GAPS Automotive

Reviews

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

  Jaclyn Rogers
4 months ago
Gaps Automotive always takes great care of my vehicle anytime I bring it in! They are very professional, communicative & efficient. They also always provide great customer care as well with updates to the vehicle, or anything I should know before I leave. I always know I am in good hands whenever I take my car in! Thanks guys!

  Michael Bramon
3 months ago
Anytime I need any maintenance or repairs done on my car I take it to GAPS. My car(2015 Ford Taurus SHO) recently had the transmission go out. They worked with my extended warranty company to get a replacement, found a leak in the valve cover gasket and fixed it also replaced spark plugs and a defective ignition coil. GAPS is always awesome to work with and the whole team is great! Special thanks to Trent who I worked with most. I will be coming back when I have any automotive issues.

  Dustin Reimund
5 months ago
Arrived with right front wheel noise and paid the $133 for diagnosis that the wheel bearing and strut needed replaced. Phone call stating battery needed replaced and okayed that as well. $1300 later I was told if I had any issues bring it back in. Brake pads were replaced 5000 miles previously and no issue identified with the rotor during that or GAPS diagnosis. The road noise went away but a rubbing/grinding sound appeared when using the brakes. Take it back in and they say it's a warped rotor that they failed to diagnosis originally becaudr "its too quiet" . They then asked for another $133 which was absolutely comical as I brought it in on their advice and it was something they worked on.The reality is they most likely over torqued the rotor and warped it during the bearing replacement. Can't recommend with expensive labor and inability to properly identify issues.

  Jeffery Walker
4 months ago
Was In a pinch with a flat tire head to an important meeting got me right in fixed my tire and took very good care of me. Very helpful pleasant experience and great price. Highly recommend

  jon knatcal
2 years ago
Was quoted $1200 to replace alternator and battery on a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. Asked for breakdown of quote. Labor on battery replacement was $191 or 1.5 hours of labor. They stated that since the battery tie down was missing they would need to spend some time properly securing the battery, which I was fine with. Received the vehicle back and the battery is just sitting there with a couple zip ties holding it in place. There should not have been a charge for this "labor", a minimum labor amount should have been achieved with the alternator install. Why would you charge for 1.5 hours to sit a battery in its easily reachable mounting hole and use $0.50 worth of zip ties? I'll write this off as a lesson learned. If I'm shown I can't trust them on something this simple, I can never trust them.Services: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, Battery

  Tammy Carpenter
5 months ago
Don't go here! This guy will way over charge you if you are a women and most likely anybody to do any work. I highly recommended the Tuning Spot. The guy charged me less then half and was helpful and walked me through exactly what was wrong and showed me how he was going to take care of it.

  Bob Pollock
3 years ago
These guys are the best. They did timely work. They went the extra mile. Austin did a nice job of explaining everything that was going on with my car. I can tell Paula really cares about her customers. The woman at the desk was very kind. She gave me an accurate time estimate of my service. A terrific overall experience.Service: ExhaustService: Exhaust

  Kevin Foster
6 years ago
I drove from Kansas City to Columbia for a one-day trip for work on a Friday, and immediately after exiting the highway my car died. Feeling stranded and anxious about the prospect of having to leave my car for the weekend, I had my car towed to GAPS, and they truly made me feel like I was their top priority. They got me in and out within three hours for a great price, and I was able to get home safely in my own car because of them. I couldn t have asked for better customer service. These are really great people, and I honestly can t recommend them enough. If I m ever stranded in Columbia again, I won t hesitate to go to GAPS.

  Blake Morris
3 years ago
I started off aggravated with the service I knew that was coming and expected the worst. I called and spoke the lady at the front desk named Loretta. She explained ( as she promised over the phone) the process and asked for my keys then she was off to take my car information. I took a seat and she returned politely offering me coffee. She returned with my problem solved and then reminded about my plates about to expire. I checked my plates and then they asked me if they should do an inspection to help me take care of something that I was not thinking of because it was due for my inspection. Upon wrapping up the service, the owner Gus came out an explained he found an issue but the resolve was a minor adjustment with my distribution on my recent tuneup at another shop. I write this in gratitude because I felt like they were my on my side not trying to gouge me for extra services. I was able to get my license tags the same day and spent far less than just going back to the previous auto shop as the were to busy to see me. I heard their name on the radio and glad I made the change. True service from home town shop. Thank you Loretta and Gus! I will be back.Services: Exhaust, General repairs & maintenance

  Debbie R. Newby
3 years ago
First impressions are a big deal to me! As we walked into the shop the place smelled so pleasant. I know right then I would enjoy my experience at Gaps! The staff was so welcoming, knowledge and patient with all our questions. They got my car right in and called us with a review of the work that was needed. Once the work was done they provided us with a written detailed description, that I could understand, of all the work that was done. I would recommend Gaps to anyone that needs car repairs and is a little nervous about going to a new mechanic.Services: Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Wheel alignment, Brakes

  Paul Vaughan
5 years ago
I really wanted to like these guys, they are like 3 blocks from my house, small operation, and very friendly, but when it comes to actual expertise and fixing car issues, I have been let down the last 2 out of 3 times.First time I went there my Camry's Starter had burned out. They correctly diagnosed it, wanted to charge me $300, I said I can get the part and do it myself for <$100, they worked with me and offered to do it for $200 including the original diagnostic. This was a great experience and the kind I'd expect at a smaller local shop.Second Experience - In November my wife took her Honda Accord in because the wipers were swinging way too far left and going past the windshield edge and getting stuck. They called and told her it was fixed, I came with her and asked what specifically they did because it still wasn't stopping at the bottom of the rotation (it did stop going past the windshield though, so I guess they "technically" fixed it). Apparently they re-calibrated the wiper arm (I think they just over-tightened the bolts holding the arms). Charged her $120 for their "fix". Also the main guy had a really condescending attitude when explaining how the cold weather and ice is what causes something like this, yet the wipers had been doing it since summer...3 weeks later the wipers completely stopped working. The metal ring from the wiper arm assembly had snapped. At the time of the repair they told us it would be $450+ to "truly" fix it with a new part from Honda. Wife had declined because they said their repair should hold up quite a while. Since it broke I ordered new wiper assembly ($50 @ A1Auto) and got some wiper arms from Yancey Auto (another $50) and just repaired it myself (Maybe 30 minutes of work?). They've been working great since December! Maybe it was just bad luck the metal snapped, but I wish we had saved the $120 from the beginning and just replaced everything on our own at the start.Third Experience - 3 weeks ago my front driver tire had a slow leak, I'd need to fill it about once every week or so. I took it in for them to patch it, they did, and 2 weeks later it started leaking again, until this morning I went out and it was flat. Leak was coming from their patch - apparently the hole was too far on the 'bend' of the tire, so patch wouldn't take. Couldn't you have predicted this or at least told me it was a possibility during that patch? Now I'm out a new tire and the "patch".Maybe these are all just bad luck, but I expected more than what I got.-Paul

  Ruslan Bondarenko
4 years ago
Good and honest mechanics . I enjoy all encounters with them . Thank u owner and mechanic Elia .

  Toby Lillich
6 years ago
Fast service, clean facility and friendly staff. The service manager Chris personally took me back to the shop and showed me what was wrong with my truck, explaining likely causes and what I can do to prevent similar issues in the future. The repairs were done quickly and the estimate I was given was spot-on. After the repairs were finished, the mechanic took it for a test drive to ensure everything was in order. When he returned, he said that he had forgotten a final step and proceeded to take care of it right there, something small and simple that I likely wouldn't have noticed right away had been forgotten. Integrity, quality service, speed and low prices...what more could you ask for? Highly recommended!

  Jim Goetter
6 years ago
My daughter is a student at Mizzou. Her car would not start and we had to have it towed. Since I was doing everything over the phone and working at a distance, I was worried about being able to trust any place we sent it to. I was referred to GAPS Automotive by a cousin that lives in Columbia and couldn t be happier. The issue ended up being related to the throttle system. They serviced the system and everything is working great now. They could have easily told me it was something more serious, charged me a fortune, and I would have no way to know any different. I highly recommend them!

  Bill Dinsmore
5 years ago
Great people and great service! I was quoted by the Dealer for a $2400 repair, so I got a second opinion. The folks at GAPS diagnosed the real problem and it was around $600 (and the correct fix) -- My air conditioner has never blown colder, and has probably been like this for 5 years, because the real problem was never being considered.

  Liam Burns
6 years ago
This place was phenomenal! I was recommended here by two of my friends in town and was not dissapointed. Came in with a whole bunch of electrical issues and a leak in my power steering and they were able to get me in and out within the same day. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Area. Chris who answered my call was a phenomenal human being with a great outlook on life and I m sure there are more guys who worked on the car behind the scenes that I don t know the name of but they did an exceptional job. 6/5 stars

  Brian Jolly
5 years ago
I was really hoping to have found a good mechanics shop in Columbia after hearing their advertisement on my favorite radio station. I had a steering/handling issue on my truck that they diagnosed to be my steering box. I had them make the repair but the problem persisted. I talked with the owners and they said to bring the truck back in. Then they suggested we replace another front end component. Again, I had them go ahead and replace what they believed to be a worn component. Upon receiving my truck the problem still was evident so me and the owner took the truck for a test drive. He agreed there was still a problem with the vehicle's performance and looked the truck over again with no clear answer as to what the problem was, only speculation. In total I spent over $1200 on repairs without the problem being corrected.

  Patty Wille
6 years ago
I finally found a place to take my truck, Gaps Automotive. Everyone is super friendly, prices are very reasonable, and clean shop. They take pride in what they do, and in this day and age that's hard to find. Thanks to Chris and Myron for all your help and getting my truck running better than ever without breaking the bank. Y'all are awesome Highly recommend

  Tammy Huskey
5 years ago
I was not happy with the original location but was initially happy with the Columbia location because I left there with ice cold AC when leaving the Columbia shop thinking all was resolved, but after seeing a large clear oily puddle with reddish swirls under my car afterwards I thought differently and returned it to the original location. I had gone to the original GAPs location the day after having the AC clutch replaced because what they did was unacceptable and only slightly cooler after they added some refrigerant but not to GM specs because of the toggle switch. Once the puddle dried it left several small reddish spots on the garage floor. Previously the original location did not properly fix the AC, they attached a toggle switch bypass that could have damaged the AC system and they replaced a good AC clutch that was working properly as designed according to GM. I have since learned that GM's AC system protects the self contained compressor with clutch designed to not engage the AC clutch under certain conditions, such as when the AC psi pressure is not in the proper range. Before going to Gaps another shop checked the ACs psi and claimed it was too high after I got a similar reading, so the clutch had to be engaged or there would be no reading. Immediately afterwards I stopped by Gaps and scheduled an appointment, but later the psi pressure was too low to guage and I found both H/L port caps off and set under the hood. My limited service shop recommended I go to GAPS or Fame, since they had no AC service equipment. After going to Gaps and spending so much money, GM estimated only $200 was needed to fix the AC with its estimate including replacement of the leaking relief valve, dye needed to check for leaks, sealing any minor leaks at clamps, refrigerant needed to get the AC psi at the proper level as recommend by GM, and replacing the AC high pressure switch if that part had actually failed etc. GM's estimate did not include an AC clutch since they knew it was good and working as designed. It also did not include the ECU that Gaps BV said I needed. The ECU was tested and was ok according to Gaps in Columbia.After being originally charged $406 then charged another $190+ when leaving the Columbia shop, I saw a large puddle of clear fluid on my garage floor with oily red streaks and despite returning to the original shop. I have noticed a small puddle since then and am keeping an eye on it hoping it had to do with the recent rain. Although the air is still cold it does not feel icy cold in extremely high temps like it did when I initially left the Columbia shop, but I wonder if that has to do with changes in humidity, so I am keeping a close eye on that also.After the original scheduled service, the shop manager said I needed a new ECU to get the compressor to engage and the toggle switch removed at an additional estimated cost of $483, but the ECU was good and the high pressure switch would have originally been an appropriate fix instead of the toggle, but I had to take it to the Columbia location to get the toggle removed and the HP switch replaced then the Ac worked.The Cities Deputy Chief said Gaps did not have a bad reputation that he was aware of so he was surprised to hear about the toggle switch and the claims about needing an ECU. He seemed to imply he would have expected a refund and suggested if a satisfactory refund was not given to contact the Attorney General and a civil lawyer if necessary as well as the BBB. The deputy was not surprised when I told him I have also had problems with other auto shops replacing and charging for costly unnecessary mechanical work. He says it happens all the time.Now I wonder why I got a comment from the shop manager about the "cops in this town".

  Elsa Oestreich
5 years ago
They gave me a quick quote over the phone and then stayed true to it when I brought my car in. Much less expensive than a local dealership and much quicker work too! Very friendly technicians and great customer service. Even took my car for a spin to make sure it was driving well before I paid! Will be coming back for sure.

  Emanuel Lopez
2 months ago
Amazing service here at Gaps automotive!!I highly recommend them!!!

  Todd Salazar
4 years ago
I ve entrusted GAPS with my vehicle repairs for two years. From inspections and oil changes to spark plug misfires and an air conditioner problem, the team at GAPS has earned my trust. Thank you Paula, Gus, and Columbia crew!

  Donna Loyd
4 years ago
This is the best automotive repair center in Columbia. The mechanics are honest, thorough, professional, and helpful. Paula, the brains of the operation, is knowledgeable and so friendly; it always a delight to take my car in for service. She is the Betty White of Columbia!!

  Mike M
2 years ago
Top notch business all around. Honest and stand by their work. You won't get the suggestive sales pressure you get elsewhere. I take my work and personal vehicles here because I trust them to do only whats needed, on-time, and at a fair price.Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine tuning, Brakes, Oil changeServices: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine tuning, Brakes, Oil change

  Erica Newcomb
5 years ago
Super nice and professional staff. They found all the problems with my car, told me what was most important to fix right away, and didn't try to pressure me into spending more than I could afford on the less necessary stuff. I will definitely be a repeat ccustomer, and I recommend them to anyone who needs their car fixed (especially young girls like me who don't know much about cars and are afraid of being swindled)

  Brent Moeller
3 months ago
People are down to earth. good place to rent uhauls

  Taylor Sirois
a year ago
Great service and very clean facility! The technicians are super friendly and explain all repairs. I ve been to other shops that made you feel uneasy about repairs and this place always outshines the rest! Easy to refer and will always call this shop home!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Jason Mains
4 years ago
Gus and Paula really care about their customers and ensuring that the work is done right and if there is an issue they make it right. I will definitely be taking my vehicles back to them if I need work done in the future as they are good, honest people that care about doi g the job right!

  Z O'Herron
2 years ago
I had been screwed over by three other mechanics before findings GAPS, and I have to say I have been more than impressed. These guys have taken such good care of me and my car, I will never be going anywhere else!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Diemephys
3 years ago
The only place I would take my car for service. They are customer oriented and do a great job with repairs. I can't recommend GAPS highly enough. Do yourself a favor and call them for your automotive service needs.Service: BrakesService: Brakes