Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Megan Fox
3 months ago
Taking your car in for a fix is not something we ever want to deal with but Karen and the Gator crew were amazing! Everything from the price to the turnaround was exactly as stated and I cannot say enough good things about this place. Especially just before Christmas, this place exceeded and I'm very thankful!
Charley McColpin
5 months ago
I had a problem that could be fixed by putting in a new acceleration pedal. They had it for almost a week. The first time they called me she said they need to keep it longer so that they could look at something else. I was fine with that because then she called me back the next day and said that the part they put in was faulty and so she had to order a new one. Once they got the new part and I finally got my car back it started having the exact same issues and I wasn't even to the stoplight by Culver's yet. By that time it was already near closing time so I called so that I could leave a voicemail I left a voicemail the Tuesday after Labor Day and I've never gotten a call back. So I called again and it rang and rang and went to voicemail. I was going to give them a good review but they didn't even try to attempt to fix the issue that they didn't fix but charged me because they supposedly fixed it. I went to SIU School of automotive and had a student there fix it for $145 of that $85 was the cost of the part. The guy told me that the part gator automotive put in was burnt. As soon as he put the new part in my car started working perfectly fine again. If they had just taken the time to actually run tests on it and get a good part brand new that I wouldn't have had these issues.
Paul and Cathy Bennett
6 months ago
Took my Porsche to Gator for the first time because on a check engine light. They did the diagnostics and there were two possible issues, both expensive to fix. Found corrosion on some sensor connectors, cleaned and cleared codes. No further problems now a month later. I'm sure the dealership would have "corrected ' both items to the tune of $2000. Gator charged me $388, also changed the oil and kept the car inside until the work was done.
daneshia hawkins
6 months ago
I'd be careful. At first they seemed very helpful but I can't say that it the case. This place will rig your car. I'm not sure how but, they fix one problem and create another!!! I left my car there for 2 weeks, paid 4 hundred plus and it cut off the day I got it back. Also before I took it in my lights were working and they are now both off
Victor Jackson
5 months ago
Absolutely worst automotive experience I ever had. From the initial diagnostic til the finished job, wrong priced, nothing fixed also. They also declined to overlook their own work. Complete catfish establishment. I suggest this place be avoided at ALL cost.
Savannah V
9 months ago
The only mechanic I will use in Southern IL. Very fairly priced, fast work and very thorough diagnostic work. Karen was very thorough when explaining everything to me and was incredibly nice. I had a few different issues with my car and they had everything fixed in a very timely manor!Services: Auto battery replacement, Auto A/C recharge, Auto engine diagnostic, Air conditioningServices: Auto battery replacement, Auto A/C recharge, Auto engine diagnostic, Air conditioning
Yi-Chen Lee
6 months ago
I've been going to Gator Automotive for nine years, really great service at a reasonable price. Karen is knowledgeable about cars and would give you the best recommendation.
Allison Joseph
5 months ago
Karen has been my mechanic for years. She really cares about her customers, does complete and careful work, and does not overcharge.
Daigo Ito
a month ago
Slow Communication, takes a ridiculously long time to finish their work. After I took the vehicle to repair, 20 other problems arose.
J. J.
a year ago
We've been going to Gators for years. Karen is the absolute best. Was quoted $1400 bucks to fix my brakes from M-das. Gators did it for $300. They don't add unnecessary services to run up the bill. I would tow my cars from ANYWHERE to have it fixed here.
Johhny Sam
11 months ago
I positively spent thousands and still get treated like they just want my money but maybe it s just me. They ve had my car 5x in the last year & i just keep going back, I don t know if they think im rich or something, but I think they treat certain people differently. They try to finesse a little bit honestly. But, I mean they fix the problem , well atleast for the moment . A question for you guys, what s the cheapest paint job I could get from there ? And should I keep taking my car back or find someone else it seems like I m getting ripped off but i like the company actually it just gives me mixed vibes.Services: Transmission, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Transmission replacement, Wheel alignment, Transmission repair, Brakes, Air conditioning, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Anjan Parajuli
a year ago
I saw good reviews of this automotive nearby me and recently visited for repairing my driver's side inner handle. Before fixing it, i was told it will take less than 100 dollars. But later they took more than 150 and with a product others from original and a cheap used one. They even took many days telling me that they will fix it in two days. Please, do not go to this automotive. They don't care for the customers and are high much expensive.
Aaron Jones
7 months ago
AWESOME FAMILY OWNED. Always helps the community and customers. Most recent free tires for a family having a difficult time. AWESOME Gator Automotive
S J
3 years ago
Called Gator as Karen came highly recommended by many community members. Perhaps I caught her in a tough time, but she had my car for a total of 6 weeks during the fall semester. She was very kind and communicative by phone and seemed very helpful. However, the first time my car was in the shop for an assessment for two weeks, then I had to return again a week later, because another problem popped up. At that point, my car stayed in the shop for 4 weeks. There was a third issue, but I ultimately decided she was not the fit for me. In total, I was charged nearly $1000. I made my way to another mechanic and they ran a full diagnostic test and had my car up and running in one day for a little more than $400. I was also informed that my coolant cap was incorrect, which was placed there by Gator. I guess locals have the best luck here, but if you re a student, checkout Today s Technology Auto Repair behind the mall - more affordable and taught me so much necessary info for my car! I really hate to leave a bad review, because this place is clearly dear to the community... unfortunately, I did not have that same experience.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair
Sue Carey
a year ago
My daughter is a college student there, and we have taken her car to Gator for repairs twice. This last time she had to come home for an appointment, and Karen had one of her guys stay late to get her car finished up so she could get home on time! Very professional and nice, explains what is wrong, and what the repairs will be. I would highly recommend them!
Emili Lane
a year ago
I had the most amazing experience with Gator Automotive. There were so many things wrong with my car when it finally broke down and needed a tow. I didn't even have an appointment with Gator but they fit me in and took great care of me. A different auto shop had tried to tell me that I needed to pay them $1600 to replace my control arm. Thankfully, Gator assessed the problem and was able to find the problem (one loose bolt) and fix it for $150; that's less than 10% of what The Auto Shop wanted to charge me to fix the same issue. Gator Automotive has great customer service and integrity. I will be going to them with any future car problems.Services: Exhaust, General repairs & maintenance, Auto tire replacement, Oil change
Rebecca Goetz
a year ago
Gator helped me so much when my car suddenly quit. They towed it in, got the parts, and I got my car back in great shape 4 days later, and at a very decent price! They were the only shop I called that was willing to tow and get to diagnostics as soon as possible. The other shop I called had a two-week back log!
Stanley
10 months ago
Google asks did I use this business and I didn't and couldn't, even though I left my vehicle there to get serviced. They had it over a month and didn't work on it despite thr fact they called and left me a message to say they were about done with it. Went to the garage a couple days later after not hearing anythinh and it was sitting there untouched.
Tim Spurchise
3 years ago
I've taken my truck here for the last three years. They do fantastic work and have the fairest prices compared to anyone else around. I've lived in four cities in the last several years and by far Gator has been the best mechanic I've been to. The owner Karen is always friendly and honest.
Sharon M
8 months ago
Karen always takes care of my car and is very kind. They do good work at a reasonable price.Services: Wheel alignment, Oil changeServices: Wheel alignment, Oil change
L McBride
3 years ago
Karen who is the owner is nice and will work with u but I was slightly disappointed because they had my BMW for almost a month before I paid. She allowed me to do a payment plan but I paid it off faster than expected and when I was done paying they had my car for another 3 weeks. When they were done, I still had to take it back after a week because it kept cutting off after I started it and wouldn't stay started. Come to find out it was some hose they fixed "free of charge" but I believe it was something they didn't do in the 1st place which is why she didn't charge me. Overall I'm satisfied but it took too much to get me satisfied.
Katie Barton
a year ago
After getting an unreasonably high quote from another shop, I was recommended to take my car to Gator. Service was quick and quality at a good price. Would absolutely take my car here again
Pinisetti Santosh
2 weeks ago
Takes take to do the work, but quality of work is really good
Theresa Davis
11 months ago
I am disappointed in this place because I phoned them and left a voice message. They did not phone back. I think if you have a place of business I think they should answer their phone or phone back if they leave a voice message for people to leave them a message. I haven't took my car yet to be fixed there or I might go somewhere else. They might be good business but not responding on their calls.
Alex Hanrahan
7 months ago
Would rate lower if I could. Took a long time to get the belts replaced and they charged me $70 for a "general check" without even asking me. People I have worked with also stated they are slow and questioned the quality/trustworthiness of their work...
Vicki Short
4 months ago
They have taken care of my mom's 2000 van with excellent service at a reasonable price.
MIKHAIL ZOLOTYKH
5 years ago
Karen and her team are the best in the area. It's very simple - they provide high-quality services, excellent expertise, and most importantly - you can trust them one hundred percent when they talk to you about your car. We've been coming to Gator for many years. Highly recommend.
Alex Colombo
8 months ago
I ve had my car in there twice now. By far the best experience I ve had with a mechanic in Carbondale. Thanks Karen and staff!
Vamsi Manne
7 years ago
Highly recommend Gator Auto. Love taking my vehicle here! Karen runs an extremely professional and honest business. The first time I took my car in for an oil change and asked for a fuel injection service (which was recommended by a different vendor), Karen recommended otherwise based on her assessment, when she could have done it and made extra money. Another time, I had to get my wheel replaced and she gave me an estimate of cost, but I declined the recommended alignment service and she was happy to accommodate.
ariel lanier
a year ago
Best place to go in carbondale. Was quoted by 2 other places $1,200 and $1,700 for my a.c. unit to be replaced but gator auto priced it at $600-$650. Only paid $687 with a added oil change and tax. I can't understand the price difference nor could the workers at gator. Very pleased to have found them and will only be taking my car to them from now on.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Air conditioning, Oil change