Spaanstra Bros Automotive

Reviews

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

  Bruce Towne
a month ago
The wonderful people of Spaanstra's repair shop are a diamond of a rough. These people, Randy, Thomas and the gang are integrity to the enth degree. Trustworthy, dependable and kind! If you get a chance you have to give these wonderful people a chance to help you get your vehicle back on the road I highly recommend them.

  Audrey Jordan
10 months ago
So my partner and I have both come to this shop in earlier in the year. Both of us had cars that weren't worth repairing and we were given honest advice. Fair warning you'll be charged for the pop the hood in the parking lot check- and if you're used to mechanics that won't charge you for that it might be a shock.That's not the issue though, the rating comes from differences in how I was treated (as someone who probably didn't seem like they knew much about cars) and how my partner (a person who clearly knows about cars) was treated.The mechanic offered to call a scrap yard for me, and when I asked if I'd get any scrap value from that (I expected a 20-40% convenience fee of the remaining value after the bill was settled or something)I was told that since I owed them ($40-for the parking lot inspection) I would not. When I said I was aware of how much more than $40 a scrapped car usually went for so I would prefer to call myself, I was quickly and tersely sent on my way with no information and a "please get it towed before the snowstorm tonight".It felt like they were implying that I would get around $40 in scrap, that they were hoping I didn't know that there was probably about $150-200 of scrap value after the debt was settled and they could pocket the difference.Then I learned that my partner was given the name of a reputable business and number to call, and did not get this "offer".It felt like they saw me as a target and were mad I knew what the better option was, were done being helpful, and a sudden shift in tone that made me feel like the mechanic thought it served me right to leave me googling reputable scrap yards with a tight deadline.So yeah, given the difference, I kinda don't feel like I can trust this shop. Maybe we had different mechanics, but I still feel like someone tried to take advantage of me.I know I won't be full on scammed and they're a good option if close is the biggest priority, but what happened feels close enough to dishonesty for me to consider this shop a last resort.Oh and the scrap value was $250, for the record.

  Courtney Upchurch
7 months ago
I should note that this happened multiple years ago, but I still get frustrated when I drive past the shop and remember what happened. I finally felt compelled to write a review after a great experience elsewhere.I had taken my car here and paid a lot of money for engine work, then my car ended up dying on the s-curve very shortly thereafter. I had it towed to them, only to be told the belt broke and ruined the engine. It seemed really weird, and when I asked questions like how all that engine work was done and the poor condition of my belt wasn t noticed, they became highly defensive.I decided to have the car towed home until I could figure out what to do. (I ended up having it scraped). I hired a professional tow truck to pick my car up. They were going to arrive after-hours, and I coordinated with the shop to have the car unlocked. Thankfully I showed up before the tow as the car wasn t unlocked - I d have hated to pay the tow company for that. Though frustrating, I understand mistakes happen, so I called the shop the next day and explained what happened.Arrangements were again made to have the car unlocked. But AGAIN I showed up early and the car was locked! I could see there was a light on inside of the shop, so I pounded on the doors and windows like an insane person until someone finally answered. I didn t get so much as an apology, and was treated like an inconvenience they had to deal with.I gave two stars as I had previous work done before all of this, and didn t have any problems. I now take my car into the dealership for work - even though it s more expensive, it s worth it to not have to buy a new car.

  Isaac Hernandez
5 days ago
Great service at fair and competitive prices. Kind and reasonable.

  Sam H
11 months ago
Stopped in when my battery died and asked for a battery replacement, they did NOT replace it, instead they gave it a little charge and sent me on my way for $400. Definitely don t go here if you want to be cheated and profiled. I should ve started running as soon as I saw all the Christianity George bush ronald Reagan 9/11 conspiracy literature they have up front. Leftists and alt folk in need of a cheap repair, just spend the extra money somewhere they actually know how to do their jobs. Would give less than 1 star if I could.Service: Auto battery replacement

  Cody Banody
a year ago
So far. A dependable mechanic. I have visited for 2 oil changes now, and so far my only complaint is write in my next oil change to be due in 3000 miles. Every other mechanic so far has informed me I need to get full synthetic oil changed after every 6000 miles. Whether it's an honest attempt to make sure I keep my car maintained or a chance to swindle has yet to be decided. I'm bringing my car in for my first predicted major repair this week, so I will update after.

  Jordan Lopez
3 years ago
It is always difficult to find a quality, trustworthy mechanic. Spaanstra Bros not only gave me a decent price, they thoroughly explained what was wrong and how it needed to be fixed. Every part and labor price was clearly explained. My truck is now running like a charm. I got my truck in at 9 am, and they finished it within 5 hours. Outstanding!

  Abigail Harwood
2 years ago
I can t say enough good things about Spaanstra s!! Twice within the past year they have been able to accommodate me on the same day I call. They are honest and give a fair price which is really great when you are not super familiar with car repair costs. I will continue to use them in the future! Thanks guys!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  James Leinen
a year ago
My daughter used this company to run a diagnostic on her car. This placed charged her $85 for the diagnostic. In my experience most places will do this for free. In fact you can pretty much take your car to any auto parts store and they will hookup to their diagnostic machines for free. I do not recommend this company.Service: Auto engine diagnosticService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Alexander Hyde
5 years ago
I've brought my vehicles to Spaanstra for routine maintenance and more involved repairs, and have had a great experience each visit. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and do a great job at explaining things and answering questions. Honest people doing honest work. Spaanstra will be my go-to auto shop as long as I live in the Grand Rapids area.

  Lucas Wepman
a year ago
I tried to diagnose it myself and thought the repair was going to be major. A disreputable place might have confirmed my fear and ripped me off. But they were honest and made a easy and inexpensive fix. I am so relieved. Bad clunking has been completely fixed. Thanks for your trustworthy work!Service: Steering & suspension repairService: Steering & suspension repair

  Braden Vanderweele
5 years ago
Awesome place! Very honest and trustworthy, excellent communication and fair pricing. Have an older Subaru, had it inspected by the dealer and they told me $12K (YES $12K, on a 97 Subaru) in repairs. Randy assessed the car and determined what was actually needed, what wasn't, and what could wait. Very impressed, couldn't be happier! Will definitely be back! Thanks Randy!

  Kelsie Sullivan
2 years ago
I can not say enough good things about this place. I have brought my car in twice now and Tom was so helpful, thorough, honest and made the time to explain the issues with my car and what needed to be done right away and what could wait. Finding a good mechanic is like finding a good doctor haha and I am so fortunate that this place was referred to me when I moved back to Michigan. Thank you guys for all your help!

  Bridie Bereza
a year ago
They replaced the alternator on my 2012 Honda Odyssey. They got me in quickly, and the work was done quickly. It was $849 for a remanufactured alternator per the receipt. I was told by friends this seemed high but I thought it was worth it for the fast turnaround and quality work.

  DJ
3 years ago
I dropped my 2002 minivan off at 2:30pm & provided them with a very amateur guess at what I needed fixed. They had no prior knowledge of my existence, and certainly no awareness of the issue I would need their help to resolve.Two hours later at 4:30 my phone rang. It was ready to go... costing less than I would've paid to order the parts from autozone, and that would've left me needing someone to do the work.I'm so happy with the whole experience & can't wait to recommend Spaanstra Bros. at every opportunity.Service: Steering & suspension repair

  dylan tosh
9 months ago
Not the cheapest shop I've been to, but they do quality work. I always trust them to get my vehicle back to me in the best shape possible.

  Mary Joyce
3 years ago
They worked on my old car and did a fantastic job. I in turn purchased a new used car and gave the old car to my neighbor who needed a good mechanic so I recommended Spaanstra brothers. So I called them to let them know of all this. She brought the car in this past Tuesday and had it back on Thursday glad I was able to help.

  Jax Heil
a year ago
Dropped off my car late on Monday, car was diagnosed and fixed by 11am the next day. Great folks and reasonable pricing compared to other garages in the area. Highly recommend!Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto battery maintenance, Auto maintenanceServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto battery maintenance, Auto maintenance

  Marilyn DeRosha
5 years ago
Knowledgeable, friendly, efficient staff. I had car problems driving down from northern Michigan and looked up automotive repair near me. Fortunately Spaanstra Bros came up and with 5-star reviews to boot! Those stars are well deserved. My car s problems were not only diagnosed and repaired, but explained to me as well. What more could one want? I would totally come here again. Folks who live in Grand Rapids are lucky to have Spaanstra Bros! Thanks Tom and crew!!

  Samuel Frens
8 years ago
I took my car to Spaanstra's after taking it to another shop down the street. The other shop was going to charge me $200 just to diagnose my issue where Spaanstra quoted me almost a quarter of what that shop was going to. They called me with updates when every new issue had arisen and gave me a quote with each update. I'm very happy with the cost of labor in this shop and the way the staff interacted with me. When I couldn't afford to fix a certain issue the mechanic (Dan) told me I should get the repair but understood and was not pushy at all with fixing the issue and told me just to come back when I had the money to get it fixed and I definitely will! Great work and a really stand-up company.

  Lindsay Radlinski
10 months ago
I highly recommend Spaanstra Bros for your car troubles. They were friendly, quick,communicative, and very reasonably priced!

  Jackie G
6 years ago
we brought our subaru here for a wheel bearing problem. We had just had it fixed less than 8 months ago through our old mechanic across the state. Spaanstra did a great job of communicating with our old mechanic to get the information on the part and got it fixed under warranty through NAPA. I was very impressed with their prompt response, willingness to talk with our old mechanic, and quick, quality fix. They now have customers for life

  Mike Bartlett
4 years ago
Took my high mileage Honda Odyssey to the Honda dealer for check engine & vsa light and got some crazy high quotes for an array of repairs with virtually no explanation. Brought the van into Spaanstra's for a second opinion and they explained every repair told me what needed to get done and what could wait, explained the cost of parts and labor, and did it all in one day at nearly half the price. Amazing family owned small business! Would highly recommend.

  Rosalea Jakolat
a year ago
Highly recommend Spaanstra Bros. I trust them completely. Just had my car in for an overall check-up. Drives so much smoother now. Thanks Tom Spaanstra.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle InspectionServices: General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection

  Caleb Dillon
9 years ago
Reliable, trustworthy and fair - the three words you want to hear when it comes to car repairs! Tom called me the day after my service just to ask how the car was doing. Best of all, he wasn't pushy when it came to what I DID and DID NOT want done. Great service, I'll take my vehicle back to them in a heartbeat!

  Sutton Andrews
6 years ago
I had a great experience with Spaanstra's. Went in early in the morning without an appointment and they had my vehicle fixed within a few hours. Great and friendly communication throughout the process. Couldn't recommend more.

  Deb Brondsema
10 years ago
I have used Spaanstra exclusively for my cars over twenty plus years. They are honest, upfront about costs, communicate well regarding upcoming problems they see and are genuinely friendly good people. I highly recommend this business.

  Samantha Stanis
5 years ago
They always took good care of my car and the day that my car died, I went to them for a second opinion and they were open and honest with me regarding what happened and what my options were. They explain things to me in a way I can understand and were very transparent and helped me out when I needed it. Don't hear that much these days. I would highy recommend them.

  Caroline Hahn
4 years ago
The mechanics at Spaanstras were so helpful and very honest!! I really felt like they cared about helping me and servicing my issue, and not to make money off of me. I will only be going to them from now on to service my car

  Jason Soderquist
7 years ago
Saved my 2000 Honda CRV. Was moving to Salt Lake City from Elberta, MI. Made it to Grand Rapids before my harmonic balancer came off the crank shaft. Jenny was able to schedule me time with Don the mechanic and they figured out the problem quickly. I had exhausted all my repair skills and was not able to get the engine to turn over. Great service and price for fixing the slipped timing belt and missing crank shaft gear key. Thank you so running a wonderful responsive shop. Spaanstra Bros Automotive definitely deserves a 5.0 rating. Five Stare service!! Now I can continue my roadtrip with confidence.