarke Automotive is my go-to! They are always prompt and helpful. They will go above and beyond to help me understand the the work that's being done on my car. They have fair prices and get the job done quickly!

  Johnny T
10 months ago
Matt and the team treat each customer with care and explain things in proper detail. Matt is there it seems every day and keeps everything in order and proper communication. The mechanics act professional and seem to have a good relationship with the front desk. They provide a good value for their service in the Brandon area. My mother-in-law also goes there and has a similar positive experience with her older vehicle. I've never had a "sleaze" vibe there which is hard to say about most shops on route 60Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto A/C recharge, Transmission repair, Oil change

  Ralph Dukes
9 months ago
As always, Mr. Bob Clarke, Matt his son, and the rest of the Clarke s Automotive family treated me fair, with honesty, friendly hospitality, and respect as a patron as if Saturday was my first day there ever. I have been a loyal customer to Clarke s Automotive since November 2015, and haven t regretted any iota regarding our business owner/automotive customer union/relationship since. Thank you Mr. Clarke! Continue keeping up the great customer service you and your staff provides.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil change

  J Maynor
7 months ago
Clean. Polite. Up-front. I wish every shop was run this way. My new first choice for work on my car.Excellent communication. Fixed my vehicle A/C (replacing major components).Also recommended additional service I d overlooked but needed, then did that while I waited, to avoid me needing to visit a second time.Update 8.17.23. After a minor billing snafu, the manager called me and insisted on fixing their error even though it was not much $. They promptly refunded my $.

  L Richardson
6 months ago
Clarke Auto has been my go-to mechanic for over 5 yrs. They've kept my 10 yr old Prius running like a gem! Personable staff, timely & quality work.

  Stephen Feldman
5 months ago
We have been having our vehicles serviced with Clarke Automotive Systems since 2005. We are so pleased with the work they do that we would not go to someone else. Bob and his crew are very honest, and they bend over backwards to do the needed work as soon as they possibly can. If an issue comes up that they are not sure about, they methodically do the research until they have found what the solution is. I would further add that they are very reasonable regarding their charges!