Brian's Auto Repair, Inc

Reviews

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

  Russ Vannote
7 months ago
Consumers beware!!!!!Avoid this shop like the plague!!!!!!GO ELSEWHERE!!!!Owner keeps changing his reply so -These guys continue to prove my point. Go elsewhere. Egotistical owner and service consultant. They got caught lying and trying to rip people off so instead of doing the right thing, continue to attempt to discredit and bash people. You guys can keep lying, it won't change the truth. Maybe more customers that got screwed over by Brian and paul will start to come forward. Only local shops said go to Skips. Brian's is known for this.The 2000's trailblazers, rear upper control arms, were made with cheap and thin metal. They were known to crack and/or rust and/or break. The reason why upgraded control arms made of chromoly tubing got installed.Don't trust these guys at all. Very dishonest.Added after owner replied - point proven. They try to spend more time to discredit the consumer then being honest. They are liars, including the owner Brian. I see why Paul talked so bad about him now. Paul spoke to me for 80%+ of all the conversations because all they did was try to bully her into spending more money. She asked me to review the starting quote and then asked me to call after I was like this doesn't make sense on the cost. The vehicle is compromised? I will share the pictures of "compromised". Has alittle bit of surface Rust at best. More scare tactics attempt to a rip a woman off. Just more proof of their dishonesty. Will say anything to try and cover their tracks to hide the truth of the level of dishonesty this shop operates at. She even replaced her own headlights because she no longer trusted them to change the headlight bulb. They attempt to twist the truth at every turn. It's not that hard to be an honest shop, just tell the truth! I believe "stock" calipers, rotors and pads was around 680. The upgraded kit was like 500. The control arms were a known thing on trailblazer SS. Cheap metal hence the upgrades. They wanted to charge $155 for 1 control arm when 2 with their mark up of $60 was $210. They were at like $2400, after I question the bill the first time. The final bill was under $1800 with way better parts. Numbers and facts don't lie. Only this shop lies. GO ELSEWHERE!!!!For starters, they attempted to overcharge my girlfriend by $600 in labor. I worked in the auto service industry for 10+ years as a mechanic and as an assistant service manager. I am certified in 5 brands. There is a thing called overlapping labor. Which means in some repairs, other parts must be removed. If 1 of those other parts are being replaced, there is little to no increase in labor. Well they tried to charge 6.5 hours of labor for a 2.5 hour job that had overlapping labor. National standard using All data. They overcharge parts by the highest margin I have ever seen. $60 part and they charge $120+. It's all about Paul's commission. When I called to question the charges, Paul starts saying "I been doing this for 30 years". All I heard was I been ripping people off for 30 years. They also use the hooked and add on method on customers. They get you to accept a repair then the next day they find something else wrong, hoping you keep saying yes, then the next day again. It's a very dishonest practice to use. The worse is scare tactics to make people spend money by claiming major harm will come to them or family members based off the condition of your vehicle. Paul also goes on about how she got the deal of a lifetime on her repairs. Which is asburd because it ended up being the industry normal rate. Paul also is 2 faced. He sat on the phone with me for 10+ minutes bashing the owner. Calling the owner stupid and disclosing the owner's personal health issues to customers. Paul went on to bash other customers on the phone with me. He then bashed me when my girlfriend picked up her vehicle. Then started with comments of deal of a lifetime to her. After that, he said never bring your vehicle here ever again. Don't worry, plan was to find an honest shop who doesnt prey on woman. Sorry you didn't rip her off for $1000+.

  Edward Del Signore
a week ago
Brian fit me in on a very busy day with no appt. I needed front brakes and did the job. Greatly appreciated He is my go to guy to work on my car from now on.

  Elvis Torres
4 months ago
I stopped at Brian's Auto Repair today, the charging pipe on my diesel SUV had popped out and was running rough (lacking engine power). The existing clamp was not keeping the pipe connections secured. Travis from the front counter came out and replaced the clamp and did not charge me. My car is back to running normal. I will definitely be back to support this local business.Thank you Travis!

  Rosie Renfro
2 weeks ago
They have been working on my car along with my husbands cars for 4 years. Brian and his team always do a great job, I highly recommend them!

  sgt dug
a month ago
Thought I would give the place a try to fix the cooling fan on my 1994 vette . Walked in the wrong door in the garage and was ordered by a guy in the office to walk around the front. Sorry dude I have never been to your shop NOR WILL I EVER with that welcome guess I will visit a mechanic who wants my

  Michael Fingerle
4 months ago
A wonderful crew. They are honest and incredibly competent at their work. They solved a complicated problem with my Mini Cooper.

  Val Alsina
5 years ago
So today was a Monday for sure. My truck broke down while in Sarasota. I did a Google search for the nearest auto repair shop, as one does. And I found a shop by the name of Brian s auto repair.Brian and Paul and their crew repaired my truck in a timely manner replacing the water pump and serpentine belt at an extremely reasonable cost.I only wish that others would be as fortunate as myself to find this gold mine off of Clark Road and have their cars and trucks repaired here.All and all my Monday turned out to be a very productive day thanks to these gentlemen I am back on the road attending to business.

  Laura Shoemaker
3 weeks ago
Brian has been our go-to mechanic for 8 years. Honest, fair, and reliable.

  Beth Ryan
11 months ago
Save our town and country van from rodent infestation. Ate right thru the electrical and air conditioning pumps. And my window had to be fixed too. And a 2 year warranty..

  Nathan Cohen
9 months ago
I've been waiting to write this review as I didn't want to declare my vehicle "fixed" until a good amount of time has passed. 3 months ago my Ford Explorer was on it's last legs, I had taken it to the dealership and to a trusted friend mechanic and neither could fix it and it was getting worse! I took it to Brian's auto and they told me that it sounded like a priest would be more useful than a mechanic at this point. I know it's silly but this particular vehicle has a lot of sentimental value to me and I asked them to try anyways. They agreed to try and advised that it would take months to get the parts. They fixed it, stayed inside the amount they quoted and cut the time in half! Several months later my Explorer is still running like a brand new ride! It even gets better gas mileage now. This is the only place that will work on my cars forever!

  M.J. Viola
a year ago
Very transparent and honest people. Met with Paul and Brian at front counter and explained my issue. They did do a quick look at it and determined additional diagnostics were necessary. I dropped the truck off on Tuesday night and by noon Wednesday it was repaired. The tech met with me personally and explained what was wrong and how he repaired it. They did find some other issues that will be addressed soon. No pressure repair facility. It is very difficult to find an honest auto repair facility today, well...I just found one. These guys are not "parts changers", they don't guess and throw parts at a car hoping to find the problem.Thank you finding and repairing my issue at a reasonable price.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Barrison _
a year ago
Took my 1995 Z28 here several times over the years and always gave them the benefit of the doubt being how old the car is. These guys do not do first in first out repairs. I have paid about 3 times the value of the car to them and every time they have had it for at least a month. In the case of the first time I brought it years ago it was almost 3 months.The most recent time a few months ago, it was for a cracked fuel line. They did a really nice job with custom fuel lines and fittings like they said they would. Next I was told transmission needed a full rebuild. Agreed to that and waited patiently. Car was running great until today. Wouldn't crank. Checked the battery with a multimeter and it was only reading 7-8 volts. Bad battery? It happens. Tried to jumpstart it and while dong so I noticed that a 2.5 in bolt that holds the alternator to the accessory bracket was sitting there just hanging out of the hole. There is no way the thing backed itself out. It simply was never put in properly in the first place.Also, due all the time it spent sitting on their lot, the plastic pieces all over my dash, including a replacement new dash top became cracked and warped, completely ruined. I'm not looking for a show car here. I just want the thing to run properly.

  Richard Martin
a year ago
Brian and Paul tackled a most difficult task ...the upgrade of a non-functioning air conditioning system on my "vintage" 1975 Porsche 914 2 liter. After many months of painstaking labor the process was 100% successful. Along the way, other issues were addressed satisfactorily ...overheat issue ...tune up ...ignition repairs ...electrical repairs ...fixing past repairs done by others incorrectly ...trim installation issues ...WOW!!! ...Brian didn't miss one thing! ...was challenged by the whole project ...and the RESULTS are nothing short of FANTASTIC!! ...and with his 24,000/2 year warranty ...I can relax ...and simply enjoy my "new ride". So ...if you have a 914, need PROFESSIONAL QUALITY help ...are willing to give it the time it will take, and not be afraid to pay for it ...look no further! RickServices: Auto body & trim repair, Electrical repair, Auto battery replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Auto brake repair, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Auto A/C replacement, A/C installation & repair, Vehicle safety inspection, Auto body & trim replacement, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Autumn Kerr
5 years ago
I ve been taking my vehicles to Brian s Auto for the past several years. I greatly appreciate how they shoot straight with me about what s going on and explain in full detail, never talking down to me as a female like many other car places have done over the years. Their prices are competitive, they always do their best to make sure the work is done well and as quickly as they can. I wouldn t take my vehicles anywhere else. I m so glad I found these guys and can take my van someplace that I trust. Thanks Paul and Brian for always taking great care of me!!!

  Tim McAndrews
2 years ago
On Thursday we found the air conditioning in our van was not working. Paul got us in right away because we had to head back to Wisconsin on Saturday. By Friday morning had it fixed for under a hundred bucks! These guys helped us when we were in a huge bind and for a very reasonable price. Can't thank them enough! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!!!Services: Tires, Air conditioning

  Carly Rae
7 years ago
I have been going to Brian and his amazing crew of very nice, HONEST, and professional people for probably @ least 10 years, and I've never left there disappointed or unsatisfied. I would, (and do) recommend them to all of my friends and anyone I know that needs good quality work done on their vehicle. Most places will tell you that you need this, this, and , this, only to get your hard earned money. Well i can honestly say I've never felt like i was being taken advantage of, or being lied to, or mislead in ANY way, And that, to me personally, is a BIG thing! So 2 thumbs up for Brian and his wonderful crew!! Thanks for all you guys are, and all the hard work you do!!

  Jonathan Downer
2 years ago
I ve had a few repairs done on my 2003 BMW 325IC. Brian s may not look like much from the outside but I have found them to be honest, fairly priced and they stand behind their work.Say hello to Paul for me! (He knows his stuff)

  Jeremy Koch
3 years ago
Paul was great from first call to best news ever. After driving to FL from MI and thinking our bearings were shot, we called them based upon the reviews from google. They got us in immediately and called within 4 hours to tell me they had news. The news was that 4 of 5 lugnuts were finger tight on one wheel. Bill was zero. Could have charged me a diagnostic fee, but didn't. Character matters, and they showed it in spades. Wish I could give 6 stars!

  Liz Renee
a year ago
Worst alignments ever! Have taken my car there 3 times to get my suspension aligned and am not in my third set of tires thanks to their magnificent work. Definitely wouldn t recommend. Don t waste your moneyServices: Steering & suspension repair, Steering & suspension replacementServices: Steering & suspension repair, Steering & suspension replacement

  God Fearing Patriot
2 years ago
Repeat customer have an 07 dodge dakota 6 speed had problems since I got the thing but Brian's automotive has got it running flawlessly. Had a bad pilot bearing in the clutch bad crankshaft sensor and an oil leak. They were honest with me and fair priced. Thank you guys much appreciated this is where I go when I want something fixed right!Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance

  Wanderlust45
5 years ago
Took my car in for a left rear axle leak and was informed of many numerous other items that the car needed. I didn't ask for a full vehicle inspection just to have this one item repaired. They also claimed my tires will be bald by the time I reached my home which was approximately 1300 miles away. Not the case. I opted to have the repair made as well as a wheel bearing but 500 miles into my trip the seal started leaking. I called Brian and he provided me with the warranty information. This is useless as I called 15 different repair shops in several cities and no one would look at it or had the time. Very dissatisfied would not recommend.

  Scott Pattison
7 years ago
When my SUV had suspension air ride control issues, I went to multiple dealers and small-time shops around Sarasota. Everything that was "fixed" kept breaking in 3 months. After wasting tons of money and time, I found Brian and he knew my exact problem. Brian and his Master Mechanics fixed my issue and 2 years later I have no issues. I highly recommend Brian.You truly get what you pay for and if you want it done right, go to Brian.

  Arjun Kaul
3 years ago
Honest and reliable mechanics. Not easy to find nowadays. They worked on my 1975 Chevy Caprice and charged me $90 to get it up and running again, and gave it an extra little bit of TLC that was much needed. I appreciate these guys and will certainly be back when I am in need.

  John Fabian
4 years ago
Very grateful to know Brian and his team. I ve got a very expensive Cadillac Escalade Platinum, ESV that had this funny hard shift. I ve been to the dealership 5 times about it and they ve misdiagnosed it every time. They ve changed the valve body, changed the fluid, reprogrammed the transmission - most likely because they have to follow a bs protocol through GM. Guess what - Brian and his team are more honest and better mechanics than any dealership - and they are straight up about what the problem is. They told me I needed a new transmission. Period. So I do what we all do and roll my eyes. Paul, the service writer, told me to relax and let him get to work on this. He had my warranty company pick up $5K of repairs, fought to get an OEM Transmission direct from Chevrolet with a 3year/100K mile factory warranty, kept in contact with me throughout the whole process and had it completed less than 1 week (including waiting 48hrs for the warranty inspector to arrive and authorize repairs). This team is all rockstars.

  Ralph Russell
8 years ago
Brian's auto repair ranks number one to our family. I have a 2006 Subaru Impreza with 108k miles. Last year my air conditioner unit went out in my car and my friends at work suggested Brian's Auto Repair to me. That first visit to Brian's Auto Repair and meeting Brian saved my car beyond belief. I had a variety of issues needing immediate attention. Todd, the mechanic who worked on my car performed an exceptional job on my car. Todd gave my car a second chance to keep running for at least another 100k miles. I just recently had more work finished by Todd and once again I can not express the gratitude that I have for doing such an incredible job on my car. The staff at Brian's Auto has also placed a special place in our family to include Brian, Todd, Paul, Tim, and Sally. If you ever needed to find an honest, expert, caring, auto repair company, this is the only one in the Sarasota or Florida, see Brian's Auto Repair. Thank you Brian Bruce for taking care of all our family and friends auto needs.

  Sammy Porter
4 years ago
My air conditioner quit, my BLACK Kia, connot drive a black car in Fl without ac. Called this place, because I found a coupon for a free inspection with estimate, estimate was $248.00 give or take few bucks. Less than an hour my ac was fixed and only cost $212.84, because he got the part needed for $35. Less than quoted and passed SAVINGS on to me, plus they don't round up labor like a lot of other mechanics do. Definitely recommend, and I will use again. Sam

  Luanna Wilhite
4 years ago
We have been using Brian's Auto for many years now. I found Brian's Auto for my moms car maintenance and repairs from local referrals. Brian's auto is now our third generation car repair and maintenance go to. I have them doing my nieces car pre-purchase inspections and once we purchase a car we will go nowhere else with the maintenance and car repairs. They are a honest and upfront Auto repair which is few and far between now a days.

  dexter heromin
9 years ago
Brian diagnosed and fixed my car within 24hrs. I brought it to 3 other shops around sarasota with varying quotes from I need my catalytic converter replaced to saying I needed a new transmission ranging in price from $2000-3500. Brian's Auto figured out that my car's transmission relay box needed to be replaced and that my converter and transmission were perfectly fine. So with a $30 part he fixed my car. I never write google reviews but Brians Auto repair was worth me figuring out how so that others know not to go anywhere but here. Same yourself money, time and energy. He is a great guy that knows the mechanics of a car. Thank you!

  Linda Mcmahon
4 years ago
I stopped in early to see if they could fix my brake light that was out as I had an early appointment. They replaced the brake light bulb. They were very pleasant and professional. I was on the road in 20 minutes, in time for my appointment.

  Forrest Gore
11 years ago
I am very disappointed with my experience with Brian and his mechanics. While Brian seems like a nice guy on the surface, I do not think he takes the time to actually diagnose your car... would rather quickly switch out parts. However, his ego will let you know "that's why I am a good mechanic."I brought in my car because of a clunking sound while turn sharp corners. Brian said that it could be my Axle CV Joints or my Viscous Coupler (AWD). He gave me a 95% assurance that it was the CV Joints, so I had him replace them ($380) and it turned out it is/was NOT my Axle CV Joints. So last minute Brian decided to add some Viscosity Changing Oil to my transmission in order to help with the clunking. However, he failed to know/research that my transmission and Viscous Coupler do not share the same fluid. Which I came to find out later as the clunking continues. Turns out the Viscous Coupler is a sealed unit and you cannot add anything to it. He should have known that, or he should have been able to research it.I read a good review of his shop online and that is why I went there and trusted him, but after him replacing things that did not need to be replaced, adding a cheap "fix it oil" to the wrong part of my engine/transmission, I feel suckered and sad.I recommend you steer clear of his shop. He is a cheap parts replacer, and I say this simply because the Axles and CV Joints he put in are already (6,000mi later) showing signs of extreme wear and tear from basic freeway/town driving.