A1 Auto & Toy Repair

Reviews

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

  Jeremy Rinehart
4 weeks ago
It is so rare to have an awesome experience anymore, I had to leave a review.It's tax return time, all 3 of my usual mechanics were booked out until April. A1 got me in the same day I called, and out the following day.They are open later than any shop in town, and are also open all weekend!Excellent communication, and efficiency. My new go to shop in BR. Give these guys a shot, you won't be disappointed.

  Fawn Julsaint
2 months ago
Paul & Anna were so helpful! My check engine light came on during a road trip to visit family. Being the only open mechanic on a Saturday I stopped by to see if they could fix the problem. Not only did they do that but they educated me on the issue and potential maintenance coming up, gave me estimates for those to come back on my next trip, and they went out of their way to drive to GR and pick up needed parts for my car to get it done faster as well as offering me a discount for being out of town. They had my car back up and running in 24 hours. Paul is one of the most informative and honest mechanics I ve ever met and I ll definitely be driving from Chicago to get work done here again as needed. Thanks again to both of you for saving the weekend!

  Megan Hanson
5 months ago
I have nothing but positive things to say about A1. It s a Sunday morning at 10:30 and I come out from the store, get back in my car and it won t start. I m an hour away from my dad, a mechanic, who has fixed every vehicle I ve ever owned. A colleague of mine recommended A1, as they re not only the best in town but they re additionally open on Sunday. Anna was quick to answer and assured me they could look at my car if I could get it there. I had it towed there later that same afternoon. First and foremost, the fact they could look at it the same day was beyond my expectations, but then Anna graciously offered me a ride home while they fixed my vehicle. Fortunately I had been picked up from where my car broke down earlier but the offer itself spoke volumes about this family, this business and how much they value their customers. They had my car completely fixed by 7:00 the same day. Upon picking up my car, Paul informed me of another issue that I should tell my dad to fix, as it wasn t critical today (but he did offer to fix it if I wanted him to). When I told my dad what I was charged, he was so impressed and said it was identical to what he would charge for these services at his shop. Coming from a mechanic s daughter and the mechanic himself, A1 REALLY is A1 and you should use them for ALL of your vehicle needs! Thank you for saving the day, Paul and Anna!

  Rebecca Krebiehl
a month ago
Was traveling from Grand Rapids, stopped at Meijer came out to a dead truck. I called A1 they said they would look at it same day. I was towed in, couple hours later I m back on the road with a new starter. They were truly life savers today.

  Christina Litten
5 months ago
Unfortunately, I would never take any vehicle here until they replace their staff in the office. She's extremely unprofessional and organized and unable to complete jobs at task. I truly hope whoever owns this business can get this message across that they truly need somebody else. It's unfortunate because the mechanic is an amazing mechanic and he definitely deserves better staff.Also would love to add after I posted this more excuses and trying to explain why the office staff is so unprofessional. Please stay away from this shop. They truly need help.

  Ken L
a year ago
Amazing place to know more about your car. Paul willingly honestly share with customers whatever problem he finds out in your car, and what need to be serviced to keep the car running strong and safe. The shop is basically open 24/7. It s like emergency room for vehicles.Services: Transmission, Auto body & trim repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Auto battery replacement, Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Auto A/C replacement, Auto exhaust system replacement, Brakes, Air conditioning, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil changeServices: Transmission, Auto body & trim repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Auto battery replacement, Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Auto A/C replacement, Auto exhaust system replacement, Brakes, Air conditioning, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change

  Tristan Rosas
6 months ago
As someone who is not mechanically savvy, A1 Auto was perhaps the best option for me to solve the issues with my car. The team I spoke to were all very nice, honest, and upfront about costs, what they expected the issue was, and how long it should take. I'm skeptical of many, many mechanics, but I had no concerns with these people.The staff is very family oriented, very much the 'what you see is what you get', which I really appreciated. I knew I could trust these people, and that they had the technical know-how to get the job done.I'd absolutely recommend this team. They're reliable, kind, and honest, which is refreshing compared to most mechanic experiences I've had.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair

  Melody Blanchette
7 months ago
We broke down halfway to our northern destination after 5pm.This place was open and answered their phone, so we had it towed there.Not only were they very personable and genuine upon first impression, but they immediately offered us (and our pup) a ride to our last-minute hotel for the night, at 9pm!They got us back on the road the next day, for a very reasonable price, again offering and helping us with a ride. Paul was so helpful in explaining everything in ways I could understand and was extremely honest with us.This was my best experience with a broken down car at a shop I've ever had.I highly recommend this place of business!

  Leanna Stanek
6 months ago
I m deeply disappointed with my recent experience at A1 Auto and Toy Repair. I was in need of a shop or mechanic that could replace a head gasket and timing chain for a 2016 Buick Regal 2.0 turbo. Furthermore, I was in search of a reliable, cost-effective vehicle to get to work, hoping to move away from my current rental situation.However, my experience with Paul at this shop was far from satisfactory. Effective communication is the backbone of any service industry, but I felt that it was severely lacking here. While everyone can have a bad day, a business owner hanging up on a client and uttering phrases like You are only one person and I don t care if you don t recommend me, speaks volumes about their professionalism and approach to customer service.To potential clients considering this shop: think twice. Although Paul claimed not to care about one person s recommendation, every voice matters. I m one person, but my network is vast.For these reasons, I cannot, in good faith, recommend A1 Auto and Toy Repair to anyone.

  Travis Slooter
2 years ago
Paul did a great job fixing up my 90s Arctic cat. She had a tough time starting cold. Would basically need rotator cuff surgery trying to get her started every time. Took it to Paul who got me in immediately and he had it fixed for a good deal in no time. He knows his stuff! Great to work with. Will be bringing other projects to him in the future. Would recommend.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Samantha Holliday
6 months ago
I had just recently brought my Jeep to A1 Auto, they got me in and out the SAME day!!!!!!!! I was leaking coolant, and my vehicle was overheating. I had MULTIPLE things wrong/bad with my ride!!!! They don't charge an arm and leg!!!! Very, very affordable!!!!!! And extremely reliable, trustworthy, and HONEST, which is EXTREMELY hard to find being female!!!!!!!! It's a family run business, they even fixed things (like my AC) that I never even asked about!! I brought my Jeep to a mechanic to fix my A.C., and my heat, he broke/ruined it, to where hot HOT air was constantly blowing on my leg, I have a HUGE burn on my leg from this!!!!! I never even said ANYTHING about this, A1 auto FIXED IT, without me even asking!!!!!!!!!!! Didn't even charge me!!!!!!!;!!!!!!!!! He even warned me about FUTURE problems I might possibly have, about my radiator wasn't working right, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this mechanic/ family run business!!!!!!!!! I saved the number in my phone, and I will bring my vehicle there just to get oil changes!!!!! I don't trust people either!!!!!!! FYI.... But, I do trust this business!!!!!! I can't speak good enough about these people!!!!!! Just down home, good normal people!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Yu have ANY car problems, go HERE, you will NOT regret it!!!!!Service: Auto water leak repair

  Elena Lopez
10 months ago
They saved our road trip!!They were so genuine and kind even though they didn t know us. We were on a road trip hauling our camper to traverse city when our truck broke down. We thought we were stranded and alone, but Paul was kind enough for us to park our camper overnight while they did their best to find out what was wrong with our truck. They were very reassuring and made us feel like friends. Their dog Diamond was also very friendly and welcoming! Paul and his crew were able to find out what was wrong and fix our truck. Our trip was saved and we were able to get back on the road and head to our destination! We are so thankful!

  Chris Jennings
11 months ago
After a very stressful week of unexpected travel due to my father getting in a minor accident in Georgia, I was finally driving home when my old truck broke down on the highway an hour from home and five miles from Big Rapids. I called A1 based on their online reviews and had my truck towed to them. It had apparently developed an oil leak, because I had driven only two hours since checking all fluid levels, and my oil had been at the full line and looked brand new then. My truck needed a new motor. I desperately wanted to keep it on the road a while longer because I am only the second owner, it is a well-maintained Texas truck, and I have every service record from the day it was new (including oil changes). I'm on a fixed income and wasn't sure putting money into a rebuilt motor was justifiable, so I was weighing my options when the mechanic called. He had a motor in a totaled truck in his driveway, and he was able to determine it was compatible with my truck. He offered me a good price on it so I approved the work. The motor wasn't as easily compatible as the mechanic had been led to believe, so there were several complications along the way that caused a delay in the completion of the motor installation. I was expecting the labor cost to skyrocket. However, when I picked up the truck, the mechanic explained the complications very well, and Anna in the office wrote it all up in an email so I can share the info with my usual mechanic. I was very pleasantly surprised that the total cost came in $200 below the estimate, and my truck is running more smoothly than before (despite the newly-installed motor having 35,000 more miles on it than the original). I highly recommend A1 Auto!Service: Engine repair

  Paige Mahrenholz
8 months ago
My car overheated on a road trip from Chicago. I was by myself and unfamiliar with the area so was a bit stressed. Ann was so kind to me and I loved hanging out with Diamond! Honest and friendly people and Paul was very knowledgeable and transparent about everything. Price point was super fair and they do great work here. They made a rough situation so much better. Thanks A1!

  Lena Bannon
8 months ago
Paul and his family are the best in town. Paul welcomed us on a Sunday afternoon after breaking down on the highway, with no knowledge of where we were at all. Due to no response from AAA, Paul happily recommended a towing company that got us to his shop nice and easy. Upon arriving at the shop, my sisters and I were greeted by two beautiful dogs, who were very friendly. Shout out to Corolla and diamond (pictures added!) Paul and his crew were able to fix my car in less than 24 hours and get us back on the road for our big summer road trip!! I could not say better things about A1 auto repair and I highly recommend anyone in the area to contact Paul and his team for any issues. The entire staff treated us with the upmost respect and a priority. They even went so far as, picking us up from our hotel, as we are from out of town and we re unable to get a cab( no Uber or Lyft in town). Thanks again Paul, keeping killing it!!!!

  Pam Tremble
a year ago
A1 came to my rescue on a Saturday afternoon when everyone else in a 60 mile radius was closed. Not only did they fit me in while I was stranded in an unfamiliar town, but they fixed me broken serpentine belt and got me back on the road in record time! Highly recommend this shop. Thank you for saving my day!

  Witchmercycurvs
9 months ago
Paul and Logan stayed 5 hours after closing to get my car running well enough to limp home. I showed up overheating and barely made it from hersey they were able to flush my radiator replace my water pump and get me to stop overheating. I would 100% reccomend them for fair honest work and pricing.They have a lifetime customer now. they even talked to me to make me feel less sad about my situation call a1 for all your auto and toy repair services

  Katie Verwys
9 months ago
My check engine light came on and my car wouldn t accelerate on my way up north from Grand Rapids and I stopped at A1 to see if they could help. It was 7pm when I arrived but they were still willing to take a look and stayed open past 8pm to get me back on the road. Fair pricing and great service! I am so thankful I was close by to your shop.

  Judy Fox
3 months ago
I just wanna give a huge shoutout to the guys at A1. The guy in the chevy s10 is a A+ gave me a tow around the block when my fuel pump when out! 10/10 recommend!

  Jared May
a year ago
We had issues pretty far away from home on a fishing trip a little further north over the weekend, couldn t find anywhere locally to help us- it was a brake line so there was nothing else we could do but get it into a shop- the owner took my call and listened to the issue. They knew their stuff, what they were doing, and did a fabulous job in a reasonable amount of time considering the circumstance- they expedited our vehicle because they knew we were out of town, and on a mini vacation for that matter. I would highly recommend them, they were very professional, kind, and because their prices were very reasonable- considering brake lines, or any brake work in general, if you were to take our situation to Midas they would have gouged you and charged a bunch of extra stuff (which they always do). That s why they have great reviews, PLUS when you are in the area, show some love to a local business instead of a chain, that s how to keep an local economy thriving. Thanks again A1!!!

  C War
10 months ago
EDIT:I have used A1 twice since March (my first visit below) and I will continue to use them!He is honest and talks you through what needs to be done, what could be done and what doesn t need to be done, unless you want to do it. The honesty and being open 7 days a week is what makes me keep coming back!Review 1:They were great! They were cheaper than a company at the other end of town, which is why I chose them for the price, originally, but defiantly appreciative of their time and glad I chose them, because I will use them again!We were beginning our road trip and needed to get in for a surprise wheel bearing replacement, immediately, and they were able to get us in when we arrived in the morning quick and honest!Great people and even offered a discount!Services: Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Oil change

  Amy Greene
9 months ago
What an incredible experience. A1 Auto did everything they could to help us with an incredibly stressful situation! My son goes to Ferris and found that his car wouldn't start on Friday night. He was scheduled to work on Saturday and Sunday and was supposed to come home for a visit on Monday for the 4th of July. After talking with him, we deduced that it was probably his battery, so we drove up to replace the battery while he was at work. When the car still wouldn't start with a new battery, we asked Auto Zone what our options were. They recommended A1. Thinking there was no way they would be open on a holiday weekend (Saturday at 4pm), we drove down to see their hours. They were OPEN and after explaining what was happening, they said it was likely the starter and if we could get the car there within the hour they could have it fixed by the next morning! (WHAT?!?!) Sure enough, we dropped the car off and our son walked down to get it the next morning. When he got to work, he noticed his battery light came on, so he called A1 and they offered to come to his work during his lunch break to check it out. Turns out we were in such a hurry to get the battery installed that it didn't have a good connection on one side. A1 tightened it down for him and he was able to come home for the holiday!! I can't say enough positive things about Anna and Paul, they truly went above and beyond in every way! It's such a relief that our son now has a reliable and trustworthy place to take his car if he needs it.

  Austin G Woodbury
a month ago
Paul is such a nice guy with good people working for him definitely give them a call if you need any work done

  jonathan eppley
7 months ago
Can I do less than one star? I give this place zero stars.Will NEVER go here again. I recommend you do the same.Absolute garbage service, and I don't feel they repaired my car correctly.Six people in the building, only one person working. No sense of urgency. Gross. Dirty. Unorganized.I don't like to give bad reviews, but there is nothing positive or nice to say about this place.

  Josh Fay
9 months ago
I was visiting Big Rapids from Colorado and noticed a grinding noise coming from my wheel. I needed to travel back in a few days and A1 did a great job accommodating me. It turned out to be my front brakes. They replaced the left caliper, pads and rotors all in the same day and got me back on the road. Prices were fair and communication was great. Highly recommend.Service: Brakes

  Hannah Schneider
10 months ago
After being slightly overcharged somewhere else, I decided to poll the community for a good repair shop with a small town feel, as that s what I m used to. There were only a few people who said A1 since they are a newer shop, but I decided to look at their reviews and knew I had to try them. I m so glad I did!! They figured out what was wrong with the car very quickly and thoroughly broke down the estimate for me, telling me it would be $200 cheaper if they were able to save the tank straps (I m sure they were super rusty), but just wanted me to be aware of potential costs. Wouldn t you know, they were able to take the care and save the straps, saving me $200 and two weeks of no car (the parts were two weeks out)!! They are very kind and caring, and they are honest. Crazy cheap rate for being open 12 hours, 7 days/week. I will definitely be coming here again in the future.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Crystal Phillips
a year ago
I came in late at night with a fuel line leak. They were able to get me in right away when another shop quoted me 4 weeks out and wanted to do a much bigger and costly project than I was ready to take on at that time. This shop is quick and the service was excellent. Being a woman I am used to being talked down to regarding my vehicle, but not this shop. I will definitely be a returning customer for any and all major repairs. Very friendly, family feel to the shop. Got me in Thursday night and I got my car back Friday night in time for work Saturday. Fair prices and he explains what is going to happen and what could happen. He doesn't leave you in the dark at all and they call if any other issues happen in the shop and let you know immediately. Due to extra work needed my final coat was more than the estimate but not an outrageous price. Very good people and a very good shop.

  Keith Warddell
a year ago
Needed a shop quick to change my wheel-bearing Called a local repair shop and they wanted close to $500. Thought we should try other shops around. A1 was our next call. Thankful we called them Quick service and way more reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and honest. The type of people helping you for helping them. Definitely recommend.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Rick Zuehlke
a year ago
I can't be more grateful and happy to have found Paul and A-1 Auto Service. He answered his phone on a Sunday afternoon. Diagnosed our issues and repaired them all like a Pro. I could not have been more pleased with their responsiveness, their professionalism and the work they did. Their prices are great. I will recommend Paul and A-1 to all of our neighbors and friends.Service: Auto brake replacement

  Kris Berg
a month ago
Paul very fair, extremely knowledgeable, woman are treated fair no taking advantage of them