Westside Automotive Center
4.6 (81)
4401 Papermill Dr NW, Knoxville, TN 37909
(865) 212-5524
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Introduction
Westside Automotive Center is a reputable auto repair shop located in Knoxville, TN, offering a range of services including oil changes, general repairs & maintenance, brakes, electrical work, engine repair, and more. The center is known for its trustworthy and fair practices, with a focus on providing quality service to its customers.
Services offered: Auto engine tuning, Wheel alignment, Oil change, General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Electrical, Engine repair, Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Battery.
Westside Automotive Center Reviews Summary
Pros
- High level of honesty and integrity in dealings
- Reasonable and fair pricing for services
- Excellent customer service and communication
- Transparent diagnosis and explanation of car issues
- Efficient and timely completion of work
Cons
- Occasional instances of cars being sold before customer arrival
Suggestion
Ensure availability of desired vehicles for sale to avoid disappointment.
Positive Words
honest, fair, trustworthy, excellent, efficient, reliable, helpful, great, friendly, reasonable
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Julnar Accawi
2 months ago
I went there to buy a car after mine had caught on fire. The gentleman was very nice but the car I wanted had already sold. He called me later that day and I had already purchased something else, as I was desperate. He seems like a straight shooter and I will be happy to do business with him in the future.
C PT
8 months ago
The 1st time I took my car to Sal, I told him I thought I needed both rotors replaced as the one side had been warped so long I was sure it had affected the opposite side as well.... Got down there to pick it up expecting a hefty bill & Sal tells me that only the driver side needed replacing... I was stunned, he saw my look on incredulity & said "Man, I get much more business from return customers who know I tell the truth than by doing what some unscrupulous mechanics do, try to trick ppl into a big bill the 1st time & the never come back!" I have known Sal more than 10 years now, he is a great guy....
Dustin White
3 months ago
Great owner and staff! He diagnosed my problem, told me my car wasn't worth the fix! Could have taken my money but didn't
Melanie Benson
4 months ago
Saul always shows us what is wrong before he fixes it that way we know what is going on. Others just fix and one giant bill later your done
Melanie Jones
10 months ago
Sal is a great mechanic. I have been using him now foe two years and he always gets the job done right and in a timely manner. Great guy all around.
Tiffany Dearing
a week ago
The owner is very nice and fair with his prices. Thanks Sal
Jodi Loden
3 years ago
Sal is a great mechanic and has gone above and beyond to be fair in terms of charging for his work/labor and in finding the best prices for parts, etc., every time he has worked on my vehicle. He is extremely trustworthy and does excellent work and on top of all of that is a really nice guy and very easy to talk to. He explains things well, works quickly and really takes care of his customers. I highly recommend Westside Automative Center and Sal.Services: Auto engine tuning, Wheel alignment, Oil change
Nik Buhler
a year ago
Sal was so incredibly friendly!! He was efficient, quick, communicative, and on the lower price end. He always called to inform me what was going on and what he wanted to so, explaining in full detail and laymans terms what was wrong with my car. Overall an amazing expierince that i would highly recommend to anyone who needs some help with their car. We will def be coming back if any problems arise in the future. Thank you again!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes
Matt Rosenberg
3 years ago
Sal is a top notch dude. My wife and I have been going to him for years and even though we no longer live close, we still go to him for any work we need done. I would happily tow my car an hour away to get it to Sal. He is about as honest as a mechanic can be. We have had numerous cars worked on there, and with the older ones he often asks "how far" we want to go with the car, giving us details about what the car absolutely needs, and what it could use long term, letting us make the decision. The world needs more mechanics like Sal! Go to Westside, you will not regret it!Services: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Engine repair, Brakes, Oil change
Jason Herrera
7 months ago
If you want the ugly truth, but the truth you will hear it from Sal. He doesn't beat around the bush, honest, and fair prices. Been going to him for years now.
Tyler Bennett
6 years ago
Sal is the most honest, trustworthy, and helpful mechanic I've ever interacted with. Multiple times he's actually recommended other shops when he felt they would do a better job on something particular or if they could do it cheaper or sooner if his line of customers was long. He's always looked out for me in saving money, whether sourcing parts for me to order online, or even showing me how to fix something myself and not charging. He's always upfront about what might be wrong, and suggests the logical steps starting with the simplest and least expensive measures to resolve the issue and save the customer the most time and money. I've had a problem that another shop quoted me $1000 to fix that he fixed perfectly for $200. It's a hard thing to find a mechanic you really trust, but Sal is the real deal.
Jenny Onley
8 years ago
Sal does a great job and is very open and honest. The first time I had to get my car fixed, I was very nervous because I don't know enough about cars to know if I'm getting ripped off or not. Sal very patiently talked to my father (also a mechanic) on the phone and explained what was wrong with my car. I felt much better knowing that my dad agreed with Sal's plans. Ever since, my husband and I have gone to Sal with our cars and are never disappointed! Sal will not try to sell you things you don't need; if you don't have much money, you can talk to him about what is essential and what is not. I highly recommend Westside Auto!
Erin Sweeney
3 years ago
I was driving from Virginia to Illinois and my alternator went out in Knoxville. I found Westside Auto just from online yelp reviews and proximity. I am so grateful I was in the right area at the right time. Sal was so helpful. He knew I needed to get on the road as soon as possible. I left my car with him at noon and he was finished replacing my alternator before 11am the next day. Sal called me under 1 hour with a diagnosis, quote and how long it would take him to replace my alternator. He went above and beyond. He replaced my alternator, added oil to my car and aired up my tires on top of replacing my alternator and replacing missing bolts from the guys that replaced my catalytic convertors. He even fixed my loose dipstick. I HIGHLY recommend Westside Auto Repair and Sal to anyone and everyone. Thank you so much for your honesty, courtesy and professionalismServices: Electrical, Engine repair
Monica Smith
10 years ago
I consider Sal my personal mechanic. He is the only person to service my truck no matter the problem. I send ALL my friends there and they love hi too. The work is always done right the first time AND the prices are always fair. Chris is a pretty great mechanic too. :-)
Michael Florentine
4 years ago
4/25/19 - I haven't had major mechanical issues for years, so asked around my friends to see if they knew a reliable, trustworthy mechanic.I took my Toyota Camry in for a potential oil leak and transmission skipping. I had to leave it overnight, no problem. Turns out, the last time I got my oil changed at Walmart (it was on sale) they put the wrong oil viscosity in it and it burned up with time. Go figure. Sal also told me that the whole transmission may be falling apart internally, because the fluid inside was good. I'll have to come back soon when I get another couple of paychecks to get it replaced.Overall, Sal only charged me for an inspection and a full-synthetic oil change for $80. The friend who recommended him, so that's probably a better deal than I would have gotten anywhere, and my second opinion definitely agrees. His shop is just a hideaway off of I-40 & I-640. He is fast, fair and definitely reliable.
Meghan Zimmer
4 years ago
I called Westside automotive with some concerns about noises my car was making and was able to get in (and out!) same day. In addition to speed of service, I was highly satisfied with the low prices and customer service- Sal actually showed me the faulty parts when the car was on the lift, and explained things in a way I could understand. Also, Sal walked me through other servicing needs to consider without putting any pressure on me to get those done right away. He actually helped me prioritize which repairs actually needed to be done, and which could wait.
Jason Herrera
8 years ago
Car repairs aren't cheap, if you want good work, and reasonable prices this is the place to go. Sal & his staff, not only fix your problem but give you the honest truth. I've had many jobs done with them @ a much lower price then other places around. Again car repairs are not cheap, he will tell you what he thinks the price should be, and why. Always do your research online before you talk to any car repair man, it give you an edge on what to expect. Again, Sal will let u know how it is, no B.S with him.
dana hall
6 years ago
Sal and the others working at Westside Automotive are simply the best. Super friendly and always helpful. Anytime I have a problem with my car they do such great work in amazing time. I trust them completely with my car and I know I will never get ripped off by them. Overall, just amazing mechanics.
S
5 years ago
Sal keeps it 100% real and will get the job done at a very reasonable price and at a timely manner. I feel like since I am very clearly not a car person, mechanics can easily take advantage of my ignorance and rip me off. I feel comfortable with sal and will come to him from now on with even my silliest of requests !
Maggie Powell
2 years ago
I've been coming to this mechanic since I moved to Knoxville in 2020. Sal is reliable and does great work. He has fair prices and always gets the work done in a timely manner.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Battery, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Battery, Oil change
Mike Lindell's Pillow
4 months ago
Better call Saul if your vehicle takes a dump.
Charles Bell (PEwithCoachB)
3 years ago
Owner is fair and reasonable in price. He does a great job on car repairs and doesn't treat you like most car dealerships will treat you. I've been a customer for many years and wouldn't take my car anywhere else.
Austin McLaurine
8 years ago
Sal is extremely nice and finished work on my car very quickly. He is very reasonable with pricing and didn't push anything unnecessary. Will be going back when I need more work later!
Asher Norris
4 years ago
The day before I was planning to leave for a road trip the alternator belt on my car broke. I had my car towed here and around 1pm and Sal fixed my car and had it ready by 5pm. Super quick turn around and awesome customer service. I'll definitely be coming back here in the future!
Chassidy Handy
4 years ago
Sal has had three of my cars and has always been honest. He is not the mechanic to take advantage of you,hes' actually helped me saved money many times.
Melissa Monk-Morris
2 years ago
We appreciate that we were able to get our vehicle in and out. Really great service. There are a few other things that need to be done so we will definitely be taking the Hyundai back to Sal!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance
Claire DuVal
3 years ago
Sal is a great guy. He is trustworthy and is very fair on pricing. Great place to get your car all fixed up !
AJ Travis
3 years ago
Sal is the man, he did a complete engine swap on my Toyota in about 3 days while executing it perfectly and fairly. Best shop I ve ever been too!
Christy Wilder
6 years ago
We've been using Sal for 10 years and we've never been disappointed. He always does excellent work for a fair price. He's a fantastic guy!
Ron Kelley
5 years ago
What a great place to have your car worked on. My timing chain was loose, he came and towed it back to the shop, performed all the required work in a timely manner. Cleaned engine compartment, battery terminals, changed oil and only replaced needed parts at a GREAT price. Would Highly recommend.