Budget Automotive and Radiator
4.5 (215)
1314 E Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 866-8500
budgetautomotiveandradiator.net
Claimed
From the business
- Identifies as veteran-owned
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Sadie Carter
a month ago
A friend recommended Budget to me when two other mechanics had failed to figure out what was causing my car to overheat, and a third had quoted me $1800 for a major repair that didn't sound right to me. Budget figured out the problem and solved it for $400. I have been using them ever since.Nobody is more honest than this team. They do great work, have very reasonable pricing, and never talk down to you. Lots of mechanics will hardly bother with older cars and small jobs, but they have been keeping my salvage-title 15-year-old car in great shape for two years now. They really stand by their work. Really thankful to have found them. I won't go anywhere else.
Gregory Johnson
a week ago
I'm still in the process of getting my engine replaced. It was a little more than some other places i called but they are super friendly though. Very helpful as well
Keoni Rogers
a month ago
I m writing this review in March of 24, marking my 20th year of having Paul, Wendy, and the Budget crew wrench on my vehicles. There are a few things I want to write here, as I should have left this review years ago.First: there are no lack of corporate shops in the area that are driven by quarterly profits alone. Maximizing labor hours, recommending services that may not be needed, or (anecdotally) straight up stretching the truth. That said, I have never- not a single time- been advised of something by the crew at Budget that wasn t either absolutely necessary or will be in the near future. They care about your safety and are as honest as the day is long.Second: the integrity that Paul and Wendy run their shop with is evident in every conversation I have had with them as a client. For diagnosis, they've always clearly told me the issue, what caused it so I can avoid it in the future, and what it s going to take to fix it in terms that a non-mechanic understands. They respect every financial situation that comes in, and will keep the bill down where they can.Third: things go wrong. Not every service goes as expected, unexpected problems WILL arise from time to time, and there isn t a mechanic on the planet that nails every service perfectly, every time. Any shop that says otherwise I'd be wary of. What matters is how you take care of your people when things DO go sideways, and this is where the Budget crew seriously excels. Paul & Tim have always taken charge of situations like this, worked with me on what my options are, and reached a resolution that is always more than fair. Can t say enough about them here.All in all, I wouldn t take my stuff anywhere else, have had literally over 20 vehicles through here over the decades, and until a world exists without Budget Automotive, they ll get my service every time.Thanks Paul, Wendy, Tim, Mike, and all the crew.
Grayling Bella
2 months ago
I finally found a reputable shop to work on my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. They had to fix what other shops had done and screwed up.I highly recommend this place to anyone .Thanks to Tim who worked on my car.
Jill Fontaine
2 months ago
I would give zero stars if possible but I wanted others to know I spent over 2k and my car is worse off than before they worked on it. I went back in and they charged me again to just tell me sorry, it could be this or that. I still have the same problems I did before they had my car for around 10days, but it runs worse than before they had it....I'll see yall in small claims court soon!
Nelson's Garage
4 months ago
Took my diesel radiator to them to clean and fix. They repaired it and cleaned it for me . It was done ahead of schedule. Great prices and Great work ! Always friendly too.
jeffery cope
5 months ago
Very reliable and great work. As it turned out, all I needed was a radiator flush. They could easily have told me I needed a new radiator, but they didn't. I would recommend them to anyone.
adaraweare AMANPEAK
3 weeks ago
I was very impressed with the work done on my truck, I almost overlooked this place, but I'm glad I gave them a shot. I hope I don't need to go back but they are now my go to if anything happens.
Debb B
2 months ago
Best car repair experience I have had in many years. Reasonable cost, great service. Would absolutely recommend this place!
nana na
4 months ago
There Idea fixing my radiator was to give me stop Leak Start it leaking all over the place. I hundred and forty dollars for a repair Taken it to a different radiate, a shop to get fixed. Don't waste your time. They are joke.
Brian jennifer Beaver
3 months ago
Nothing more to say than they are always honest and accurate and diagnosing the problem with my vehicle also Fair priced best mechanics I've ever found
Douglas D
a year ago
Most Automotive shops I've been to, and I've been to a dozen in Springfield with my last vehicle will charge you and some basically "rob" you to get that extra dollar in my experience - NOT **Budget Automotive and Radiator!** They not only told me I didn't need an expensive service but checked my car out for other issues and the charge was a fraction of what I thought I'd end up paying. I'm impressed and highly recommend them. Thanks for being honest; it's hard to find in today's business world.
Tom Skinner
5 months ago
They treat me like family. I've known them for almost 30 years.The work they've done for me is quality work.Thanks
Justin Stanton
a year ago
They are very transparent with line items of the bill and do a great job with both diagnosis and repair. They get it done right. They are honest about what's needed and suggested. In addition, they are very helpful on the phone when talking through options. Veteran friendly place. 2 thumbs up from me. Thanks!
Jose delaTorre
7 months ago
Very thorough shop! Excellent, friendly staff, knowledgeable mechanics. I wish I had started here with my cooling system problem, but needless to say, they fixed my right up! Thank you!
Mindy Rosella Chambers
7 months ago
I needed an inspection, which they do. They got me in and out and the staff was very kind and friendly. Air conditioned waiting room. That nice in this heat! I'll be Hallyday to return for any other services I may need for my vehicle.
RITA PATRICK
2 months ago
Really a good place. They are very friendly and very helpful. They also give discounts.
Lina Gomez-Vasquez
5 years ago
I m new in town and I needed assistance installing my front license plate. They were so helpful and they did it for free. They even put this thank you card in my car after finishing the work :)
Heather Roberson
2 years ago
My family has been going to Budget since we moved to Missouri. Ive gone back, even though I live an hour away, just because they do quality work and are very helpful. They helped my mother out so much after her accident, I know they took fantastic care of her. They have helped us find new cars by checking out the ones weve brought to them. They have fixed repairs that other shops said they did. They have saved us money where they could while not sacrificing quality work or parts. They always smile and are super friendly and polite when working on our cars. I know they will always do quality work and treat us like family. I cant thank the team at Budget enough for everything they have done! Paul and Wendy are my favorites but the other mechanics are amazing too. Thank you Budget from the bottom of my heart.Services: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Car waxing, Battery, Oil change
Scott Cunningham
a year ago
My wife and I take both of our vehicles here, great service, great technicians,and affordable.they go above and beyond. And well Tim is the best,always friendly with a great attitude and personality. We highly recommend them for your next vehicle repair. Thanks Budget automotive and radiator.
Chaela Marie Carter
3 years ago
I've been a loyal customer to Budget Automotive and Radiator ever since I moved to Springfield about four years ago! I cannot recommend them enough. Tim and Paul take the time to explain everything they're doing for you. They never push you for extra repairs, but will give you a heads-up if they notice anything that could cause you trouble later down the line.Several times I've come in and when I picked up my car they would mention "Your car needed [blank] and it was as easy as tightening a few screws" or something similar and they took care of it free-of-charge.When my car was the victim of a hit-and-run accident two years ago. They carefully inspected everything and gently let me know what the damages were.Tim and Paul treat all of their younger clients like they're children. I don't mean that in a "they talk down to you" kind-of-way. I mean they treat you like you are one of their own family members! They'll give you tips and tricks for taking care of your car, driving in bad weather, and treat you with respect and care when they have to give you bad news about your car.If you go anywhere else, you're wasting your time. These guys are the best!!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change
Kobie Langford
2 years ago
This is our new favorite repair shop! We are from Joplin and had an issue with our van while traveling home. That forced us to stay overnight in Springfield (because we didn't know what was wrong), and they fit us in for an emergency the next morning just to help us get home. They called and told me what it was and they were happy to fix it for us within a few hours. They were life savers, and they did an excellent job. We drove home safe and comfortable. Not only that, but they left us a Thank You card in our van when they were finished. Top-notch professionalism all the way around. I wish they were in Joplin!Service: Air conditioning
Juliet DeVries Kuhnert
2 years ago
These guys are the best! I always feel like I'm family taking my car here. They have been working on my family's cars since before I could drive... Let's just say that was a few Mondays ago. Honest, family run business that truly cares about their customers. Thanks for all you have done for us over the last 30 years!
Alyssa Wilkinson
a year ago
My family has been using Budget for years and they always give us the same great service! They are easy to work with, honest, and affordable. Good people. I totally recommend them!
Melinda Plumb
3 years ago
Paul and Wendy are the best! I've been bringing my vehicles to them for years now and trust them to do a great job every time. Not only are they locally owned but they have the best prices In town. I know when I bring my car in that I will be taken care of quickly.
Brianna Pharr
4 years ago
Budget Automotive was sure to deliver the best experience I've ever had with auto repair! Not only did Wendy allow me to drop my car off before they opened, but Paul followed up with a call a couple of hours later to ensure me that everything was fine with my car. There's not a lot of places that treat you like a guest in their home and make you feel like family. This is by far the place to trust with your vehicle needs! I appreciate the honesty and the "Thank You" card they left for me in the dash. This is top notch customer service and appreciation! Thank you, Wendy and Paul for setting the bar high on customer service! This is the only place I will go for service on my vehicle from now on.
Leslie B
7 years ago
Called Budget Automotive this morning after searching for a place to take my car for brake work not knowing exactly how simple or extensive the repairs might be. I didn't want to go to a "big box" store because they always seem very pushy. As a woman in my mid-20's I've had other reputable local shops try to take advantage of me for repair work as they assume they can capitalize on my naivety. This shop was so accommodating and the people were very friendly! They called as soon as they were finished checking out my vehicle, were honest about what needed to be done and what looked fine, then presented me with a variety of cost options in terms of getting things fixed. The best part was picking up my car. When I walked in, I was greeted with "Do you want the good news, or the good news?" which is something you rarely hear for repair work! The shop came in $30 under their estimate and the mechanic who performed the service talked me through what he did and the condition everything was in before he made the repairs. Hands down the only place I will use moving forward for mechanical repair work! Thanks so much for a great experience-I'll recommend your shop to everyone. The kind of place a dad would insist his daughter take her vehicle.
Tess Rolf
9 years ago
Paul, Wendy, Bryan and Staff -Amazing customer service. They helped get us back on the road quickly and effectively. They quickly diagnosed the problem with our radiator and didn't charge us crazy fees. They were honest and fair and had incredible integrity. Great family business. It is worth it to drive the 45 minutes from our home to have such great service. The Thank You note they sent with us at the end was very classy... 5 stars for the over-the-top customer service. Highly recommended!
Matt Monje
4 years ago
Very happy with the service I received from Budget Automotive & Radiator. They took the time to explain the problems with my car, gave options to solve them, and explained what repairs could wait and what repairs are critical. They use quality parts and not the cheap/junk that is available. The work to replace my radiator, water pump, thermostat, and flush my coolant system was very thorough. My car now runs much better and cooler than it has in years. I would choose the people at Budget Automotive and Radiator again and again! Oh, and their prices are excellent too!
brian mulkey
3 years ago
I brought my 1994 Camry in to have a coolant leak checked out. For a very reasonable price (best in all of my calling around) tests were run to locate the problem including checking out whether the leak was coming from a blown head gasket. Thankfully the head gasket was fine. Main reason for my review is to point out how honest and fair this service is. Paul presented me with three options $,$$,$$$. For me and my situation the least expensive option ended up fixing the problem perfectly. I have not topped my fluid since and it's been about 3 months. There are a lot of shops that will only present the middle, or most expensive options as the necessary solution. That doesn't make those shops necessarily dishonest, but I believe Paul and this shop illustrate the best of the best of ethics when it comes to repair shops, and thus have completely gained my trust and future business.