Hometown Service Center Inc

Reviews

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

  Robert Kane
3 weeks ago
Long story short, this shop is dishonest and will revert to underhanded tactics to force you to pay for unauthorized work.After taking our minivan in for a diagnostic ($145) and being sent a quote for nearly $3,000, I declined the quoted service and said I d be in the next morning to pick it up.However, the next day they began to perform the unauthorized work on the van, and when I confronted them about it, Tim (owner) began berating me (not an exaggeration). When I offered to show him the email where I denied the quoted service, he said he didn t care about an email and that he wasn t giving me my keys back until I paid for his time.I called the police, and the officer was very courteous and helpful, but legally they can t do anything about it because it s a civil case. The owner was prepared for that, knowing we wouldn t want to take it to court due to legal fees.Tim (owner) said the only way he was releasing my keys was if I paid the bill in full. So, I paid nearly $400 to get my keys back... despite having a clear email chain declining the service the day before they began work on it.And to be clear, when I received the vehicle back, no work had been done to it. I was simply forced to pay for their time taking the engine apart and putting it back together all of which was done without authorization.Read BBB complaints, Facebook reviews, other Google reviews, call the city and request the public records... in each you'll see that there's an established pattern of the owner charging customers for work that was not quoted or approved (a violation of "Ohio Administrative Code, Rule 109:4-3-13").When questioned about it, he claims that the customer is the problem.I'd recommend finding somewhere else.

  just kev
2 months ago
Great service! Although the problem wasn't solved ( far from their fault), I highly appreciate the excellent price and replacement of parts on my vehicle for free. It's definitely in my top three auto shops.

  Danielle Kane
5 months ago
My husband took our van in, got a quote, we said we were going to take the van somewhere else instead, went to pick it up, and they said they already started working on it. The man berated my husband in every interaction. When my husband was finally able to pick it up, the man was charging $400 because they took it apart and put it back together. No work was done, we had said no to any work before they even took it apart, and he refused to give my husband the keys until the $400 was paid for trying to do the very thing we said we did not want. The police were called and unfortunately they can t do anything. The guy said he s only trying to do business . Please save your time, money and sanity. This man knows that the police can t do anything, and that no one will take him to court so he will continue to do this. Read the other reviews for this place.

  Wes Bruning
5 months ago
Guy constantly scams people and yells at customers. Tried to overcharge my friends for work that didn't need done, then took apart the vehicle when the owner declined the work. Tried to charge $400 for the "work" and refused to return the keys.Scam artist. Blight on the community. Place should be shut down and owner arrested.

  Jake Jones
a month ago
Tim and his family are honest, excellent mechanics. They go the extra mile to make sure you are taken care of.

  Alysia Logothetides
a year ago
Editing to say that I fixed my door myself. It cost $30 in parts and took less than an hour. They quoted me 1.5 hours for labor. As professionals, I have to assume that the job would take them less time than it took me.I dropped my van off after my husband called and told them the problem. My interior driver door handle broke. They initially told my husband it could be done same day, but wouldn't provide a quote. After I dropped it off, they call and tell me they don't have the part but should have it the next day. I asked about getting a quote and I was told the owner will call you back later in the day with it. No call. This morning I call again. I need my van back. They offer me a loaner, but frankly moving 3 car seats for what should be just a few hours is just not worth it. As promised, they called me back around 11am to tell me that the job will cost $467. I ask for a breakdown of the price, because it seems awful high. I get a lot of attitude - "that's just the price." Based on what I am seeing online for the parts (which are available nearby for $29) the numbers just don't add up. Their response to me was "you can come pick it up in an hour and half. They already started it and the door panel is off of the door." I told them to leave it off and I'll be there in 20 minutes. Somehow they managed to get the panel back in place in under 20 minutes (I suspect it was ever off to begin with). I paid $70 to park my van in their lot overnight.

  Corey B.
a year ago
I personally have never received service from this shop, and I never will. My dad had his 2007 Honda Accord there a couple of months or so ago for an oil change and headlight cleaning. I wasn't aware of this until later, but I was told that you also changed his battery without approval, and charged him $500 for the battery replacement. Regardless if he approved the battery or not, $500 for that is a complete scam. YOU scammed him. It's a 2007 Honda Accord.................that should've cost at most $200. The battery is maybe $120, and it requires no fancy tools for replacement. I can do it myself in the driveway in maybe 30 minutes if it's being a pain. I will also be leaving a Google review.

  Tabitha Holzworth
a year ago
I got tired of the upselling from the big chain stores and finally decided to give this local place a try, and I'm so glad I did! I've been taking our cars there for a couple of years now for maintenance and a few repairs and the experience has been nothing but wonderful. They are very friendly and the convenience of dropping my car off at 8am and waiting for a call to come pick it up is top notch. The service is always quick too, and they've always been very thorough. When I did need a couple of repairs done, they were very up front about what needed done and how much it would cost. An extra bonus: they accept Car Care Credit, so I was able to get repairs done I otherwise could not afford! I highly recommend this place if you want great care for your car.

  Lamarr Daniels
a year ago
I'm a former OSU football player. I used to give the owner free tickets to games on top of paying for the service because i wanted to relationship with a mechanic. Stay AWAY from this place. I've been going for over 10 years and everytime I went I had to go back 2-3 times to fix whatever the initial repair was. Recently I went to simply install a battery from that the battery was installed but everything electronic in my BMW was disconnected. I called and said what I was experiencing no radio, no clock, no GPS, CD player or anything. They stated bring it in they'll Fix it. I asked if they were sure and they said yes with certainty. I brought my car in and the they said I needed an alternator and said my coolant was leaking. Not sure how these things went as bad as they said in 2 weeks but regardless I said I they can fix it if it's bad although I wasn't sure it was broken. While fixing the car my identity was stolen in which I told them because the bank had my.monies pending during investigation. The owner Tim stated he doesn't care if my identity was stolen he has a business to run ask family and friends and give him the money. They proceeded to leaving harassing voicemails saying they needed money. The car was there for 5 days after it was fixed and that was because of the bank. When I picked up my car I noticed the initial problem was never fixed and the owner refused to bother with an explanation on why. I have a feeling he's racist. I have to double pay because I have to go to another mechanic now, so if i can prevent anyone going theough this stress please take heed. I have contacted officials regarding this incident. At all cost STAY AWAY from this place.

  David Weaver
2 years ago
I have taken my 3 vehicles here for the last several years. At first the service was very good and Tim the owner would give give me an estimate and explain the repairs needed. The last several repairs he did on truck he did not bother to even give me a call. His secretary simply called me at days end to tell me I could pick up my truck as it was ready. She did not even give me a price. You can't even get anyone to explain to you any more what is wrong with your vehicle as Tim will no longer call you back. His secretary has no idea what you are talking about when you explain the vehicles problem. When I came to pay the bill the last time I went, I asked why he put a new starter in the truck when he had just put one in 2 years ago. He said "you know where those are made these days" and walked away. Apparently they buy cheap parts and mark them up?? He charged me $120 to diagnosis a non functioning starter in a '05 F-150??? After all the money I have spent on my vehicles I don't feel as if I was treated fairly by my local "Hometown" mechanic.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  kelli k
a year ago
Review: Took my sons truck in and dropped it off for transmission service on 12/23. Got a call on 12/26 saying they refused to work on it because of too many safety issues and that the truck was unsafe to drive. For liability reasons he said he wasn't willing to work on it. My son and husband asked what the issues and concerns were and they wouldn't tell us.They did wire the break lights in August or September and didn't have any issues at that time but would not work on the bumper lights because he said it would take too much time.Both times poor experience, steer clear.Follow up- after taking the truck to 2 additional shops I'm happy to say neither found safety issues. After sharing the vague discussion from Hometown both centers didn't charge and out the truck through a vigorous diagnostic.

  Angela Bruce
2 months ago
Fixed everything on my Nissan, friendly , completed the service in a timely manner.

  Jan McCuen
3 years ago
I have been a customer for many years now and would not take my car anywhere else. I can count on their honesty, fair prices and great work. Tim the owner, is easy to work with and explains everything that is needed. They will not tell you that you need something done on your car that is not needed. The whole staff there are good people. Me and my car are happy.Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto detailing, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Battery, Oil change

  Steve Sturn
9 years ago
Upon the first time taking my car into Hometown Service Center I felt like I had been a customer for years. Tim and his crew welcomed me in and were very honest, friendly, and had an immense amount of integrity. I felt like I could trust Tim immediately when I met him and that feeling proved valid upon my car service completion. I had a pretty sizable amount of work done, but I know the money was well spent and I feel much safer in my (much less noisy) car now! I would definitely recommend Hometown Service, they were truthful, quick to service my car, and worked with me to make my repairs affordable. I will certainly bring my car(s) back to Hometown Service Center in the near future. Thanks!

  Abby Williams
5 years ago
Hometown Service Center is excellent and I would recommend them to anyone.We used their services for several years until we moved somewhere that made going to them impractical. A couple weeks ago though, I found a car I wanted to buy but needed to have it checked out first. The car was much closer to Hometown's location than my new mechanic.They treated us with excellent customer service, finding a slot to fit me in and making thorough notes for me to bring back to the seller. I was completely pleased and felt like they were treating me as if I'd never left. I was really touched by their courtesy, professionalism, and the family-like feel they show in their work-ethic.

  Steve Semmler
3 years ago
I had an overheating problem with my 1951 truck, which I had optimistically attempted to repair myself. Hometown's people correctly diagnosed the issue and fixed the problem. And, during that repair work they discovered a more major contributing problem and fixed that, too.One thing I appreciated almost as much as anything else was the good communication from them during the process. They kept me informed about what they were doing and about their projected timeline. Very helpful.I've been very pleased with Hometown in the past and this trip once again verified my high opinion of them. Friendly employees, too, by the way.

  Michelle N
5 years ago
I have taken my cars to Hometown Service Center ever since moving back to this area, based on recommendations from family members who had already been customers of Hometown for many years. Tim and his staff have taken excellent care of my Volvo SUV as well as my previous vehicle, a Honda Accord (which I drove well past 200,000 miles). After my last appointment, I even received a follow-up call a week later to ensure that I was happy and that everything was in good working order. My kids enjoy the snacks, drinks, and mini-library in the reception area, while I enjoy the coffee and WiFi, and the knowledge that my car is in great hands. I couldn t be happier with an auto service center!

  Susan
5 years ago
We've had both of our vehicles serviced at Hometown. Everything from oil changes, tire rotation, headlights cleaned, hubcap replaced and the fuel pump replaced on our 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. Tim and his crew always do a fantastic job. His rates are less expensive then going directly to the dealership. Customer service has always been outstanding. They appreciate each and every customer as much as we appreciate them. We won't take our cars anywhere else!

  Hildegard Jones
4 years ago
We took our Audi Q5 in to have the brakes done. My husband had to have surgery and was unable to do the work himself so we decided to use Hometown since we were so pleased with the work they did on our daughter's car. We were able to make an appointment right away and had our car done before end of business. The price was reasonable and they even explained why our car sounded so loud. We feel confident in their work and prices and will use them for any future work needed.

  Line Njoh
a year ago
Amazing place and amazing people. They'll treat you with respect and be respectful of your car and be very understanding on what your are going through. They do a great job and very affordable. I had an awesome experience.Thank you Hometown team.

  Joe Hartlaub
4 years ago
We've been using Hometown for a couple of years now. Tim and his staff are scrupulously honest and do excellent work. Tim is the owner-operator and is very much "there" at all times and available for questions, etc. The staff appears to have been there for a while which speaks highly of the establishment as well. There prices are competitive with other shops in the area. Hometown is my place for care repair!Just to update my review from three years ago...I will double down on everything I said, and then some. Tim and his team have kept me going, stand behind their work, and make it all look easy. They have also added an office cat, Kingsley, who owns a perfectly lovely family in the neighborhood but holds court in the Hometown Service Center office during business hours and keeps things running smoothly. I don't and won't take my car anywhere else.

  J. Jones
4 years ago
I took my daughter's vehicle to Hometown Service Center after calling and arranging a drop off and leaving a brief description of what I thought the issue was. (Bear in mind I had no appointment). I received a call the same day, after business hours from the owner, Tim, who informed me of the multiple issues the vehicle had (No surprise, we knew it had multiple issues, it's a GMC) and he gave me no less than four options to choose from. We went with the best complete fix and I paid the 50% down as agreed upon. (another note to mention, is that he worked with me on the payment). Twenty four hours later I got a call that the vehicle was done and we made arrangements for me to pick it up after hours. We did have a slight hiccup, but that was immediately resolved and an apology was promptly given.As a person who is a skeptic by nature, I have been pleasantly surprised and pleased with this experience. From the young lady at the front desk, to the owner, Tim and all of the hard working people in between, this has been one of the best experiences I have had spending money. :o) From one Veteran to another, I just want to say, Thank You, you provided top rank service!

  Don Pirtle
6 years ago
If you have nothing to complain about, don't.I live a couple blocks from Hometown and Hometown was recommended to me by my neighbor....and we are still on good terms! Hometown has done an excellent job for me and vehicles. Their labor rate does not appear to be any less then the dealer, but the dealership always causes me grief. The dealership is 10 miles away, Hometown is not. Hometown does good work. There is a convenience factor there. Hometown is pleasant and easy to deal with as opposed to the dealership, another point in Hometown's favor. All in all, other than warranty work, Hometown gets my business.

  John Thomas
a year ago
Really good experience with Hometown. They got me in & out quickly (I would still be waiting for other repair shops even now) good diagnosis on my Jeep, assertive repair decisions and a fair price. Trust.....you can trust Hometown. Thank you!Services: Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenanceServices: Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance

  Katy Ratliff
5 years ago
I am very happy to have found a repair shop with such honest, dependable, and affordable service. I also like the option of being able to wait for my car or get a loaner. When I'm waiting, my service is finished promptly. I know they're honest because my car is old enough that it would be easy for them to try to talk me into a few surprise repairs, but that doesn't happen. There are also perks like customer loyalty coupons. This is a great place to take your car!

  Justin Polburn
2 years ago
Was driving into town for the holiday weekend from NC when we had a charging system failure two hours out from Columbus. We made it to town but would have had to cancel all of our plans if we couldn't get it fixed right away.They took time to listen, understanding the urgency, and they were able to fit us in and got it fixed the next morning, and they were able to provide a loaner!So glad I called them!!!

  Christa Dickey
9 years ago
Hometown Service Center has become a trusted resource for my family and our vehicles. Owners Tim and Laurie are honest and fair, and treat my family like their own. They have completely taken the anxiety out of vehicle repair and maintenance for me.I have used Hometown for maintenance, minor issues and major issues, and each and every time they have made the process a relief. I know I'm going to be treated fairly, no matter my gender, and get back on the road quickly.They are in touch with their customers' needs, and have even driven me the short distance to work to make MY time a priority.If you're looking for an excellent service experience at a fair price, you need to visit Hometown. They truly do care for their community and their customer!

  Ellen Bluemel
5 years ago
The add came in the mail, what caught my eye was loaner cars or shuttle service could be provided, not knowing how long my problem would take and being a one car family this appealed greatly to me. I arrived early, told my concerns and that I didn't have an appointment. No problem, I was told there were 3 cars ahead of me and would i like to go ahead and take the loner car and they would call me, fine and before I knew it a very nice van with the motor running was waiting for me. Later in the day they called to explain problem and that it could be fixed and ready for pick up at 4:00 and it was. We felt the price was very fair for solving the problem.

  Nolan Crabb
5 years ago
I'll never take my vehicle anywhere else as long as these folks are open. What they did for me was nothing short of miraculous. A friend of mine casually mentioned them when I called for his advice on where to have my broken vehicle towed. That casual conversation resulted in an honest repair that was done right the first time. I was trying to move into a new house the same day the car died, and the loaned vehicle from this place made all the difference in the world. It's wonderful to know that integrity and extra-mile efforts can be found in an auto repair place, and this is that place.My repair happened almost a month ago as I write this, but the sense of gratitude for a job well done remains as sharp as it did the minute my wife drove the vehicle out of the parking lot. Angelica at the front counter is a wonderful good-will ambassador for the company; she was polite and efficient--exactly what I needed most on a day when i was dealing with a dead vehicle and a crew of movers all at once.Thanks, guys, for the work on that air conditioner. That was a bonus, and the car cools like it just came off the dealer lot a few hours ago. I'm so grateful for the repairs so professionally and well done.

  Sarah Hartnell
3 years ago
Hometown Auto is an amazing place. I have been a customer since at 2009. A customer off and on with my Element until 2018 when I began regularly taking my CRV to Tim. The service is amazing. Speaking specifically about my CRV, Tim has provided me with clear cut explanations for issues occurring plus with recommendations of services that the car needed. What separates Hometown and Tim from others is he did not pressure the recommendations and respected any choices of work to be done on my car. This last round, I gave my CRV the "spa treatment" and had everything completed (critical to her running and the recommendations). She has never run better! Will be a customer for life. Thank you!Services: Transmission, Exhaust, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Brakes, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Battery, Oil change