Automotive Solutions

Reviews

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

  Cindi Shepherd
2 years ago
I own a Datsun 260z. Tioga is the only person that knows how to fix it and does so with knowledge and skill. In the past I have been taken advantage of by jack legs that lie and damaged my car. You can trust Tioga to be honest (which I really appreciate even when it is not what I want to hear) and if he finds little things as he goes along like a lose door handle he fixes it, no charge. I will not let anyone else work on my car.Service: Engine repair

  laurence oleary
5 months ago
I have taken two vehicles to AS and in each case I have been extremely impressed with Tioga s honesty and straightforwardness. He has shown knowledge and ingenuity in solving problems that the dealership was unable to. I will use Automotive Solutions again and I highly recommend.

  John Cappelletti
7 months ago
We've been bringing our vehicles to AS for almost 20 years. Tioga is extremely knowledgeable and his systematic approach to diagnosing and then explaining what needs to be done and what doesn't need to be done is always clear and concise. Refreshing to see these days. He has always been honest and performed excellent service on all of our vehicles. If you own a German car, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, VW etc., don't waste your time going anywhere else as you will not find better service in the area.

  jeff schladweiler
2 years ago
I just moved to Pittsboro, and I am so glad that I found this place to work on my classic Land Cruiser. I went in for what I thought was an oil leak, and Tioga was able to diagnose, and pinpoint several other issues that I was not aware of. Very trustworthy , knowledgeable, and reasonable pricing, Automotive Solutions will be my go to repair shop. Thanks Tioga, I hope I don't have to see you again, but if I do, I know my vehicle is in good hands.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  james platt
7 months ago
I was referred by a salsa friend i didn't have much interaction with the owner but the little time I was there he was very nice and courteous, i plan to return my vehicle for it's 90 thousand miles maintenance.I will continue to post good or bad reviews

  peter contarino
3 years ago
I just read a previous review posted 3 weeks ago by Dave (seller) regarding a buyer's inspection that Tioga performed for me on a Honda CRV. This fictionalized account would be laughable were it not for the fact that it is a serious matter to intentionally mislead potential customers simply out of anger because the car didn't pass muster. To be clear, none of the review is factual. The seller's girlfriend was not denied sitting inside Automotive Solutions in any way. She actually sat in my car while the inspection took place. There was no freezing rain as claimed. No rain at all in fact.Tioga inspected the car and found a leak in the rear crankshaft seal. You can see from the attached photo that this is clearly an oil leak that has traveled down 6 to get to this point. He told me that it would cost at least $1000 to remove the transmission and replace the seal. He suggested to the owner that the car be taken to the dealership as it is still under warranty. He pointed out that tires would need to be purchased soon, which I had already noticed. That was pretty much it.The seller in his review states that Tioga suggested that a CRV is a piece of junk. It was in fact Tioga that suggested I look at CRV's. That was his recommendation when I asked his opinion on what I should be looking for given my parameters.I have been dealing with Tioga for 25 years. He has handled virtually every car I have owned including 3 Porsches. You will not find better mechanic or a more honest person to deal with. I can't overstate that. Look at the many other reviews and you will see this stated over and over. I can't recommend him enough.

  Meng Chang
9 months ago
My Audi S6 kept having a "Transmission Malfunction" error pop up on the gauge cluster. Searching the internet for my car's symptoms, I stumbled upon Tioga posting on an Audi forum about the issue and the fix. After learning that Tioga operates a shop called Automotive Solutions but is five hours away, I decided to visit my local Euro performance shops first and asked if they can do the work. None of them have ever performed the work. My car was not going to be a guinea pig for a shop to experiment on so I called Tioga at Automotive Solutions and set an appointment.At Automotive Solutions on my appointment day, I learned that my car was the only one scheduled for the day due to the nature of the work. Their focus for the day was strictly my car. Tioga offered me a loaner vehicle so I canceled my rental vehicle reservation and I was on my way to my hotel.When my car was ready the next day, Tioga addressed all the other issues he found on my car. All of them were due to the fault of my own. He fixed what he could and let me know what he couldn't get to. I had broken a bolt the week earlier and he extracted the broken bolt and replaced it with an OEM bolt. Wow! (side note... Tioga, I have fixed all the issues you mentioned.)My experience with Automotive Solutions was great. The price was fair. Tioga went well above and beyond. My car is driving better than when I bought it. I highly recommend Automotive Solutions.Services: Transmission, Transmission repair

  Warren D
a year ago
Great service and no games from an Awesome and more than fair mechanic!! To start,, its very difficult finding an intelligent, knowledge and skilled mechanic for German vehicles, including the Porsche I own. The owner also saved me a significant amount on replacing control arms, CV boots and engine/transmission mounts - all of which I knew needed replacing. The control arms had seem some wear/tear over the years - particularly since they had been exposed to salt roads up north. It was worth the 2 1/2 week to get a repair done the correct way, honestly and without up charging. I will definitely skip the dealerships moving forward!Side Note: Initially I brought the vehicle to Sanders Automotive before I knew of Automotive Solutions. At Sanders Auto (my "old friend" there previously from Chapel Hill Tire, took my car in. Since I know just enough about vehicles to diagnose it I feel fairly confident when I bring it into the mechanic. When I saw "B" I knew it was going to get interesting and sure enough it did. I was told that the vibration went away if I hold the steering wheel (LOL) and that the only thing wrong was the CV Boot had ripped. They definitely missed the engine/transmission mounts as well as the failed control arm. But its a blessing in disguise as it lead me to Automotive Solutions :)

  Ross Bernard
9 months ago
Wow, what an upstanding guy I talked to at this place! I got a wheel bearing replaced here awhile ago, they did a great job and charged a fair price. Today I called trying to schedule getting a water pump replaced on another car, because it had not been replaced in almost 100,000 miles. He told me he had worked on many of this model and it had never failed, so replacing it just due to age was simply not necessary. I asked about replacing the pump on our other aging car, and the coolant. He said no, and no. Neither is needed. Three times I tried to hand over money (due to my relative inexperience) and three times he said it was not needed.I will certainly be coming here again for all my car work in the future.

  Jose Diaz
3 months ago
We are from out of town and needed assistance in order to make the drive home safely. We were attend to immediately and graciously. Great experience!

  Billy Duncan
2 years ago
I have been taking my Porsches--first a Boxster and now a Cayman--to Automotive Solutions for about ten years. Tioga is as talented a mechanic as I have ever dealt with; but most important, he is completely honest and trustworthy. Recently my air conditioner stopped working, and I told him I thought it was the evaporator box, which would be about a $1,500 repair. He determined that the problem was a faulty relief valve, which only cost me about $225. On other occasions the repairs have cost me much more than I anticipated, but he clearly explained what needed to be done before starting. He is thorough rather than cheap, and that's exactly what you need from a mechanic.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes, Air conditioning

  Turner Stuart
a year ago
Tioga is the best in the business when it comes to Z s, he installed a transmission, clutch, flywheel, and differential for me. He went above and beyond by adjusting both of my doors to make them fit better and called me throughout the process to walk me through every repair he was making. I will definitely return to Automotive Solutions for all my Z needs. Thanks Tioga!

  Mimosa
2 years ago
Tioga is a master of his craft. He was able to diagnose the issue with my car without even having to use a scanner or look at the under carriage. It took him 15 minutes to fix what took a "performance" shop all day to try and diagnose. Come to find out the performance shop installed the ride height sensor in the wrong orientation. He was also able to dial in a better ride height and offered suggestions on what could be upgraded in order to have more ride height adjustment.Going forward, we will be bringing all of our vehicles here. He is very straight forward and presents all the facts. He gave me some insight on how I should approach this project of mine and helped ground me a little bit. Tioga was on schedule, under promised, and over delivered on his work. He was very patient with me and answered all of my questions. Amazing customer service!Services: Electrical repair, Steering & suspension repair

  Ken Hyers
6 years ago
I switched to Automotive Solutions years ago when another Porsche mechanic was unable to diagnose a problem with my 968. Tioga fixed it and charged a fair price. Since then I've taken all of my cars to Automotive Solutions (ranging from air cooled to Audi to Volvo to Toyota). Great work, reliable, done right for a fair price. When you find a great mechanic, you stick with them.

  Nick Eckemoff
4 years ago
Since 2015, I took two Porsche cars and a VW to Automotive Solutions. I found the shop seeking out an independent mechanic that works on Porsche to install aftermarket mods. The shop has a solid online reputation.Tioga is the owner-operator. He picks up the phone and is very reachable. The first thing you notice about him is a bit of awkwardness in conversation - he is opinionated and sometimes not very tactful. I thought this was okay for a mechanic and it didn't bother me. When my wife brought in our VW, her impression was he was rude and condescending. She refused to return because she felt demeaned by the experience.The shop is in middle of nowhere and is nothing fancy. There is real waiting area other than a chair, the garage is dirty, and the driveway is filled with potholes and is a real mess when it rains. It's a 'hole in the wall' type of place without much effort from the owner to change that.He prefers you drop off and not wait around. Some people are okay with this and might never even see him in person, doing everything over the phone.The reason I kept coming back was the promise of 'higher quality' work. Most jobs went mostly fine but I did have concerns when he worked on my 2014 boxster. Oil level low after change, confusion about actual work done or requested (for example, charge for air filter when not requested nor performed, then refunding), alignment/ suspension upgrade car not tracking straight.I had doubts about taking my new 2017 911 to Tioga. There are complicated maintenance services and nuisances with the car that I wasn't sure if he knew how to do. I actually called him before the first visit to discuss if he was capable working on it. He said he was, so I scheduled the first service which was an oil change and brake fluid flush. Everything went well.A few weeks later I notice the brake pedal squeaking profusely. It was bad enough my foot could feel vibration and it could be heard outside the car. I called Tioga to get his take. Without even taking a look, discussion concluded that it must be related to the pedal assembly, unrelated to the flush, and probably normal. He more or less dismissed the whole thing was 'in my head' and was unwilling to help, saying its 'only a thing I would notice' or 'you are the 1%'. For me, this wasn't an expected response from a mechanic for a concern relevant their work. He didn't take ownership and provide support to a loyal customer. I got it addressed by the dealer, who replaced the brake booster and did another flush using OEM fluid.From my profession, I value understanding RCA to prevent re-occurrence. I couldn't help but wonder if the cause was somehow related to the flush Tioga did and it may happen again, possibly when the car isn't under warranty.6+ months later I called to schedule a 2nd oil change and I mentioned to Tioga the dealer fix to see what he thought. After already scheduling an appointment in about 3 weeks, Tioga suddenly proclaims he does not want to work on the car. He explains that he gets too many callbacks from me, stating that I treat my car as a jewel and he is afraid he may accidentally damage it one day. He goes on that it is not worth his time and liability to work on it because he could work on 'normal cars' instead. We end the call - I know he's the type I would get nowhere arguing with.The situation bothered me because I thought I had a reliable mechanic that I could count on. Ironically, I was told by relatives that its best to get your car serviced at a dealer and maintain that relationship because a small shop may not be reliable over the years. I guess they were right.You pay more at a dealer, but the brand has your back. He can offer a better price, but I don't think that Tioga has the equivalent training or resources to work on newer cars.I recommended the shop at work and car forums, but will no longer do so. Tioga didn't stand by his work, has an unstable mood, didn't meet expectations, and was unable to maintain a relationship. Your experience may vary.

  christopher hitt
4 years ago
I first started taking my car to Tioga 10 years ago at the recommendation of a friend. My car back then was a 1990 BMW 528I that I had purchased brand new. It was then at a stage in its life that it needed attention from a truly knowledgeable mechanic. Over the rest of the time that I owned it, Tioga never failed to solve the niggling problems that an old car develops, and always guided me to make a good decision about the amount of money I was willing to spend to keep it going.I have also purchased 3 used vehicles from him over the years including in 2012 my current Audi A8L that had been his personal vehicle. All 3 cars have been excellent, and Tioga has always taken very good care of them for me. I get my oil changed every 5,000 miles by him, and enjoy spending an hour talking with him about cars while the oil is changed and the tires are rotated.The only challenge in having Tioga be your mechanic is that his reputation is so good that you usually need to make an appointment 2 weeks in advance to have your car worked on due to the demand for his time. But he will also find a way to fit you in when there is an emergency.I have recommended Tioga to numerous friends all of whom have thanked me for connecting them with the best car mechanic that they have ever used. His work is outstanding, his car knowledge is terrific and the cost for his services (labor and parts) is fair. He will always tell you whether it is worth fixing something, or find a way to save you money if you choose to repair the problem.He is a one person operation that in my opinion provides the kind of hands on, personal service we all wish we could get for our vehicles. 5 stars is the highest the google rating system has, so that is the best grade I am able to give Tioga. I am almost 70 years old, and I have never had a better experience dealing with a service provider.

  Marily Nixon
9 years ago
We moved away from NC years ago but still take our cars to Tioga from Pittsburgh for major repair and maintenance. It's worth the trip because he's so skilled, reliable, honest, and pleasant. We know that once Tioga has serviced our (now aged) cars they are road ready and reliable. A great value, too. Highly recommended.

  Irene&Todd Baron
4 years ago
I can't say enough good things about Tioga at Automotive Solutions. The most thorough, honest, best-valued work I've ever experienced. He goes the extra mile on everything and really does whatever is going to be best for you and your car. Wish I would have found him sooner. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced on very complex cars. If you call and have to wait a few days for an appointment, please don't go anywhere else. The wait will be worth it. Thank you, Tioga!

  Chuck Crews
8 years ago
Tioga is one of the best mechanics around.About 10 years ago, a local VW dealer quoted me almost $1000 to take care of a 'major glow plug issue'. I dropped our Jetta TDI off with Tioga for a second opinion, on a friend's recommendation. In less than 10 min he diagnosed the 'major' issue as a failed sensor and replaced it for about $20.A few months ago, I was at Automotive Solutions for routine maintenance on the same car, and I witnessed the following: A VW owner had brought a Golf to Tioga for a second opinion on her car's shuddering brakes. Another shop near Chapel Hill had told the owner that the brakes were in such bad shape that her front brakes needed to be completely replaced. But Tioga had found the issue: A single piece of gravel. "No charge," he told her, as he handed her the small stone.I'm not saying everything Tioga does is no- or low-cost. But even when the parts are not cheap and the labor is intensive, Tioga's rates are fair, and his work is first-rate. He's both skilled and honest. I've never been unhappy with his work and recommend his shop without hesitation.

  Brandon Hunziker
5 years ago
I've heard great things about Tioga for years from owners of European cars. I recently purchased a used 135i. When the service engine light came on after 4000 miles I took it to Automotive Solutions for a diagnosis. Turned out I just hadn't tightened the gas cap properly! Doh! I had Tioga perform some scheduled maintenance (brake fluid) and do an oil change. Price was very reasonable and I enjoyed chatting with Tioga about BMWs and other things. He's clearly the go-to guy in Chapel Hill to keep your high maintenance European car running well. I'll be back for sure.

  Jay Wotherspoon
10 years ago
Tioga has been working on our cars for at least 12 years. He is by far the best mechanic, trouble shooter & advisor we've ever had. I trust him completely both because he never does work on your car unless it needs it and the work is always well done. If Tioga tells you your car needs something done, it does, and he does not overcharge. I guess the best word for Tioga is "integrity".

  Marjorie
3 years ago
I highly recommend Tioga, his one man shop at Automotive Solutions for import needs. Tioga tended to repairs that had been long overdue with a quick and honest assessment and repair. I have a 1987 Porsche 911 that I have taken to multiple repair shops and dealerships both in California and NC, without satisfactory results. As a woman I frequently felt taken advantage of and assessments were given me in language I didn't always understand. Tioga explained my needs so I could understand, bought parts that sometimes are hard to get for this vintage Porsche and had me drive it before paying the repair bill. My car hasn't run this well since I purchased it 20 years ago. He tended to details that had been ignored for years. He even pressure washed 30 years of grime off my engine that now sparkles!Just take your car in to meet Tioga, you will be impressed and take your car no where else from that point forward.

  John Corn
7 years ago
My first experience here was when another mechanic gave up after days trying to find a fuel leak in my old 325i, but Tioga took care of it quickly. Second visit years later was for electrical gremlins in my 545i, quickly diagnosed as a bad starter relay. He really knows his stuff, is totally honest (he even told me to sell my 545 because the maintenance would be expensive), and charges a lot less than a dealer. Highly recommended.

  Naveed Moeed
3 years ago
Tioga is without a shadow of a doubt the single best professional out there for German cars. I have taken my Audi to him multiple times and he has not only saved me money but has been absolutely straight with me regarding current and future issues.Services: Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Oil changeServices: Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Oil change

  Janet VanHandel
6 years ago
I have used Tioga for several years to maintain my aging BMW and now my Honda. He's the only mechanic I completely trust to do great work for a very fair price. Highly recommend him!

  Cindi Shepherd
3 years ago
I could not say enough about the quality of the work performed at Automotive Solutions. Tioga is relentless in finding a solution to my Datsun 260 problems unlike anyone that has ever worked on my car. His passion and care for classics is unbelievable. You will not find another technician to work on your car with higher integrity.

  Aaron Klemm
6 years ago
Tioga does the best work. The pricing is fair, especially considering how knowledgeable he is. He fixes things right and quickly. He's done this for my VW Jetta several times, but my recent water leaking issue was tops. The dealer diagnosed the issue as clogged drains and wanted $750 to replace them. They gave quite the sales pitch stressing their knowledge of this issue and that it was about to rain in the coming days (seriously!?...that's the moment I knew I wouldn't do business with them). Anyway, since it wasn't going to be covered by any recall, I called Tioga and he was pretty sure it was an easy fix as he's done hundreds of them himself. Sure enough, he was able to unclog them for less than 1/3 the cost quoted at the dealer. It's been dry ever since.

  Andy Peterson
11 years ago
Took my wife's B5.5 TDI Passat in to have the timing belt and balance shaft chain replaced. Tioga is the the guy to take your car to, went to bat with my extended warranty company and saved us over 3,000$! Completely worth the hour and a half drive from my house. Forget going to the dealer and their throw parts at it till it works style of "troubleshooting" or "that's not an issue don't worry about it" answer to your concerns. Thanks Tioga for running the kind of shop I'd like to have myself.

  Dylan Rosenberg
7 years ago
Tioga was referred to me by another mechanic in the area. I had brought my Volkswagen to a VW dealer and another mechanic to address the check engine light that came on. Both groups told me different reasons why the light was on, so I went to Tioga to get a third opinion. He diagnosed the problem within 15 minutes, and had my car completely fixed in a day. He was incredibly easy to work with and thorough. If you have a German car, Tioga is your guy.

  Rita Fellers
9 years ago
If we keep talking up Tioga, he might get so busy that we'll have to cope with a long wait list. It would be worth it, though. He was truly expert with my moribund Civic, and when it was breathing its last he turned me on to a guy who gives very good money for old Civics in almost any condition. No way I could have gotten a better trade-in anywhere else. Then he makes a special deal with me for an older car that had been hanging around in the back yard, but he had completely rebuilt. I knew I could not get a better car unless I was willing to pay almost twice as much elsewhere. It is a Mini Cooper S, 6speed, astonishingly good car and a total delight to drive. I feel like I just won Door Number Two! I'll never take this baby anywhere else. I just hope one of his children will feel like learning his trade to keep the outstanding work going.